Quantum computing is a disruptive technology, an advance in computing and computer processing like we have not seen before, which will help, among others, to make the blockchain more secure and efficient.
It is not simply an improved version of the computer we use every day. Quantum computing is a different paradigm that works with qubits and quantum mechanics instead of the binary bit of classical digital computing.
In this article, we are going to learn about the foundations of this technology, examples of real applications, and challenges.
The qubit revolution
A qubit or quantum bit (from the English qubit or quantum bit ) is an information representation system that has two basic states: ket zero and ketone. So far, it maintains a certain equivalence with the classic bit.
So where do the differences begin? A traditional bit can only take or store two possible values: it is 0 or 1. On the other hand, in quantum computing a qubit can take several values at the same time.
In a bit, we store discrete values, while a qubit can store continuous values. This ability to store numerous possible states of zero and one at the same time is called quantum superposition.
Another distinctive phenomenon is quantum entanglement, that is, the ability of a qubit to simultaneously alter the state of another qubit (Giles, 2019). These are behaviors that are explained by quantum mechanics and its theories about the behavior of the microscopic world (Allende, 2019a).
Implications of the differences between qubits and bits
With the qubit information representation and storage model, it is possible to perform logical operations in quantum computing and quantum cryptography that are not possible with the bit (Banafa, 2015).
Another implication is that processing and storage on classical computers have a physical limit. There comes a point when transistors, the basic components of today’s computers, can no longer be smaller.
At the nanometer scale, electrons circulate in form and electronic circuits stop working. In quantum computing, experimental models of implementations have been developed that overcome this problem. They are based on quantum processors, such as the Bristlecone on which the Google Quantum AI Lab works (Kelly, 2018).
Possibilities of quantum computing
The new technologies that are being developed from quantum computing are areas in full development. We will see its potential in the coming years when we advance from the digital age to the quantum age. To achieve this, the design and implementation of quantum algorithms are currently being studied. The goal is to perform operations in less time and requiring fewer computational resources, achieving unprecedented efficiency.
Applications of quantum computing
The applications of quantum computing revolve around performing operations in a different way than today. Under this premise, research groups around the world work on research in very diverse areas. These are some specific examples:
- Selection of the optimal path between two points with the fewest number of steps or attempts among all possible paths.
- Break cryptography keys currently used by computer viruses for data hijacking, such as ransomware.
- Development of fraud detection systems with applications in the banking and finance sectors.
- Processing genetic data used in DNA research.
- Reduction in the creation time of new medications. Merck with the Quantum Computing Task Force (QCTF) initiative is developing a project to this end. Another example is the combination of quantum physics with machine learning applied to the generation of new drugs, an area in which Noor Shaker of Generative Tensorial Networks works.
- Application of quantum algorithms to solve optimization problems. This allows the development of new technologies applicable to the design of medical scanners used in cancer diagnosis.
Challenges for the everyday use of quantum computing
Although there is great interest in quantum computing and considerable investments are made in research and development projects in the area, it still has several challenges to overcome (Iberdrola, 2020):
- Be functional and accessible for personal use
- Lack of own languages to program quantum computing solutions
- Development to build some models and processors applied to quantum computers.
Its applications are expected to improve data storage, transfer, and processing capacity. Its impact will thus be felt in information and communication technologies. Also in other areas such as education, work, industry, agriculture or finance. The Inter-American Development Bank analyzes Quantum Technologies in the report. A transversal and interdisciplinary opportunity for digital transformation and social impact is based on this technological and social impact (Allende, 2019b). Quantum computing still has a long way to go. However, it is already proven that it will be a paradigm that will change our world. Quantum computing has a future linked to other innovations such as artificial intelligence and deep learning networks, with advances that make it increasingly present.
