What Is Quantum Computing?

Whilst developing new technologies for your electric car batteries may not be quick in terms of seeing how chemicals interact due to experimenting in the lab, there is a new type of computing that can help US!

Despite sounding like it will take over our laptops, change our businesses and passwords it is very interesting!

Here is how it works, how it can help US and what it will do to US.

What Is Quantum Computing?

Computers use bits to store data. These are binary, with bits being either 1 or 0. All of the actions we do on our computers use binary numbers.

Quantum Computing uses qubits. These use the quantum properties of atoms and small systems.

Using superposition, entanglement and interference.

This can help solve complex problems in science and maths but will not help US speed up our Instagram or calculate our spreadsheets.

How Do Qubits Work?

We will start from the beginning. Bits use switches so are either on or off. Qubits can be put into superposition meaning they are in a quantum state. This means they can be 0 and 1.

When measured they will only give one answer. They can also be put into entangled states.

Interference is used in quantum algorithms to make the likelihood of getting useful answers higher.

They will not look at all possible answers. Certain algorithms will be designed by scientists to help them. Not all problems will be useful.

Quantum Vs Traditional

Your phone/laptop/computer is an example of a classical computer. They are great for sending messages, editing videos, running your business and traditional apps.

Quantum Computers are specialist research tools. They require very precise control of the quantum states. Some may need very cold temperatures.

They will not replace our eyes but can help US look inside, similar to a microscope.

They could be a useful tool to help solve certain problems. However traditional software will be needed.

Do not worry, you will not need to upgrade your laptop.

Will it Help Create Better Medicines?

To create medicines we need to know how the molecules will act and interact. The more complex molecules are the harder they are to calculate.

Researchers hope that in the future powerful Quantum Computers can accurately and efficiently simulate how certain molecules act. This can help scientists to find potential materials and medicines.

Some researchers want to compare certain compounds to see which ones to invest in. Accurate simulations can help.

They may not find a useful compound and will have to perform experiments.

It can help improve future scientific discoveries but we won’t have a quantum pharmacy any time soon!

Will it Improve Batteries and Clean Energy?

Understanding how materials will act at an atomic level can help with batteries (e.g catalysts, fertilisers and industrial chemistry).

Scientists can use quantum simulations to understand what is happening and create materials that would be hard to accurately simulate.

This can help improve battery life, improve energy storage or efficiency.

This is research based.

Whilst it may be a useful breakthrough there are engineering challenges to overcome. It needs to be feasible, cost effective, reliable, easy to manufacture and safe.

Will they Help Improve Traffic and deliveries?

Imagine you work for a delivery company and want to figure out the best routes to deliver your thousands of packages. You need to consider drivers, fuel costs, time and variable roads.

This is an optimisation problem. We want to find a good solution out of many.

Researchers hope quantum algorithms can solve certain optimisation problems relating to logistics, scheduling and industry.

However it has not been proven that Quantum Computing will give US better solutions than the best classical solutions. Many real life problems can be solved extremely well using traditional computing.

If they do prove to be useful in the future you may notice more reliable supply chains or cost savings in businesses.

Security

Something you may have heard about Quantum Computing is security.

A powerful Quantum Computer with good tolerances could break some public key cryptographies which are keeping your online communications and identity secure.

This does not mean our current Quantum Computers can hack into our secure communications and steal our money from our bank account.

However it is a real concern and security experts are getting ahead of the game as they may have sensitive encrypted data.

In 2024 the USA National Institute of Standards and Technology finalised 3 major post quantum cryptography standards.

As a consumer ensure devices and apps are up to date. Use reputable services. As an organisation with sensitive data ensure you have a plan in place with some qualified security professionals.

Is it the Same as AI?

No! AI refers to techniques that can help with certain tasks e.g pattern recognition, text generation and predictions. Quantum Computing is a completely different type of computing.

Researchers want to use quantum processors to help with certain calculations in AI. There is no evidence to suggest there are widespread benefits.

Your chatbot will not be using Quantum Computing. Most AI products will be using traditional computing.

Be cautious of people saying everything will be smarter with quantum!

Why Isn’t it everywhere?

Qubits are very sensitive to noise and interference causing errors.

Researchers will need very precise control, good error correction and a lot of accurate operations to solve bigger problems.

They can be very complex. Some Quantum Computers have complex cooling systems. Some have lasers controlling trapped atoms/particles.

Progress is being made but as they can only show Quantum Computing on certain research problems they may not have an impact on hospitals, transport and personal devices.

Nobody can give a reliable timeframe for all the applications they claim. Different problems may be feasible at different times.

Can I Try?

You will not need to purchase a Quantum Computer!

IBM have online resources to help you understand Quantum Computing. They have a plan to help you get started with quantum hardware. Start with some basic lessons and simple quantum circuits.

You may come across some new words. Gates, circuits and measurements. A Quantum Circuit is a series of carefully chosen operations on the qubits followed by a measurement.

The best place to start as a student is to complete some basic maths/programming or introduction. You will not need to spend money on any expensive equipment.

Even if you are just curious to see what it can and can’t do!