Quantum computing is an exciting new field which is emerging out of the realm of science. It offers a new and more advance way of computing calculations which promises to increase speeds exponentially. The technology is still in its infancy however as of now it is showing promising results. Quantum computing’s core principles have been questioned since there proposals. However recent scientific research done by Google and IBM has silenced critics with the demonstration of a principle called “Quantum Supremacy”. In short, this principle implies that this new form of technology outperforms classical computing(4).Most new technologies have been questioned in their infancy however time and science either prove or disprove them. The very idea of using transistors instead of vacuum tubes was seen as unusual by some scientists back in their day(3) .The below report aims to show a brief overview of the technology using a variety of web sources which although explore different points of view also test empirical data.
Quantum computing can trace its history to the 1980s when Paul Benioff proposed a non-traditional model of computation. (1) Traditional computing is based on the principles of the Turing machine which can make their computation based on bits which have to states true represented by “1” or false represented by “0”. Quantum computers on the other hand work on a different principle. Instead of using bits for the two traditional states they use something which is called a qubit (quantum bit). These manage to enclose both “1” and “0” in a single cell that can be one of both states. The change may seem like doubling the capacity but in reality this does much more it gives the computer an infinite amount of calculating power as the possibilities grow exponentially (2).
How does the technology exactly work, is best explained by looking inside the principles of one of these machines. For the technology to work much like a regular computer it needs to stay cold and not overheat. This though is taken to the extreme this machines operate near absolute “0 “ of -273.15 Celsius or as close as possible(6). Introducing heat to the system does not burn it out but makes is prone to errors(5).Bellow are outlined the main principles of operation as outlined by IBMs research (5).
All the above technology may seem wasteful given the fact that at present quantum computers cannot substitute classical computing. However, baring that in mind the technology is still new an undeveloped however the potential is fascinating and unquestionable. Quantum computers can factor in large numbers which can take regular computing hundreds or thousands of years. These can have massive effects on cryptography and scientific calculations allowing scientists to map the universe much faster for example(2). Quantum computing has the potential to advance scientific research much like classical computers did back when they were introduced allowing for the massive leap in technology which we have experience in the last 70 years. It’s expected that the technology would bring great advances(9).
Quantum technology is progressing rapidly. However, now a fully functional quantum computer doesn’t exist. Prototypes build by the likes of Google and IBM are scientific experiments rather than fully functional machines. Having said that the technology is rapidly advancing and is showing commercial application. Quantum sensors and quantum actuators have been developed which allow scientist to navigate micro-environments with unmatched flexibility and precision. Such advances are going the make possible the creation of true quantum microprocessors (2). From financial services to the medical sector the possibilities for quantum computers are vast. If these machines prove feasible in the future the benefit to the whole of mankind could be enormous(9).Needles to say they could replace present day computation the way classical computers replaced pen and paper.