What is quantum computing and what are its uses?

Quantum Computing is a branch of computer science that works on the concepts of quantum mechanics. Quantum mechanics deal with the behavior of energy and matter at atomic and subatomic levels. Quantum computing uses the subatomic particles, like electrons or protons, Quantum bits or also known as the ‘qubits’ and allows them to exist in more than one state (1 and 0) at the same time.

A quantum bit or qubit is the basic unit of information in quantum computing. Just like in traditional computing, we have bits, similarly, in quantum computing, we have qubits. However, they do not play the exact similar role. In traditional computing, the data bit can either hold the position or state of 1 or 0. However, in quantum computing, the qubits can hold the superposition of all the possible states.

The devices built on the principles of quantum computing are called ‘quantum computers. These devices use the concepts of quantum mechanics such as superposition, entanglement and quantum interference and apply them to computing. This adds newer concepts to traditional programming techniques.

Uses

Although the concept of quantum computing is still at a challenging stage and evolving, it does find its uses in a variety of sectors. Let us have a look at those.

1. Artificial Intelligence and Machine learning

Artificial Intelligence and Machine learning are two of the fastest-evolving trends in the modern times. With rapid advancements in technology, these branches of computer science have touched the everyday lives of the humans. Some of the widely used applications like voice recognition software, speech synthesizer and image recognition apps are constantly improving and newer features and updates are being added to them. As a result of which, it has become a bit challenging for the traditional computers to implement their advancements with accuracy and efficiency. Here, quantum computing comes into the picture. As they are better and more advance then the traditional computing systems, they can easily and efficiently accommodate the newer advancements in the above mentioned applications and deliver results that are much higher in accuracy.

2. Computational Chemistry

Experts believe that one of the most promising applications for quantum computing will be in the field of computational chemistry. According to them, the number of quantum states even in the smallest molecules, is extremely vast. Thus, it is difficult for the traditional computing memory to process it. As quantum computers can deal with the existence of both the 0 and the 1 simultaneously, it could provide great power to the machine to successfully map the molecules that could also open more opportunities of research in the pharmaceutical sector.

3. Developing advance medicines and drugs

As the world is progressing, medical science is advancing as well. However, it also has a high cost. Creating better and advanced medicines is a challenging task, as it requires a lot of experiments to be carried out. And such methods do not yield positive results every time. Thus, it takes a lot of efforts and resources to be utilized to develop new drugs and medicines. However, with the use of quantum computing such tasks can be made easier and cost effective. Experts believe that quantum computing can be an effective way of understanding the medicines and their impact on the mankind. It would also open the doors for more and fast medical research practices.

4. Cybersecurity

Cybersecurity is yet another area where quantum computing can be useful. With the rapid growth of technology, the security concerns and cyber threats are also increasing. With our excessive dependence on the digitization, we have become even more vulnerable to cyber threats. Higher resources and tools to implement cybersecurity puts burden on the traditional computing systems and could influence their efficiency. Quantum computing with the help of machine learning can help in developing various techniques to combat these cybersecurity threats.

Advantages of quantum computing

1.      Speed: Quantum computers can perform computations and calculations at a much faster rate as compared to the traditional computers. They can even process data and deliver output results at a much faster rate than a supercomputer. Some calculations that may take several years to process in a traditional computer, it can be done by quantum computers in just a few seconds.

2.      Quantum computers can give boost to the medical research sector. Quantum computers can detect diseases and can efficiently create a formula for development of medicines and drugs for its treatment. Different types of medical conditions can also be tested using the quantum computers.

3.      Privacy: Quantum computers can make high encryption and are good at cybersecurity. It is nearly impossible to break the security of a quantum computer.

4.      Quantum computers can speed up the innovation in the Artificial Intelligence sector. Quantum computers can perform well in artificial intelligence. They can make decisions more precisely as compared to the regular computers. Researchers can do better research using quantum computers.

5.      It can make machine learning much more efficient and effective. Quantum computing can be applied adequately by using machine learning techniques. Users can use less code and use the machine learning process for better results.

Disadvantages of quantum computing

1.      Creating algorithms for quantum computers can be a bit challenging and time consuming deal.  Quantum computers cannot work like traditional computers. They need special algorithms to be created in order to function and complete their tasks,

2.      They require lower temperature to function. Since the processing in these computers is done very deeply, they require very low temperature to perform their tasks. It is very difficult and challenging to maintain such low temperature.

3.      Due to their high cost and difficult maintenance, these computers can be made available to the public for use. Thus, it accessibility is very limited.

Future of quantum computing

Quantum computing is at a nascent stage as compared to the advancements that can be seen in the future. It has posed various challenges in its applications to be made useful however, still the commercial sector is interested in its operations.

One of the finest and leading tech companies, IBM mentioned that its Q-Network had expanded to more than 100 companies and organizations. Some of these associations rest on quantum computing’s aforementioned promise in terms of molecular simulation. In addition to the technical sector, associations between the quantum computing startups and leading companies in the pharmaceutical industry are also gaining momentum and are likely to grow further in future. Such partnerships and researches have posed challenges in front of researchers in regards to processing thousands of qubits to compute chemical properties of the newer substances, however, in future, it is anticipated that this challenge will be eradicated as well.

Another challenge that is impacting the growth of quantum computer is the method of its operation. While superconducting has produced sound results, the researchers are still trying to explore other methods as well that include trapped ions, quantum annealing or so-called topological qubits. Despite all the challenges that quantum computing has posed to the mankind, its advantages and benefits cannot be overlooked.  With improved technology and advancements in future, these challenges will also get eradicated.

Career in quantum computing

The career prospects of quantum computing are also a bit diversified as its applications. Although it is a niche, yet it can offer some sound employment opportunities in software design, algorithm design (due to the huge disparity between the functioning of a traditional computer and a quantum computer, the algorithm design sector can generate a great deal of employment), in finance and banking, in medical sector. One of the prime areas where it would offer sound employment opportunities is the research and development. Although it will be a bit challenging task however, joining this sector would help an individual to learn more about quantum computing while improving its concepts. A person seeking to have a career in quantum computing must have knowledge in the fields of physics, quantum mechanics and computer science. In contemporary era, it might seem like a new career path to walk on for many. However, in near future, it will become one of the prime research sectors in the modern world.