Quantum computers, once fully sized, could lead to discoveries on many fronts – medicine, finance, architecture, logistics.
First, it’s important to understand why quantum computers are superior to the conventional ones we’ve been using for years:
In conventional electronic devices, the memory consists of bits with a single value, either 0 or 1. In quantum computing, a quantum bit (qubit) has both values in different degrees at the same time. This is called quantum overlap. These ubiquitous states of each qubit are then used in complex calculations, which read like ordinary bits: 0 and 1.
Because qubits can store more information than regular bits, this also means that quantum computers are able to process larger amounts of information. Having four bits allows 16 possibilities, but only one at a time. However, four qubits in quantum overlap allow you to calculate all 16 states simultaneously. This means that four qubits is equal to the usual 65,500 bits. Each qubit added to the quantum computing system increases its power exponentially.
To put things in perspective, a top supercomputer can currently accomplish as much as a five to 20 qubit computer, but it is estimated that a 50 qubit quantum computer will be able to solve computational problems that no another conventional device cannot in feasible amounts of time.
This “quantum supremacy” has been achieved many times before. It is important to note that this does not mean that the quantum computer can beat a traditional one in every task – rather, it shines only in a limited set of tasks specially adapted to outline its strengths. Also, a quantum computer must overcome many obstacles before it can become a mass device.
But once it does, its computing power will stimulate science and the industries that take advantage of it.
Large companies working in quantum computing in these industries include AT&T T,
Google company holding Alphabet GOOG,
GOOGL,
IBM IBM,
and Microsoft MSFT,
Here are some industries that could benefit the 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 model molecules, taking into account all their possible quantum states – a fact that goes beyond the power of conventional calculations.
In turn, this helps us understand their properties, which is invaluable for researching 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 particular behavior of subatomic particles, it allows reliable detection of manipulation or listening (by the method of Quantum Key Distribution).
Quantum encryption is also used for the secure transfer of the encryption key, which is based on the principle of confusion. 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 US) can afford 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 in particular complex calculations, such as the prices of various financial instruments and other financial calculation issues.
Some scientists argue that quantum pricing models will provide more accuracy than classical models because they are able to account for market inefficiency, which ignores classical models.
Quantum computing will also improve the analysis of large and unstructured data sets, which will improve decision-making in different areas – from better timed offers to risk assessment. Many of these calculations will require a quantum computer with thousands of qubits to solve, but the way things have progressed recently is not unrealistic to see quantum computers reach this processing potential in a few 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 significantly higher speeds and efficiencies than is currently possible on conventional computers when running AI algorithms – this is especially true for learning automatic.
Weather Forecast
Current calculation models used in the weather forecast 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 limited processing power available, conventional computers and even conventional supercomputers are the bottlenecks that limit the speed and efficiency of forecast calculations.
To predict extreme weather events and limit loss of life and property, we need faster and more robust forecast models. Using qubit power, quantum computing is able to provide the raw processing power needed to make this happen. In addition, the machine learning provided by quantum AI can further improve these forecasting models.
Despite rapid progress, quantum computing is still in its infancy, but it is clearly a game changer, capable of solving problems previously considered insurmountable for classic computers.
This power will provide the most benefits not only to science and medicine, but also to businesses and industries where the rapid processing of big data sets is paramount.
As a marketer, I see a huge advantage for my industry, but others, especially finance and cryptography, will no doubt find the quantum momentum of their decision-making processes and the quality of their final product extremely beneficial.
The real question is who will be the first to use this power and use quantum calculus as part of their unique value proposition and competitive advantage? The race is on.