Quantum Supremacy
By: Daniel Sandner
Tags: Quantum Computer, Physics, Supremacy, Quantum Computing, Quantum Physics

Quantum Supremacy

As classical processor technology reached its physical limits and new approach to computation was needed, a solution arose suddenly on the horizon.

As classical processor technology reached its physical limits and a new approach to computation was needed, a solution arose suddenly on the horizon. Quantum Computing was a theoretical concept for years, developed from cryptography, but as time passed by, algorithms and possible technological answers appeared. Now we have the first experimental quantum computers. Can Quantum Computing change the world?

Computers were created for the very reason for strategic advantage. Mechanical computing machines of the past were important for scientific research, but there was, of course, a direct aspect of economic, political and military exploitation. Analog computers of the last century, able to work on sophisticated tasks, were used to crack military codes and compute ballistics. Autonomous analog computers controlled missiles, simple computers, at the time slightly more sophisticated than mechanical calculators, were embedded in targeting devices already during WWII.

The importance of accurate prediction is critically important even in times of peace. Our silicon-based computers are managing the growing heap of big data, creating neural networks and controlling an increasing number of data streams. The economic and logistic structure of modern society, with ever-expanding boundaries of needs and side effects, is a stage for computers governing the flow of increasing data infrastructure. And there is a specific type of task suitable for quantum computers.

What are the strategic advantages of Quantum Computing? The very idea of quantum computing is effectively applicable in algorithms on extremely huge data sets, impossible to analyze with classical means. Any kind of application, which would benefit from computing a large number of tasks at once, like simulation of chemical reaction, predictive models and physical, natural or economic data models, bypassing “simplified” partial differential equation models used for this task now.

So, will be there a big switch? In fact, no. Quantum computers will not replace classical systems. Functional quantum-classical hybrids will be used for special operations, research, and simulations. However, the magnitude of changes in society is really hard to predict.

You would need a quantum computer for that.

Is this technology even real? There are several experimental quantum computers with various designs on the market today. The fully operational Quantum Computing solution would be such a big power advantage, in all senses of the word, that a lot of teams are taking risks in this pursuit. The hunt for Quantum Computer is basically a new Arms Race.

The computers we are using today are based on transistors, which were painstakingly developed by overcoming the “strange” behavior of matter and energy. Quantum Computer concept aims to use this natural “strange” behavior for its benefit. This is the beginning of a certain way of construction philosophy, and perhaps the future will show surprising new possibilities. Maybe the blueprints of a quantum computer will change, but the idea will prevail. The game is afoot!

Published By Daniel Sandner