Quantum Computing 101: How It Works and Why It Matters for the Future

By Ankit SinghReviewed by Susha Cheriyedath, M.Sc.Apr 24 2024

Quantum computing represents a significant advancement in the field of computational technology, utilizing the principles of quantum mechanics to transcend the limits of traditional computing.

Image Credit: Funtap/Shutterstock.com

Unlike classical computers that process data through bits in a binary state, quantum computers use quantum bits, or qubits, which can exist in multiple states simultaneously. This capability allows quantum computers to execute complex calculations at speeds unachievable by conventional systems.

This article provides an in-depth look at the development of quantum computing processors, their fundamental principles, potential applications across industries, and their future trajectory.

A Brief History: From Theory to Reality

The foundational principles of quantum computing were established in the early 20^th century with the development of quantum mechanics. For many years, transitioning these theories into practical applications posed substantial challenges. However, recent advances in qubit manipulation and error correction have significantly progressed the field, leading to the creation of the first functional quantum computers.¹

In 2020, IBM introduced its quantum service platform, which allows developers and researchers worldwide to access real quantum hardware. This was a significant milestone in the development of quantum computing as it marked the shift from a purely theoretical concept to an actual technology with real-world applications.²

Demystifying the Building Blocks of Quantum Computing

At the core of a quantum computing processor is the qubit, the quantum equivalent of the classical bit used in traditional computers. Unlike a classical bit that can only represent a 0 or a 1 at any given time, a qubit can hold a superposition of both states simultaneously. This unique property of a qubit allows quantum computers to explore many possibilities concurrently, leading to significant speedups for specific types of problems.

For instance, flipping a coin can result in either heads or tails in a classical bit, but a qubit can be in a state where it is both heads and tails simultaneously until it is measured and forced to collapse into one definitive state.³

Another crucial concept in quantum computing is entanglement. When qubits are entangled, their fates become intertwined. If one entangled qubit is measured, it instantly determines the state of the other, regardless of the distance between them. This phenomenon allows for complex correlations between qubits, further enhancing the processing power of quantum computers.³

The power of quantum computing lies in its fundamental principles of superposition and entanglement. By harnessing these phenomena, quantum computers can perform complex calculations that would take classical computers years, or even centuries, to complete.

Potential Applications of Quantum Computing

Quantum computing has the potential to revolutionize various fields, including drug discovery, materials science, financial modeling and risk management, cryptography, machine learning, and artificial intelligence. In drug discovery and materials science, quantum computers can simulate complex molecular interactions with unprecedented accuracy, allowing researchers to design new antibiotics or catalysts for chemical reactions by simulating their behavior at the atomic level. This is a task that is currently impossible for classical computers.⁴

Quantum computing is ideal for the financial sector, as it can analyze vast datasets and identify complex financial patterns. Quantum algorithms can be employed for portfolio optimization, risk assessment, and even developing new financial instruments. This means that a quantum computer can identify subtle trends and correlations that would be impossible for classical computers to detect, leading to more informed investment decisions.⁵

While traditional encryption methods are currently considered secure, the rise of quantum computers poses a potential threat. However, quantum computing can also be used to develop new, post-quantum cryptography algorithms that are unbreakable by even the most powerful quantum computers. This ensures the security of our data in the quantum age, protecting sensitive information like financial transactions and confidential communications.⁶

Lastly, quantum computers can enhance machine learning algorithms by enabling faster training on massive datasets and the discovery of more complex relationships within the data. This can lead to breakthroughs in natural language processing, where a quantum computer could translate languages with near-perfect accuracy or image recognition, allowing for the development of highly sophisticated computer vision systems.⁴

These are just a few examples of the vast potential applications of quantum computing. As the technology matures, even more groundbreaking discoveries and innovations can be expected.

Advantages and Challenges: A Balancing Act

While the potential of quantum computing is undeniable, significant challenges remain. One of the most complex tasks is building and maintaining stable quantum processors, as qubits are highly sensitive to environmental noise, including temperature fluctuations and electromagnetic interference.

Even a single error can disrupt the entire computation. Furthermore, developing efficient quantum algorithms for specific problems requires extensive research and expertise. Unlike classical algorithms that have been honed for decades, quantum algorithms are still in their early stages of development.^1,7

Despite the existing challenges, the potential benefits of quantum computing far outweigh the obstacles. Quantum computers have the potential to provide exponential speedups for certain problems compared to classical computers. This implies faster processing times, improved accuracy, and the ability to tackle problems that are currently deemed intractable.

For instance, a classical computer could take years to crack a complex encryption code, whereas a quantum computer, utilizing its ability to explore numerous possibilities simultaneously, could solve the same code in just a matter of minutes.¹

The Race to Quantum Supremacy: Latest Developments

The pursuit of "quantum supremacy" - demonstrating a task that a quantum computer can outperform classical computers - is a key area of focus in the field. The Quantum Volume, introduced by IBM, serves as a benchmark for assessing the capacity of quantum processors, accounting for variables such as qubit quantity, error rates, and coherence times.

Recently, IBM proudly announced a groundbreaking milestone on its IBM Quantum Falcon r4 and r5 processors, achieving a Quantum Volume of 128. This noteworthy accomplishment represents a significant stride towards developing more powerful and reliable quantum computers.⁸

In 2023, a team at Google AI claimed to have achieved quantum supremacy using a Sycamore quantum processor with 54 qubits. Their experiment involved solving a random sampling problem that would take even the most powerful classical computers billions of years. While this achievement has been debated, with some arguing that the problem was not optimized for classical computers, it signifies significant progress in the field.⁹

China has also made strides in the field, with researchers building a programmable 66-qubit quantum computer named "Zuchongzhi 2.1" in 2021. This significant increase in qubit count pushes the boundaries of what's currently achievable.¹⁰

Future Prospects and Conclusion

The future of quantum computing looks promising as researchers and developers continue to make advancements in several key areas. One crucial aspect is to build larger and more robust quantum processors with higher qubit counts, which will allow for more complex calculations. To ensure the reliability of quantum computations, efficient error correction techniques such as surface codes and topological error correction are being explored.^1,3

In parallel, efforts are underway to develop user-friendly programming languages and effective quantum algorithms that are optimized for specific tasks. This initiative is complemented by the active development of Quantum Software Development Kits (SDKs), which simplify the process of writing and executing quantum programs. Additionally, new quantum algorithms are being researched to fully leverage the capabilities of quantum processors.¹¹

The availability of quantum computing resources via cloud platforms is expanding, democratizing access to this technology. Leading companies like Amazon Braket, Microsoft Azure Quantum, and Google Quantum AI are providing cloud-based quantum services, allowing a broader range of users to explore quantum computing.¹²

Combining the strengths of classical and quantum computers will likely be the most effective approach for tackling complex problems. Hybrid quantum-classical computing systems can leverage the power of classical computers for tasks they excel at, such as data pre-processing and post-processing, while delegating computationally intensive tasks to the quantum processor. This hybrid approach promises to maximize the efficiency and effectiveness of quantum computing for real-world applications.⁷

While the journey toward a fully functional and commercially viable quantum computer continues, the advancements made so far provide a glimpse into a future where quantum computing could revolutionize various industries, ushering in a new era of scientific discovery and technological innovation.

In conclusion, quantum computing processors are a game-changer in the computing industry. With their ability to utilize the principles of quantum mechanics, they can solve problems that classical computers cannot. Though there are still hurdles to overcome, such as scalability and error correction, ongoing research and development offer endless possibilities for the future.

As quantum computing continues to advance, groundbreaking discoveries in crucial fields like drug discovery, materials science, and artificial intelligence are anticipated. The potential impact of quantum computing is immense, and its development has the potential to transform our world in profound ways.

Reference and Further Reading

1. Sood, V., Chauhan, R.P. (2024).  Archives of Quantum Computing: Research Progress and Challenges. Arch Computat Methods Eng. 31, 73–91. https://doi.org/10.1007/s11831-023-09973-2
2. Wikipedia contributors, "IBM Quantum Platform," Wikipedia, The Free Encyclopedia.https://en.wikipedia.org/w/index.php?title=IBM_Quantum_Platform&oldid=1213461888
3. Chae, E., Choi, J. & Kim, J. (2024). An elementary review on basic principles and developments of qubits for quantum computing. Nano Convergence 11, 11. https://doi.org/10.1186/s40580-024-00418-5
4. Ali, A., & Theorbo, W. (2024). Exploring the Quantum Frontier: A Thorough Examination of Quantum Machine Learning Techniques and Applications. Easy Chair Preprint, 11961. https://easychair.org/publications/preprint_download/99gp
5. Kathiravan, C. et al. (2024). Quantum Computing in FinTech: Recent Progress and Perspectives on Quantum Computing for the FinTech Sector. IGI Global. https://doi.org/10.4018/979-8-3693-1168-4.ch016
6. Vatsal Vasani, et al. Embracing the quantum frontier: Investigating quantum Communication, cryptography, applications, and future directions. (2024). Journal of Industrial Information Integration, 39,100594. https://doi.org/10.1016/j.jii.2024.100594
7. Surjeet, S. et al. (2024). A Quantum Machine Learning Approach for Bridging the Gap Between Quantum and Classical Computing. International Journal of Intelligent Systems and Applications in Engineering, 12(12s), 553–560. https://www.ijisae.org/index.php/IJISAE/article/view/4539
8. Eagle’s quantum performance progress, IBM Quantum Computing Blog. IBM in Deutschland, Österreich und der Schweiz. https://www.ibm.com/quantum/blog/eagle-quantum-processor-performance
9. Quantum Journey From the Search Engine to Google Sycamore. The Quantum Insider. https://thequantuminsider.com/2022/07/14/google-sycamore/
10. From the vault: China demonstrates most powerful quantum computer. Cosmos. https://cosmosmagazine.com/science/china-demonstrates-most-powerful-quantum-computer/
11. Asyraf Zhahir, et al. (2024). Quantum Computing in The Cloud - A Systematic Literature Review. International journal of electrical and computer engineering systems, 15(2), 185–200. https://doi.org/10.32985/ijeces.15.2.7
12. Cloud Quantum Computing Service - Amazon Braket - AWS. Amazon Web Services, Inc. https://aws.amazon.com/braket/

Disclaimer: The views expressed here are those of the author expressed in their private capacity and do not necessarily represent the views of AZoM.com Limited T/A AZoNetwork the owner and operator of this website. This disclaimer forms part of the Terms and conditions of use of this website.