Quantum computers, once fully scaled, could generate advances on many fronts: medicine, finance, architecture and logistics.
First, it’s important to understand why quantum computers are superior to conventional ones we’ve used for years:
In conventional electronic devices, memory consists of bits with only one value, either 0 or 1. In quantum computing, a quantum bit (qubit) displays the two values to different degrees at the same time. This is called quantum superposition. These ubiquitous states of each qubit are used in complex calculations, which are read as regular bits: 0 and 1.
Because qubits can store more information than normal bits, this also means that quantum computers are able to process larger amounts of information. Having four bits allows for 16 possibilities, but only one at a time. However, four quantum superimposed qubits allow the 16 states to be calculated at once. This means that four qubits equals 65,500 regular bits. Each qubit added to the quantum computing system increases its power exponentially.
To put things in perspective, a superior supercomputer can currently achieve up to five to 20 qubit computers, but it is estimated that a 50 qubit quantum computer will be able to solve computational problems that no other conventional device can do in a feasible amount. . 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 surpass a traditional one in all tasks, but only shines in a limited set of tasks specially designed to outline its strengths. In addition, a quantum computer still has to overcome many obstacles before it can become a conventional device.
But once it does, its computing power will drive science and the industries that benefit from it.
Among the large companies working in quantum computing in their respective industries are AT&T T,
Google holding Alphabet GOOG,
GOOGL,
IBM IBM,
and Microsoft MSFT,
Here are some industries that can benefit most:
Quantum chemistry
Quantum chemistry, also called molecular quantum mechanics, is a branch of chemistry focused on the application of quantum mechanics to chemical systems. Here, quantum computers help in modeling 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 research into new materials and drugs.
Quantum cryptography
Quantum cryptography, also known as quantum encryption, uses principles of quantum mechanics to facilitate encryption and protect encrypted data from manipulation. Using the peculiar behavior of subatomic particles, it allows the reliable detection of manipulations or scouts (using the Quantum Key Distribution method).
Quantum encryption is also used for the secure transfer of encryption keys, which is based on the interleaving principle. Both methods are currently available, but due to their complexity and price, only governments and institutions that manage sensitive data (especially in China and the United States) can allow them at the moment.
Quantum financing
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 computing financing problems.
Some scientists argue that quantum price models will provide more accuracy than classics because they are able to account for market inefficiency, which classical models ignore.
Quantum computing will also improve the analysis of large, unstructured data sets, which will improve decision-making in different areas, from more time-consuming offers to risk assessment. Many of these calculations will require a quantum computer with thousands of qubits to solve, but the way they have progressed recently is not unrealistic to see how quantum computers reach this processing potential in a matter of years, rather than decades.
Quantum artificial intelligence
Although still in the field of conceptual research, the principles of quantum mechanics will help quantum computers achieve a markedly higher speed and efficiency than is currently possible in classical computers when running algorithms. artificial intelligence, this goes especially for machine learning.
Weather forecast
Current computational models used in weather forecasting use dynamic variables, from air temperature, pressure and density to historical data and other factors that go into creating climate prediction models. Due to the low processing power available, classic computers and even conventional supercomputers are the bottlenecks that limit the speed and efficiency of prediction calculations.
To predict extreme weather events and limit the loss of lives and property, we need faster and more robust prediction models. Leveraging the power of qubits, quantum computing is able to provide the processing power needed for this to happen. In addition, the machine learning provided by quantum AI can further enhance these prediction models.
Despite its rapid advances, quantum computing is still in its infancy, but it is clear that it is changing the game, capable of solving problems that were previously considered insurmountable for classic computers.
This power will provide most of the benefits not only to science and medicine, but also to companies and industries where rapid processing of large data sets is paramount.
As a marketing specialist, I can see a huge advantage for my industry, but others, especially finance and cryptography, will no doubt find the quantum boost to their decision-making processes and the quality of their end product. enormously beneficial.
The real question is who will be the first to harness this power and use quantum computing as part of their unique value proposition and competitive advantage? The race continues.