Quantum Computing – The limits of our technology

Computing like never before – an introduction

As our species and its technology evolves into the information age, computer parts are becoming
smaller and smaller. Simple transistor switches, the devices at the core of modern computing, are
approaching the size of mere atoms.

A transistor fundamentally, is just a switch. One that blocks electrons from flowing. But when nearing
the quantum scale, you can’t be baffled to see an electron seemingly teleport through that blockade.
This is because quantum mechanics is weird, and electrons can quantum tunnel through solid barriers.

The quantum problem

Scientists are trying to use these hindrances as advantages. Throwing away their current understanding
of classical computing, they are reworking the concept of data transfer and storage through qubits.

A Qubit consists of a two-state system, such as the horizontal or vertical polarisation on a photon. Until
observed, it is in a superposition where it is both horizontally and vertically polarised, but upon
observation, one of the states is chosen.

A classical bit can also be in two states, but never at once. So, a 4 bit system can have 2 4=16
combinations, out of which it can use only one. But, here’s the catch, a qubit system can be all those 16
values at once!

A bright future of computational superpower

Although scientists have not wrapped their minds around buulding them just yet. It is indeed exciting to
imagine what the world will be like if they existed.

Due to their exponential growth in value storage, quantum computers can perform calculations at
lightning-fast speeds. Calculations that take a classical computer hours to compute, may be finished by a
quantum supercomputer in fractions of a nanosecond.

Searching database records will reach hyperspeed. Normal computers need to go through all entries to
find a match. This takes an astoundingly large amount of time, as millions of calculations need to be
made. However, as we have discussed before, fast calculations are quantum computers’ speciality.

Information security in sectors such as banking and cryptocurrency will also be boosted by the aid of
quantum computing.

Since chemistry and nanotechnology rely on understanding quantum systems, and such systems are
impossible to simulate in an efficient manner classically, many believe quantum simulation will be one of
the most important applications of quantum computing. Quantum simulation could also be used to
simulate the behavior of atoms and particles at unusual conditions such as the reactions inside
a collider.

Essentially, these quantum machines are supposed to be gatekeeping innovative strides in the
computing world. Even if they are not used in out day-to-day life, they will still prove to be incredibly
useful in providing a more efficient compuational ability in a lot of areas.