In this article you will know what is quantum computinghow it works, its evolution, the different classes that exist and the areas that will benefit the most.
The world does not stop turning and technological developments continue to advance. This time I will talk to you about a “new” type of computing that will revolutionize life as we know it…
What is quantum computing.
Quantum computing is the next stage of computational processing. What was previously impossible in certain areas such as genomics, construction, automotive; now it will be reality.
Let’s see how it works…
Unlike traditional computers that use bits, quantum computing uses Qubits or Qubits.
The difference is that each bit represents 0 or 1. While a qubit can represent both at the same time, that is, be 1 and 0. And as a result, qubits can calculate much faster and perform much more complex operations; they can’t execute the bits.
This new processing alternative is given in the face of the limitations presented by traditional computing. It is becoming more and more difficult to improve processing capacity, reduce its size, and reduce its costs.
Processor manufacturers and tech giants like Google, IBM, Alibaba, among others; they know they must master quantum computing in order to evolve all their lines of business. And that is why they have been working on it for years…
Evolution of quantum computing.
In the race to master quantum computing, we found some pretty familiar names:
| BUSINESS | YEAR | AMOUNT OF CUBITS |
|---|---|---|
| IBM | 1998 | two |
| Technical University of Munich | 2000 | 5 |
| Los Alamos National Laboratory | 2000 | 7 |
| Institute of Quantum Computing | 2006 | 12 |
| D-Wave Systems | 2008 | 28 |
| IBM | 2016 | fifty |
| 2018 | 72 | |
| Rigetti | 2019* | 128 |
*Expected for the end of 2019
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Let’s continue…
Types of quantum computing.
Like the types of artificial intelligence, this new quantum system has also received differentiations according to its capacity, and therefore, its applications.
Quantum Annealer (annealing quantum)
It is the simplest to build, but at the same time it is the one with the most processing restrictions. According to specialists, its function is to perform a single task; and therefore, it does not have a significant advantage over traditional computing.
Analog quantum.
To reach this level, it is estimated that computers need between 50 and 100 Qubits. Which will allow you to perform quantum simulations, which conventional computers cannot do.
For example, simulations of protein folding could be done. And this is very important in the case of diseases such as Alzheimer’s or Parkinson’s, which occur as a result of the lack of protein folding.
Therefore, scientists can run simulations of how certain drugs would affect patients. And as a result, many lives could be saved.
universal quantum.
This would be the pinnacle of quantum computing. It is estimated that more than 100,000 Qubits must be used, which implies a rather large technological challenge. Bearing in mind that you can barely work with 128 Qubits today.
In theory, there would be no problem that could not be solved. Including Shor and Grover algorithms; that could not be carried out due to lack of technology.
Areas benefited from quantum computing.
Although virtually all areas can be enhanced through the use of this new computing, there are some that are already postulated to be the most benefited:
Cyber-security.
Surely you have heard the term “encryption”. Which basically seeks to protect private information from third parties that should not have access.
Applying the principles of quantum mechanics, the quantum cryptography, which is theoretically completely “impenetrable”. Since intruders can be detected, before sending information.
Agriculture.
Through complex simulations, better fertilizers could be made; which would greatly help the earth and humanity.
The precursor for fertilizers is ammonia, which is produced with nitrogen and hydrogen. (Hence its chemical formula is NH3) and later a catalyst is used to accelerate the balance of the elements.
Quantum computing comes into play when simulating the different results with different catalysts, and being able to arrive at a cheaper process that consumes less energy.
Currently, approximately 8% of the world’s energy is used in this process.
Health.
As with protein breakdown, this new computation could simulate the effects of many drugs under different circumstances.
It could even make a representation of a person’s DNA, and with that information, researchers would be able to analyze the patterns that lead to disease. And therefore create personalized medicines.
Cloud Computing.
Various companies such as Google and Amazon, which are investing in quantum computing projects, offer cloud services. In fact, that is one of the ways that Google makes money.
When it is more advanced, various companies would give their users access to quantum computing, which would unleash an explosion of developments. In addition, processes such as pattern, voice, and image recognition, among others; they would be much more powerful and efficient.
Conclusion.
Quantum computing is another of the keys that will open the door to the future, along with artificial intelligence. Since more and more processing capacity will give us more and more prediction opportunities, shortening time and costs in different industries.
I hope you liked this information and it was useful 🙂
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