Recent innovations in field of computers have
helped humans to harness power of Quantum Physics to solve Mathematical models
whose calculation was thought to be impossible before Quantum Computers came
into existence.
This article will give you an insight on these so
known super complicated devices.
So, First of all what
is "Quantum"?
Quantum physics has
defied logic since the atom was first studied in the early 20th century. It
turns out atoms do not follow the traditional rules of physics. Quantum
particles can move forward or backward in time, exist in two places at once and
even “teleport.” It’s these strange behaviors that quantum computers aim to use
to their advantage.
So how does Quantum
Computers use it?
Classical computers manipulate
ones and zeroes to crunch through operations, but quantum computers use quantum
bits or qubits. Just like classical computers, quantum computers use ones and
zeros, but qubits have a third state called “superposition” that allows them to
represent a one or a zero at the same time. Instead of analyzing a one or a
zero sequentially, superposition allows two qubits in superposition to
represent four scenarios at the same time. Therefore, the time it takes to
crunch a data set is significantly reduced.
Superposition is
the term used to describe the quantum state where particles can exist in
multiple states at the same time, and which allows quantum computers to look at
many different variables at the same time.
So why do we need
Quantum Computers?
Quantum computers can solve
problems that are impossible or would take a traditional computer an
impractical amount of time (a billion years) to solve.
Virtually unbreakable encryption? Quantum computers will change the landscape of
data security. Even though quantum computers would be able to crack
many of today’s encryption techniques,
predictions are that they would create hack-proof replacements.
Quantum computers are great for
solving optimization problems from figuring out the best way to schedule
flights at an airport to determinin
g the best delivery routes for the FedEx
truck.
Every day, we produce 2.5 exabytes of data. That number is equivalent to the content on 5
million laptops. Quantum computers will make it possible to process the amount
of data we’re generating in the age of big data.
Then
if Quantum Computers are so useful then why isn't it used more often and why
Conventional Computers still exist?
They are not used so often due to
following few reasons:
Classical computers are better at
some tasks than quantum computers (email, spreadsheets and desktop publishing
to name a few). The intent of quantum computers is to be a different tool to
solve different problems, not to replace classical computers
In order to keep quantum computers
stable, they need to be cold infact so cold that they are close to absolute
zero. That’s why the inside of D-Wave Systems’ quantum computer is -460 degrees Fahrenheit.
Quantum computers are very
fragile. Any kind of vibration impacts the atoms and causes decoherence. Decoherence in a
layman’s language could be understood as the loss of information to the
environment. The decoherence of the qubits occurs when the system interacts
with the surrounding in a thermodynamically irreversible manner.
If It’s So Complex, Why Is Everyone
After Quantum Computing?
A fully functional quantum computer would require
around a million atoms. And right now, we are at a mere thousand. But, what
would happen if we reach that limit or even its half?
Quantum computers will lead to research that are
either considered hypothetical or at a standstill. From simulating and
computing the molecular scale structures to stretching far into the mysteries
of Universe, we cannot even dream of the possibilities.
Even though a true quantum computer is
still not a reality, it’s clear that the race is on and one can only imagine
how much impact this technology will have on our world once it becomes
feasible.
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