Future of Computing
Computers are present in form of Desktop computers, Laptops, Mobile and Tablets, they have become such an important part of everyday living that it can be difficult to remember a time when they didn’t exist. Computers which we used today are still relatively new. The first full-sized digital computer in history was developed in 1946, called the ENIAC (Electronic Numerical Integrator and Computer), this computer was used for integrating ballistic equations & calculations and weighed 30 tons. Despite its size and limited ability, it was the first of many that would start off future generations of computer growth.
We experience the benefits of classical computing every day. However, there are challenges that today’s systems will never be able to solve. For problems above a certain size and complexity, we don’t have enough computational power on Earth to tackle them. To stand a chance at solving some of these problems, we need a new kind of computing.
Quantum Computing :-
A quantum computer harnesses unique-mystical phenomena of quantum mechanics to deliver huge leaps forward in processing power. Quantum machines promise to outstrip even the most capable of today’s & tomorrow’s supercomputers.
All computing systems rely on a fundamental ability to store and manipulate information. Current computers manipulate individual bits, which store information as binary 0 and 1 states. Quantum computers leverage quantum mechanical phenomena to manipulate information. To do this, they rely on quantum bits or qubits.
Universal quantum computers leverage the quantum mechanical phenomena of superposition and entanglement to create states that scale exponentially with number of qubits or quantum bits.
But they won’t wipe out conventional computers, though. Using a classical machine will still be the easiest and most economical solution for tackling most problems and daily tasks. But quantum computers promise to power exciting advances in various fields, from material science to space research.
Types of Quantum Computing :
Quantum Annealing:
Quantum annealing is best for solving optimization problems. In other words, researchers are trying to find the best (most efficient) possible configuration among many possible combinations of variables. Quantum annealing is widely used for digital modelling and material sciences.
Quantum annealing is the least powerful and most narrowly applied form of quantum computing.
Quantum Simulations:
Quantum simulations explore specific problems in quantum physics that are beyond the capacity of classical systems. Simulating complex quantum phenomena could be one of the most important applications of quantum computing.
One area that is particularly promising includes modelling the effect of a chemical simulation on many subatomic particles, otherwise known as quantum chemistry. Quantum simulation can widely use to compute the vast number of possible proteins folding sequences for making more effective medications. In the future, quantum simulations will enable rapid designer drug testing by accounting for every possible protein-to-drug combination.
Universal Quantum Computing:
Universal quantum computers are the most powerful and most generally applicable, but also the hardest to build. A truly universal quantum computer would likely make use of over 1,00,000 qubits to 1 million qubits. Remember that today, the most qubits we can access is not even 128.
Researchers all over the world have been designing algorithms for years that are only possible on a universal quantum computer. The most well-known algorithms are Shor’s algorithm for factoring numbers (to be used for advanced code breaking) and Grover’s algorithm for quickly searching unstructured and massive sets of data (to be used for advanced internet search, etc) and more than 50 other unique algorithms have been developed to run on a universal quantum computer.
The basic idea behind the universal quantum computer is that you could direct the machine at any massively complex computation and get a quick solution. This includes solving the annealing equations, simulating quantum phenomena, and much more.
Quantum computing supremacy :-
It’s the point at which a quantum computer can complete a mathematical calculation that is demonstrably beyond the reach of even the most powerful supercomputer.
Some companies, such as IBM and Google, claim we might be close, as they continue to cram more qubits together and build more accurate devices.
Not everybody is convinced that quantum computers are worth the effort. Some mathematicians believe there are obstacles that are practically impossible to overcome, putting quantum computing forever out of reach. So Time will tell who was right.
Application of Quantum Computing :-
Artificial intelligence & Machine Learning:
Artificial intelligence and machine learning are some of the prominent areas right now, as the emerging technologies have penetrated almost every aspect of humans’ lives. Some of the widespread applications we see every day are in voice, image, and handwriting recognition. However, as the number of applications increased, it becomes a challenging task for traditional computers, to match up the accuracy and speed. And that’s where quantum computing can help in processing through complex problems in very less time, which would have taken traditional computers thousands of years.
Drugs & Medicines Development:
Designing and developing a drug is the most challenging problem in quantum computing. Usually, drugs are being developed via the trial-and-error method, which is not only very expensive but also a risky and challenging task to complete. Researchers believe quantum computing can be an effective way of understanding the drugs and its reactions on humans, which in turn can save a ton of money and time for companies. These advancements in computing could enhance efficiency dramatically by allowing companies to carry out more drug discoveries to create new medical treatments & medicines for the better Health care.
Data analysis and interpretation:
Improved data analysis and robust modelling will indeed enable a wide range of industries to optimise their logistics and scheduling workflows associated with their supply-chain management. The operating models need to continuously calculate and recalculate, as optimal routes of traffic management, fleet operations, air traffic control, distribution & that could have a severe impact on other applications. For solving such problem’s Quantum annealing & Universal Quantum Computer will be widely used.
Cybersecurity & Cryptography:
The online security space currently has been quite vulnerable due to the increasing number of cyber-attacks occurring across the globe, daily. Although companies are establishing necessary security framework in their organisations, the process becomes daunting and impractical for classical digital computers. And therefore, cybersecurity has continued to be an essential concern around the world. With our increasing dependency on digitisation, we are becoming even more vulnerable to these threats. Quantum computing with the help of machine learning can help in developing various techniques to combat these cybersecurity threats. Additionally, quantum computing can help in creating new encryption methods also known as, quantum cryptography.
Financial Modelling:
For a finance industry to find the right mix for fruitful investments based on expected returns, the risk associated and other factors are important to survive in the market. By applying quantum technology to perform these massive and complex calculations, companies can not only improve the quality of the solutions but also reduce the time to develop them. Because financial leaders are in a business of handling billions of dollars, even a tiny improvement in the expected return can be worth a lot for them. Algorithmic trading is another potential application where the machine uses complex algorithms to automatically trigger share dealings analysing the market variables, which is an advantage, especially for high-volume transactions & big corporations.
The prospects of the fast-advancing quantum computing (r)evolution, will challenge the pre-quantum way of conducting scientific and industrial development by making digital transformation of societies, organizations, and financial markets fundamentally different.
-Ludmila Morozova-Buss
