Quantum computing is yet another field out of science fiction and into reality. Publicly accessible quantum computing moves ever closer, and will have huge implications for the technology industry and society at large.
Quantum computing, a bit of the past to understand the future
Quantum computing relies on quantum mechanics, a fundamental theory of physics that describes how the world works at the atomic and subatomic level, to solve problems that traditional computers cannot solve. Quantum computers use "quantum bits" or qubits. Unlike traditional bits, qubits can be set to zero, one, or a combination of both. This allows them to process information much faster than traditional computers.
An example? It would take a traditional computer millions of years to find all the prime factors of a 2.048-bit number—a quantum computer can do it in minutes.
Modern quantum theory has been developed in the 20s, traditional computing gave us the first computers a short time later. Both technologies played (for different reasons) an important role in World War II.
Over time, physicists began combining quantum theory with computer science to create the field of quantum computing. The first quantum (two-bit) computer it is dated 1998. Since then, quantum computers have been developed with an increasing number of bits and with ever lower error rates.
Quantum computing, now everything will change
As you have seen, research on quantum computing has been going on for decades: in recent years, however, the conditions have been created for its advent. Just think, just last week a team of Australian engineers announced in Nature that he has found a way to build smaller quantum computers. And only recently researchers from MIT they developed an architecture for communication between quantum processors, allowing the interconnection of multiple processors and, in fact, the possibility of large-scale production. Not surprisingly a company called IonQ has announced the construction of a quantum computer factory approximately 6000 square meters: the first of its kind. Line up these three things…
How will this quantum revolution impact the technology industry? In many ways.
- First of all, "saving" the situation of the cyber security. The development of hacking technologies means that, in the absence of quantum computing solutions, we could be less than a decade away from terrifying cyber attacks with unthinkable effects on personal data, transport networks, government and military structures.
- Quantum computing could also have a significant impact on themedical industry, creating detailed models of molecular processes that could help discover new drugs and treat diseases.
- Furthermore, quantum computing could have a similar impact on industries that rely on materials science (I am thinking of the production of new generation batteries).
- In financial sectorfinally, it could play its part in risk analysis and investment optimisation.
Not surprisingly, investment is growing. Over 30 billion dollars allocated to research programs around the world in recent years: quantum computing is attractive to more and more investors.
In summary
Quantum computing represents a real revolution in the field of technology, with implications that go far beyond the industrial sphere. Thanks to the use of qubits, our new, future quantum computers will process information at a speed unthinkable for traditional computers and solve problems that are unsolvable today. Recent discoveries and innovations have made possible the construction of small quantum computers, opening the door to large-scale production and a very wide range of applications.
