Quantum computers, once fully dimensioned, can lead to advances on many fronts – medicine, finance, architecture, logistics.
First, it is important to understand why quantum computers are superior to conventional computers that we have used for years:
In conventional electronic devices, memory consists of bits with only one value, 0 or 1. In quantum computing, a quantum bit (qubit) displays both values in varying degrees at the same time. This is called a quantum superposition. These ubiquitous states of each qubit are then used in complex calculations, which are read as regular bits: 0 and 1.
Since qubits can store more information than regular bits, it also means that quantum computers are capable of processing large amounts of information. Having four bits allows for 16 possibilities, but only one at a time. Four qubits in quantum superposition, however, allow you to calculate all 16 states at once. This means that four qubits are equivalent to 65,500 regular bits. Each qubit added to the quantum computing system increases its power exponentially.
To put things in perspective, a top supercomputer can currently accomplish as much as a five to 20 qubit computer, but it is estimated that a 50 qubit quantum computer will be able to solve computational problems that no other conventional device can in any amount feasible of time.
This “quantum supremacy” has been achieved many times so far. It is important to mention that this does not mean that the quantum computer can beat the traditional in all tasks – on the contrary, it shines only in a limited set of tasks specially adapted to outline its strengths. In addition, a quantum computer still has to overcome many obstacles before it becomes a major device.
But once it does, its computing power will boost science and the industries that profit from it.
Large companies working with quantum computing in their respective sectors include AT&T T,
Alphabet GOOG, Google’s holding company,
GOOGL,
IBM IBM,
and Microsoft MSFT,
Here are some sectors that can benefit most:
Quantum Chemistry
Quantum chemistry, also called molecular quantum mechanics, is a branch of chemistry focused on applying quantum mechanics to chemical systems. Here, quantum computers help to model molecules, taking into account all their possible quantum states – a feat that is beyond the power of conventional computing.
This, in turn, helps us understand its properties, which is invaluable for new materials and drug research.
Quantum cryptography
Quantum cryptography, also known as quantum cryptography, employs principles of quantum mechanics to facilitate encryption and protect encrypted data from tampering. Using the peculiar behavior of subatomic particles, it allows reliable detection of adulteration or spying (using the Quantum Key Distribution method).
Quantum cryptography is also used for secure transfer of encryption keys, which is based on the principle of interlacing. Both methods are available today, but due to their complexity and price, only governments and institutions that handle sensitive data (mainly in China and the USA) can afford to pay for them for now.
Quantum finance
Quantum finance is an interdisciplinary field of research that applies theories and methods developed by quantum physicists and economists to solve problems in finance. This includes especially complex calculations, such as the price of various financial instruments and other computational finance problems.
Some scientists argue that quantum pricing models will provide more accuracy than the classic ones because they are capable of taking into account the market’s inefficiency, which is something that the classical models disregard.
Quantum computing will also enhance the analysis of large, unstructured data sets, which will improve decision making in different areas – from timely offers to risk assessment. Many of these calculations will require a quantum computer with thousands of qubits to be solved, but as things have progressed recently, it is not unrealistic to see quantum computers achieve this processing potential in a matter of years instead of decades.
Quantum artificial intelligence
While still in the domain of conceptual research, the principles of quantum mechanics will help quantum computers achieve a speed and efficiency notably greater than what is currently possible in classical computers when running AI algorithms – this is especially true for machine learning.
Weather forecast
Current computer models used in weather forecasting employ dynamic variables, from temperature, pressure and air density to historical data and other factors that go into creating climate forecasting models. Due to the limited available processing power, classic computers and even conventional supercomputers are the bottlenecks that limit the speed and effectiveness of forecasting calculations.
To predict extreme weather events and limit the loss of life and property, we need faster and more robust forecasting models. By harnessing the power of qubits, quantum computing is able to provide the raw processing power needed to make this happen. In addition, machine learning provided by quantum AI can further improve these forecasting models.
Despite its rapid progress, quantum computing is still in its infancy, but it is clearly a game changer, capable of solving problems previously considered insurmountable for classic computers.
This power will provide many benefits not only for science and medicine, but also for companies and industries where rapid processing of large data sets is critical.
As a marketing expert, I can see a huge advantage for my industry, but others, especially finance and cryptography, will undoubtedly find the quantum boost in their decision-making processes and the quality of their final product extremely beneficial.
The real question is who will be the first to take advantage of this power and use quantum computing as part of their unique value proposition and competitive advantage? The race has begun.