Encryption methods have been designed to take centuries to solve even for supercomputers. However, these problems could possibly be solved within minutes with quantum computing.
In this article, we explain what quantum computing is, where it can be used, and what challenges might impede its implications.
What is quantum computing?
Wikipedia describes quantum computing as ” the use of quantum-mechanical phenomena such as superposition and entanglement to perform computation.”
The quantum computer concept brings a completely different perspective to the classical computer concept. Classical computers work with key-like structures that open and close, which is called bits. However, quantum computers work with interdependent and nonlinear structures called qubits. Feel free to visit our earlier article on quantum computing to learn the basic concepts for qubits and quantum computing.
Shortly, qubits have two different property that is different than the whole concept of classical computing. Entanglement is a property of qubits that allow them to be dependent of each other that a change in the state of one qubit can result and immediate change in others. more than one state during computation. Superposition states that qubits can hold both 0 and 1 state at the same time.
Why is the future of quantum computing important now?
More complex problems are arising
As technology advances, the problems encountered are getting more complex. Quantum computing offers a solution for complex problems like protein modeling. The latest global crisis caused by COVID-19 shows that scientists need a different tool to model a single protein and deactivate it. Another example of an exponential rise in complex problems can be energy usage.
As the human population increases and consumption rate increases exponentially, more complex problems like optimization of sources are arising. Quantum computers can be used to encounter the limitations of complex problems by using the physics of quantum mechanics.
Supercomputers are limited to solving nonlinear problems
Classical computing is a convenient tool for performing sequential operations and storing information. However, it is difficult to find solutions to chaotic problems since it is modeled on the basis of linear mathematics.
Quantum computing seems to be a suitable candidate in solving nonlinear problems as it has nonlinear properties of nature. That being said, quantum computers are not suitable for all kinds of computation.
Don’t hesitate to read our state of quantum computing article, where we discuss why quantum computing is important and why tech giants invest in this technology.
What are the main subjects for quantum computing?
Quantum Annealing
Quantum annealing is already commercially available with today’s technology by D-wave. We already discussed quantum annealing in-depth, don’t hesitate to visit.
Quantum Circuits
A quantum circuit consists of quantum gates, initialization & reset structures that enable quantum operations and calculations on quantum data.
A qubit can be thought of as a unit of information and the quantum circuit is the unit of computation. As quantum circuits developed to make quantum calculations become widespread, the power of quantum computing will be reflected in daily life.
What are the possible applications of quantum computing in the future?
Optimization
Many optimization problems are searching for a global minimal point solution. By using quantum annealing, the optimization problems may be solved earlier than using supercomputers.
Machine Learning / Big data
ML and deep learning researchers are seeking for efficient ways to train and test models using large data set. Quantum computing can help to make the process of training and testing faster.
Simulation
Simulation is a useful tool to anticipate possible errors and take action. Quantum computing methods can be used to simulate complex systems.