IBM's quantum researchers keep a box of unwaxed, unflavoured dental floss close by to secure delicate wires in their advanced quantum computers. These machines, like IBM's System One, require super-cooling to almost absolute zero temperatures. Ordinary dental floss is surprisingly resilient at such extremes, provided it's unwaxed and unflavoured.

Figure .1 Quantum Computers Could Solve Countless Problems and Create a Lot of New Ones

Figure 1 shows Quantum computing is poised to revolutionize various fields. It's already optimizing logistics, healthcare decisions, and materials design. Quantum's potential to enhance artificial intelligence is particularly promising, making autonomous vehicles and drones safer and more efficient. The U.S. National Cyber Director praises quantum AI simulations for their remarkable effectiveness and efficiency.

Asset-management firms are among the first to adopt quantum technology due to minimal added costs, while commercial applications are on the horizon. Companies like Multiverse Computing have demonstrated quantum algorithms that can double foreign-exchange trading profits and significantly improve quality control in production lines. Quantum deep-learning algorithms outperform classical ones, enabling faster training, more strategies, and better data correlations. Tech giants like Google, Amazon, and Alibaba, as well as nation-states, are fiercely competing to dominate the rapidly growing quantum computing industry. The sector is projected to expand from $412 million in 2020 to $8.6 billion by 2027, representing a significant growth opportunity.

Quantum computing fundamentally differs from traditional computing by using "qubits," which are subatomic particles capable of existing in multiple states simultaneously, greatly increasing processing power. Complex problems that currently take years to solve with supercomputers could potentially be addressed in seconds. Quantum computing holds the potential to revolutionize mathematics and science, addressing challenges such as climate change and food security.

However, quantum computing also poses national security concerns. Its capacity to break existing cryptographic systems could compromise communication, financial transactions, and military defences. This has led to a "quantum space race" between major powers like the United States and China, with President Joe Biden emphasizing the importance of quantum technology for both the economy and national security. The competition for quantum supremacy is considered akin to the early days of the internet or classical computing.

Traditional computing, which relies on binary processing (1s and 0s), has brought us a long way from early computers like the Apple II to today's smartphones and supercomputers. However, it simplifies complex tasks and information, which is a limitation given the intricacies of the real world.

Quantum computing, in contrast, aligns better with the complexity of nature. It mimics the behaviour of quantum particles, which can exist in multiple states simultaneously. This natural replication has applications in various fields, including predicting how drugs interact with the human body or how materials perform under corrosion. Quantum computing enables purposeful design rather than relying on trial and error.

IBM has emerged as a leader in the quantum computing industry, with over 60 functioning quantum computers—more than all other companies combined. IBM collaborates with major players in various industries, including Exxon-Mobil and Sony. This marks a significant return to prominence for IBM, which had fallen behind in cloud computing and AI in recent years.

IBM's recent milestone is the unveiling of its 433-qubit Osprey chip, the world's most powerful quantum processor. This processor's computational power, if measured in traditional bits, would surpass the total number of atoms in the known universe. IBM offers over 20 quantum computers through its open-source quantum toolkit Qi skit, making some machines freely accessible while providing more powerful ones on a lease basis to paying clients. IBM's ambitious roadmap includes launching a 1,121-qubit processor in the near future and exceeding 4,000 qubits by 2025 through modular quantum circuits that interconnect multiple processor chips. This modularity is seen as a significant advancement in quantum computing capabilities.

Quantum computing has vast industrial applications, such as predicting material performance for vehicle safety, optimizing complex business problems, and improving various processes. However, implementing quantum technology across all divisions of a company like BMW presents challenges, especially considering data transfer restrictions across borders. The global focus on quantum has intensified, with numerous countries developing national strategies. China, in particular, has made significant investments in quantum research, including launching a quantum satellite and building powerful quantum computers. The U.S. is also recognizing quantum's importance for national security and aims to transition to post-quantum security measures.

The urgency to develop post-quantum security arises from the threat quantum computers pose to existing cryptographic systems. RSA, a widely used encryption algorithm, could be cracked within hours by a powerful quantum computer. Hackers are already storing sensitive data in anticipation of future quantum attacks.

The conflict in Ukraine, which began with cyberattacks, highlights the importance of speed and precision in modern warfare and national security. Quantum computing can provide a significant advantage in this context. However, concerns exist about competing post-quantum security standards between the U.S. and China, potentially leading to a fragmented internet. Another challenge is the difficulty of verifying quantum computations due to the complex physics involved. Trust-building in the quantum ecosystem is essential.

While companies like Boeing are exploring quantum for designing new materials, the transition to operational use is a substantial hurdle. IBM is contributing to the quantum community by making its quantum computers open source and accessible to researchers and entrepreneurs, aiming to facilitate quantum adoption. quantum computing offers immense potential but comes with various challenges, including security risks, geopolitical competition, and the need to establish trust in quantum systems.

Source:Time Magazine

Cite this article:

Janani R (2023),Quantum Computers Could Solve Countless Problems and Create a Lot of New Ones,Anatechmaz,pp.760