Written by: Pusparaj Dhungana - 24058, Grade XII
Posted on: 14 February, 2024
Hi there, do you know what quantum computers are? Quantum computers use quantum physics' odd features to tackle problems that traditional computers find unsolvable. They may conduct calculations with unprecedented speed and efficiency by encoding information as quantum bits, or ‘qubits.’ While still in their infancy, quantum systems are expected to revolutionize everything from medicine development to artificial intelligence in the next decades.
The strange effects of quantum physics only manifest at microscopic scales. So building functional quantum devices requires extreme isolation and control. Superconducting quantum computers are made using electrical circuits cooled to temperatures near absolute zero. Their quantum state remains stable just long enough to manipulate via precision lasers and perform processing. Other platforms like trapped ions and photons show promise as well. Thus far, deployed quantum computers remain small scale prototypes. Google recently announced its newest quantum processor contains 72 functional qubits. For comparison, experts estimate it may take between 500 to several thousand logical qubits to outperform classical supercomputers. We are still years away from this point of “quantum advantage” but rapid progress is underway.
Quantum computing promises to revolutionize several fields. In pharmaceuticals, quantum simulation can model molecular interactions at the subatomic level. This enables in silico drug design to create new life-saving medications. Quantum machine learning methods like gradient descent can massively accelerate AI training for pattern recognition, optimization, and predictive analytics.
Financial institutions plan to use quantum computing for risk analysis, fraud detection, and complex portfolio optimization. Quantum enhanced cryptography will also provide communication security for transmitted data. Other proposed applications span from climate modeling to decrypting current blockchain encryptions once robust quantum computers emerge.
Overall, quantum computing seems poised to initiate the next era of technological transformation. But realizing its full potential while mitigating risks requires sustained investment along with vision. Governments must fund basic research and balance both ethical and national security issues raised by quantum advances. Startups need support to convert abstract discoveries into concrete quantum hardware. And the public should stay informed regarding quantum's benefits versus potential perils. With prudent progress, this quantum leap could positively impact humanity for decades to come.
