Recent years have seen a significant rise in interest in quantum computing. This has been fueled by breakthroughs in quantum technology, followed by rising investments from private equity firms.
Quantum computational techniques like quantum machine learning and quantum simulation are set to revolutionize industry. From detecting fraudulent activity, to optimizing supply chains, to accelerating drug discovery and testing.
Quantum computing is radically different from classical computing. It’s intimately tied to the laws of quantum mechanics in how it maps problems to quantum space. Instead of the usual bits (0 and 1) used in classical computing, it uses qubits (quantum bits) to perform calculations exponentially faster.
Quantum technology is coming of age. And business leaders are grasping its potential for tackling complex problems. The facts bear this out: P&S Intelligence estimates the global quantum computing market will grow 56% year-on-year between 2020 and 2030, growing from $507m to $65bn.
In this article, we’ll explain what quantum computing is. We’ll also explore breakthroughs in quantum computing and its myriad applications.
What is Quantum Computing?
Quantum computing is a type of computing based on the quantum states of subatomic particles.
Whereas classical computers can only represent one state at a time (represented by bits), a quantum computer can process multiple states concurrently (represented by qubits). This is because, in a process called superpositioning, quantum states can be stacked on top of each other, forming new superposed states encapsulated into qubits.
To illustrate, four classical bits (0 or 1) can yield 24 (or 16) different combinations of these zeros or ones. A classical computer only processes one of these combinations at a time. However, a quantum computer processes all 16 of them simultaneously.
In quantum computing, superposing n states does not result in n different states, but rather in 2n different states. So, each qubit encapsulates 2n states. What’s even more amazing, qubits can be linked to one another in what’s called entanglement. Each entangled qubit adds an extra dimension to the computational space.
It is this superposition and entanglement that give quantum computers their exponential processing powers. Their propensity to outperform classical computers is referred to as quantum supremacy.
Potential Applications of Quantum Computing
Currently, supercomputers can perform a dazzlingly large array of calculations; for example, to forecast the weather, simulate earthquakes, or model bone fractures. However, there are certain classes of problems that only quantum computers are suited for.
Many companies are experimenting with quantum computing to find practical ways of extracting value from their workflows. This requires them to have a deep understanding of their unique business context and the problems they’re trying to solve. A materials design company, for example, would look to hire a skilled chemist who is also familiar with quantum algorithms.
Over 130 companies and research institutions are engaged in quantum technology related research and development. These include IBM, Google, Microsoft, NASA, Quantum AI Laboratory, and D-Wave Systems.
Consequently, quantum computing is set to spearhead advancements in:
- Astrophysics, helping model cosmic phenomena and shed light on such mysteries as black holes and dark matter.
- Neural networking, helping mimic the complex network of nerve cells found in the human brain. Just like our brains, neural networks have to be trained in a process that takes weeks. Quantum algorithms could reduce that process to a matter of seconds, speeding up the applications of quantum computing.
- Computer Science, enabling multidimensional search functions, query optimization, and simulations. Faster calculations could help diagnose faults in circuit design.
- Machine Learning, enabling faster structured predictions and helping build more efficient knowledge graphs. It could improve semi-supervised learning, unsupervised learning, and deep learning.
- Materials Science, enabling the design and production of super materials such as heat resistant semiconductors or superconductors.
- Sustainability, helping develop energy efficient solar panels, building materials, and superconductors that carry electricity without loss.
- Biochemistry, helping simulate complex molecular structures and speeding up the development of new drugs.
- Chemistry, enabling the production of environmentally friendly fertilizers and catalysts.
- Healthcare, speeding up DNA sequencing and the diagnosis of hereditary diseases. Quantum computers could also speed up the detection of diseases in cells or tissue.
- Finance, enabling lightning speed trade simulations. Quantum computers could also speed up the detection of fraud.
In short, quantum computing delivers enormous speed for specific problems. With exponential amounts of data being produced every day, it could deliver immense computational power, enabling technologies such as machine learning, 5G, or virtual reality. Furthermore, quantum tunnelling technology also offers the possibility of significantly reduced energy consumption.
Breakthroughs in Quantum Computing
Rapid advances in semiconductor technology have taken us from the desktop calculator to the smartphone. But in the era of big data, companies need a new form of computing power. Quantum computing is set to power the future of artificial intelligence and data analytics. It will help us face some of the biggest industrial challenges of the 21st century.
Therefore, quantum computers represent a fundamental change in computing. They’re becoming increasingly more powerful and reliable. They’re on the verge of demonstrating a significant advantage over classical computers for certain applications. Recent years have brought many exciting advancements in quantum computing.
Google’s Sycamore computer reaches quantum supremacy
In 2019, Google reported that its Sycamore machine had successfully completed a calculation in less than 4 minutes than it would’ve taken IBM’s Summit Supercomputer 10,000 years to complete.
Naturally, IBM disputes these claims. But this doesn’t take away from the fact that some scientists have likened this breakthrough to the Wright Brothers’ first flight in 1903. The significance is that, for the first time, Google has reportedly shown that quantum computers can outperform classical computers at certain tasks.
Google’s researchers enabled quantum superposition by embedding two niobium electrodes (behaving as qubits) in a standard silicon chip. A thin layer of aluminum oxide separated them. This enabled a Josephson contact, thereby creating the superposition.
Even the slightest disturbance (say, from a single atom in air) would render any output from the computer ineffective. Therefore, Google’s scientists had to build their quantum machine inside a gold and copper “cryostat” cooled to near absolute zero (i.e., -273.150C).
Sycamore’s qubits could only maintain their concurrent states for about 15 microseconds (millionths of seconds) before interference destroyed them — too short for any practical application. However, scientists are widening that gap and are reportedly “within touching distance” of full error correction.
OTI Lumionics is using quantum algorithms to create OLED displays
There’s a lot of interest in OLED technology for consumer applications. Current OLED displays require multiple layers of material and a cathode to function. Because cathodes aren’t transparent, cameras and sensors have to sit on top of the display. This makes camera-enabled devices such as smartphones and head-worn devices more bulky.
To remove this bulkiness, cameras would have to be installed under the display. Which means displays would have to be transparent. OTI replaced standard OLED cathodes with material patterned with microscopic holes, effectively letting light flow through the display.
From the start, OTI adopted a computer-based approach to material design. As a small company, they didn’t have the budget to trial a large set of molecular designs until they found a winning combination.
However, classical computers weren’t fast or accurate enough to meet those kinds of challenges. In contrast, quantum computers can solve for complex alignments and materials designs. Thus, OTI operates what they call a “materials discovery platform” which designs advanced materials using quantum simulations and machine learning.
This heralds a new era for phones, laptops, tablets, foldable devices, and AR/VR hardware.
Next Breakthrough in Quantum Computing
Despite the giant strides already made by IBM Quantum System One and Google Sycamore, quantum computers still have a long way to go. The foundational physics are still being explored and we may not see a significant breakthrough for many years.
To really succeed, quantum computers must be able to work with thousands (if not millions of qubits). Quantum interference is still a major problem and there’s always the risk that the hype outpaces the reality.
But, as long as there’s sustained investment in quantum technology, the future’s bright. The breakthroughs we’ve discussed are only the tip of the iceberg. Governments, institutions, and companies are investing in quantum computing and we may well see the next breakthrough sooner than we think.
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