QUANTUM COMPUTING

Our future or a dream

Introduction

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.

Study

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).

  • Qubit Amplification. The qubit who holds both true the and false states is cooled down to a temperature of 4 Kelvin which is the equivalent of -269.15 Celsius(5).
  • Microwave lines. When inputting them special attenuation is applied to lower the chance that the qubits receive thermal distortion. In physics the term implies a gradual loss of flux intensity. This is achieved by a single flux quantum microwave chopper (7) (5).
  • Superconducting the coaxial lines. In this stage to minimise the loss of energy superconductors are used (5).
  • Cryogenic Isolators. These would allow the qubits to proceed without exposing them to thermal heat. The job of the cryogenic isolators is to allow the function of the particles without exposing them to heat noise (5).
  • Quantum Amplification. Amplifiers inside a magnetic shield catch and enhance the readouts from the computation. This technology is not exclusive to the field its widely used in physics for laser and optical amplification. To put it simply whatever passes though in this stage is amplified and while classical amplification is for classical signals this one takes quantum signals (8) (5).
  • Cryoperm shield. The processor is housed in this compartment the main job of which is to protect it from solar radiation. Some quantum computers take this to the extreme and are housed in underground mines or bunkers over a kilometre under the earth to minimise incoming solar radiation(5).
  • Mixing Chamber. This is located at the lowest part of the quantum computer its designed to provide to power to keep the whole system cold and bring it to temperatures lower than outer space. (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).

  1. Unassisted Machine Learning, where AI can essentially duplicate the functions of a human brain and learn much like a child would.
  2. Optimisation of Travel and Cryptography, both computations deal with a massive number of variables and outcomes and if the result seems simple getting to it requires a massive amount of computing power.
  3. Biomedical simulations, with the possibility to simulate environments to the atomic level scientists will be able to study the human body in ways which are hard to imagine at present giving medicine an biology new understanding the anatomical field
  4. Finance, the financial services industry is among the key leaders in the push for a development of quantum computers which calculating potential will have a great effect in the industry.

Conclusion

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.

Computer Component: Credit https://pixabay.com/vectors/motherboard-circuit-diagram-circuit-152501/