What Is Quantum Computing?

By Tanner Abraham •  Updated: 08/08/22 •  6 min read

Today, we live in an era where technology is advancing rapidly. What is new today tomorrow is outdated, because science presents new advances. This phenomenon affects different branches. For example, mobile telephony, electronic devices, operates systems, etc.

In relation to computers, we all appreciate having one at home, since it makes it easier to carry out different types of tasks that range from the simplest to the most complex, depending on their characteristics and capabilities.

Computers not only evolve in terms of functionality, they also do so in their appearance, becoming more practical and easy to transport. However, most consumers are not just looking for ergonomic design. In general, they require a computer that fits their needs and can satisfy them.

The scientific community works hard in order to provide users with state-of-the-art technology. The best on the market, the newest and the most revolutionary. These adjectives very well describe the quantum computing project, also called quantum computing.

If you’re not familiar with this area, you may have been unfamiliar with the term until now. However, in view of the benefits of a technological advance of this magnitude, you will surely want to know what it is, what its characteristics are, what it is for and when it will be available.

If you are a lover of the world of technology, this article has been written with you in mind, so that you are up to date with advances in computer science. Therefore, you cannot stop reading it for anything in the world. Here you can find everything you need to know about this exciting topic, which has started to create a technological revolution.

Instructions

It is a branch of computer science, which is based on the principles of quantum physics. Specifically, in that of the superposition of matter and quantum entanglement, with the aim of being able to develop a form of computing that is very different from the conventional one.

It is believed that this type of technology would have a storage capacity for much larger information units. In addition, it would work with more efficient algorithms at a numerical level, such as short or quantum quenching.

These super advanced computers would be in charge of taking advantage of the knowledge of quantum mechanics, that is, the part of physics that focuses on the study of atomic and subatomic particles, in order to overcome the obstacles or restrictions presented by classical computing.

Although it is true that this type of technology has certain drawbacks, such as those related to stability and coherence, it makes it possible to carry out hundreds of operations simultaneously, while eliminating the tunnel effect, which affects programming current at the nanometer scale.

This type of computing uses the quit as the basic unit of information. Among its main features, we can highlight the fact that it supports the consistent superposition of ones and zeros. That is to say, of the digits that makes up the binary system on which all computation is in charge of turning.

This aspect of quantum technology allows a quit to become zero and one at the same time, regardless of its position. This multiplicity of states allows a quantum computer of about 30 quits performing up to 10 trillion floating-point tasks per second. Which is equivalent to about 5.8 billion more than the most powerful video game console on the market?

What do you need

As has already been shown, quantum computing far outperforms traditional computing. In fact, they are two parallel worlds that barely have certain similarities, but whose differences between them are very notable and numerous. A prime example of this would be the case of quit and bit. However, you need to know more.

Regarding the programming language, quantum computing does not have its own code to do programming. Therefore, it resorts to the development and use of algorithms that are very specific. While traditional computing uses different standardized languages, such as Java, SQL and Python, among others.

In terms of functionality, a quantum computer has not been conceived as a tool for popular or everyday use, as in the case of a personal computer. Rather, due to their complexity, they are reserved for the corporate, scientific, and technological domain.

In relation to its architecture, the computer of this type has a much simpler composition than that of a conventional one. On the other hand, it grows in memory and processor. In fact, these teams are only limited to a set of quits that are the basis of their entire operation.

Its benefits

Some of the most notable advantages of quantum computing are the following:

These are just some of the benefits of quantum computing. However, it can intervene in other areas, causing a true computer revolution.

Now, since it is a completely new technology and different from the conventional one, it is important that you are aware of the operating conditions that a quantum computer must have.

Tips

It should be noted that these types of computers tend to be very sensitive and need specific conditions in terms of pressure, temperature and insulation in order for them to function without errors.

When these machines interact with external particles, measurement failures are generated and state overlaps are erased. For this reason, it is vital that they are kept sealed and that they are manipulated by means of conventional computers.

These types of computers require a type of atmospheric pressure that is almost non-existent, as well as a temperature very close to absolute zero and isolation from the Earth’s magnetic field. All this, in order to avoid the movement of atoms, which could cause them to collide with each other or interact with the environment.

On the other hand, it is important to bear in mind that these systems usually work for very short periods of time, which means that the information ends up being damaged and cannot be stored. This makes data recovery very difficult.

We could conclude by saying that this type of computer requires certain special care to function properly. However, this is not a guarantee that all the data required can be obtained. It is likely that, as this type of technology is consolidated, relevant details such as these will be corrected so that they are much more effective and used in different areas of life.

Tanner Abraham

Data Scientist and Software Engineer with a focus on experimental projects in new budding technologies that incorporate machine learning and quantum computing into web applications.