Quantum computers are machines that use quantum physics properties to store data and perform computations. Quantum computers make use of quantum bits, also known as qubits. It benefits from the unique subatomic particle ability to co-exist in multiple states. (i.e., a 1 and a 0 at the same time).
How do qubits work in quantum computing?
In quantum computing, operations instead use an object’s quantum state to generate what is known as a qubit. Qubits are undefined properties of any object before their detection i.e a photon’s polarisation or an electron’s spin.
How Do Quantum Computers Work?
These supercomputers are based on three aspects of quantum physics:
- Superposition
- Entanglement
- Interference
Unmeasured quantum states happen in a mixed superposition instead of having a clear position.
These superpositions can entangle with other objects, suggesting that their results will be mathematically related even if we are unaware of them yet.
Complex mathematics underlying these unsettled states of entangled ‘spinning coins’ can be integrated into special algorithms to solve problems that would take a traditional computer a long time to solve ( if we assume they could calculate these problems ever). Such algorithms could be used to solve complex mathematical problems, generate difficult-to-crack security codes, or predict multiple particle interactions in chemical reactions.
Types of Quantum Computers
There are several types of quantum computers mentioned below:
- Quantum circuit model
- Quantum Turing machine
- Adiabatic quantum computer
- One-way quantum computer
- Quantum cellular automata
However, the most widely used model is the quantum circuit, relying on the quantum bit, or “qubit”, which is analogous to the bit in classical computation.
Current Applications of Quantum Computers
Simulation Of Matter’s Behaviour
One of the most promising applications of quantum computers is a molecular-level simulation of matter’s behavior. Daimler and Volkswagen are the brands that are using quantum computers to simulate the chemical composition of electric-vehicle batteries to discover new methods of performance improvement. And pharmaceutical companies are using them to analyze and compare compounds that may lead to the development of new drugs.
Optimization Problems
Quantum Computers are also ideal for optimization problems because they can rapidly sift through a large number of potential solutions. Airbus, for example, employs them to assist in calculating the most fuel-efficient ascent and descent paths for aircraft.
Classical Computer Vs Quantum Computers
Working
Quantum computers process information in a unique way. Traditional computers use transistors(1 or 0). However, qubits can be 1 or 0 at the same time which are used in quantum computers. The number of qubits linked together exponentially increases the power of the quantum computer. Meanwhile, linking more transistors increases power linearly only.
Purpose
Classical computers help for everyday tasks which require the assistance of a computer. However, quantum computers work for data analyses and running simulations i.e those used in chemical or drug trials.
How Do You Build a Quantum Computer?
It takes a long time and money to build a quantum computer. Google has spent billions of dollars on developing a quantum computer over several years. Google expects its quantum computer to be ready by 2029, while IBM aims to have a 1,000-qubit quantum computer in place by 2023.
What Is the Price of a Quantum Computer?
Quantum computers continue to cost billions of dollars to build. However, China-based company Shenzhen SpinQ Technology intends to sell a $5,000 desktop quantum computer to buyers for u schools and colleges use. It began selling a quantum computer for $50,000 last year.
What Is the Speed of a Quantum Computer?
A quantum computer is much faster than a traditional computer or even a supercomputer. Sycamore, Google’s quantum computer, has completed a calculation in 200 seconds that would have taken 10,000 years for one of the world’s fastest computers.
Till now, classical technology can handle any task that a quantum computer throws at it. Quantum supremacy refers to a quantum computer’s ability to outperform its classical counterparts.
Some big companies such as Google and IBM, believe that they are succeeding as they continue to store more qubits together and build more precise devices. Not everyone believes quantum computers are worth the effort. Some mathematicians believe some barriers will keep quantum computing out of reach forever.
Which fields can benefit from Quantum Computers?
Quantum computing could contribute significantly in the fields of finance, drug design, and discovery, aerospace designing, utilities, machine learning and artificial intelligence (AI) and Big Data search, and digital manufacturing, etc.
Drawbacks of Quantum Computers
Some drawbacks of computers are below:
- The research for quantum computer is still ongoing, as is the effort to find a solution to this problem, which has made no positive progress.
- Because qubits are not conventional digital bits, they cannot be used for error correction.
- The minimum amount of energy required for quantum logical operations is five times that of classical computers.
- When any type of measurement is applied to a quantum system, decoherence is completely destroyed and the wave function collapses into a single state.
- The quantum CPU will have its own efficiency and heating issues
Bottom Line
It may take many years for quantum computers to reach their full potential. Universities and businesses working on them are facing a scarcity of skilled researchers in the field—as well as a scarcity of suppliers of some key components. However, if these amazing new computing machines live up to their expectations, they have the potential to transform entire industries and accelerate global innovation using the 6G technology internet which will be much faster than the 5G Technology.
