12 Issues for the Future
247
momentum, while the wave function of a quantum particle consists of an
array of indefinitely many numbers.
Despite Einstein’s misgivings, quantum entanglement is now being incorporated into innovative QC technologies that promise (or threaten) to extend
the power of modern computing systems by a factor of up to 100 million.
Instead of the conventional bit, with values of 0 or 1, which is the basis
for arithmetic in the desktop (or Turing) computer, a QC uses a qubit, or
quantum bit. With a qubit, because of its quantum nature, it exists in a
superposition of states, and thus can have the value of 0, 1 and everything
in between at the same time.
Quantum Entanglement is employed to make measurements of the qubit’s
state indirectly, to preserve its integrity. If an outside force is applied to two
atoms, it can cause them to become entangled. The instant one of the atoms
is disturbed, its wave function collapses and it chooses one spin, or one other
quantum value; simultaneously, the second (entangled) atom will choose an
opposite spin, or value. This technique allows qubits to be interrogated for
their value without actually observing them.
Recent advances have shown that quantum computers are on the verge
of solving problems that are too hard for classical computers to tackle. This
is called the moment of quantum supremacy. However, there are still many
problems to be addressed, in particular, reliability. Any small perturbation
can cause the qubits to lose entanglement, producing wrong computational
results: one might easily argue “what is the use of a superfast computer if it
delivers the wrong answer?” Also, if no conventional computer is capable of
checking the numerical accuracy of the computation, how do we ever know
whether the solution is correct? These issues will undoubtedly be addressed
satisfactorily in the not too distant future.
Some of the main areas of application of QC technology will be in
domains that are themselves quantum, such as the determination of the structure of atoms and molecules, and the design of new drugs to cure diseases.
There are likely to be applications in Artificial Intelligence, such as quantum
neural networks, and in the deciphering of encrypted information. They
may well render obsolete the encryption currently employed by banks and
others for secure on-line communications. There are thus many implications
for financial and national security. As it becomes ever clearer that we live
in a quantum world, the range of application of quantum computers will
continue to grow, and they are likely to assume increasing importance in
guiding our future choices.
247
momentum, while the wave function of a quantum particle consists of an
array of indefinitely many numbers.
Despite Einstein’s misgivings, quantum entanglement is now being incorporated into innovative QC technologies that promise (or threaten) to extend
the power of modern computing systems by a factor of up to 100 million.
Instead of the conventional bit, with values of 0 or 1, which is the basis
for arithmetic in the desktop (or Turing) computer, a QC uses a qubit, or
quantum bit. With a qubit, because of its quantum nature, it exists in a
superposition of states, and thus can have the value of 0, 1 and everything
in between at the same time.
Quantum Entanglement is employed to make measurements of the qubit’s
state indirectly, to preserve its integrity. If an outside force is applied to two
atoms, it can cause them to become entangled. The instant one of the atoms
is disturbed, its wave function collapses and it chooses one spin, or one other
quantum value; simultaneously, the second (entangled) atom will choose an
opposite spin, or value. This technique allows qubits to be interrogated for
their value without actually observing them.
Recent advances have shown that quantum computers are on the verge
of solving problems that are too hard for classical computers to tackle. This
is called the moment of quantum supremacy. However, there are still many
problems to be addressed, in particular, reliability. Any small perturbation
can cause the qubits to lose entanglement, producing wrong computational
results: one might easily argue “what is the use of a superfast computer if it
delivers the wrong answer?” Also, if no conventional computer is capable of
checking the numerical accuracy of the computation, how do we ever know
whether the solution is correct? These issues will undoubtedly be addressed
satisfactorily in the not too distant future.
Some of the main areas of application of QC technology will be in
domains that are themselves quantum, such as the determination of the structure of atoms and molecules, and the design of new drugs to cure diseases.
There are likely to be applications in Artificial Intelligence, such as quantum
neural networks, and in the deciphering of encrypted information. They
may well render obsolete the encryption currently employed by banks and
others for secure on-line communications. There are thus many implications
for financial and national security. As it becomes ever clearer that we live
in a quantum world, the range of application of quantum computers will
continue to grow, and they are likely to assume increasing importance in
guiding our future choices.