Quantum Computing Questions - Page 1
Forum section: electronics / general

author: EEVblog
author_rank: Unknown
timestamp: June 17, 2020, 02:06:39 am
content: I can move this to a more appropriate category later, but for now here is probably better.I'm meeting a quantum computing expert and researcher this Friday for an interview. Camera in hand of course, so likely both video and Amp Hour content.Although my style isn't to have prepared questions, if anyone has got any questions they want answered please leave them here.

author: BravoV
author_rank: Super Contributor
timestamp: June 17, 2020, 03:33:39 am
content: How do I tell my grandma why we need this ?She is filthy rich btw, ready to spill all her money for the goodness of man kind for free.

author: Bud
author_rank: Super Contributor
timestamp: June 17, 2020, 03:52:09 am
content: In general, who are the biggest sponsors nowadays (if any) pouring money into quantum research. Military, financial industry, commercial (Amazon like maybe), medical, etc. IBM sworn they do it on their own, which, you know, I kind of doubt.

author: Bud
author_rank: Super Contributor
timestamp: June 17, 2020, 04:01:24 am
content: And let him explain , FFS and contrary to what everyone thinks, that breaking encryption is not the primary application of quantum computers.

author: golden_labels
author_rank: Super Contributor
timestamp: June 17, 2020, 04:02:25 am
content: Will quantum computing considerably affect performance of programs a typical consumer uses and why not?

author: RoGeorge
author_rank: Super Contributor
timestamp: June 17, 2020, 06:37:18 am
content: Ask about therealprogress and practical results, not about hypothetical benefits or theoretical studies.In the last 30 years or so, the quantum computing field is stalled. Only big promises and big hype, but so far it didn't deliver. No practical application to justify the huge research efforts invested in the field. Not to say the drama of countless brilliant minds and young PhD's locked in an academic field with no future.The only useful application so far (and that one, too, with a big maybe) is quantum encryption and quantum key distribution. The rest (including D-wave, which is not a universal quantum computer) are just toys and demos, nothing is scalable.Quantum computing is the best field to shout at "The emperor has no clothes!". To me, all the hype around quantum computing is at the boarder of being called a hoax.Also, try to get guests with pro and cons attitudes about the field. If you have only one guest (maybe with a name that starts with 'Aa'), you might get a very biased talk.Looking forward for the talk, please drop a link to it here, after you publish the interview.Very interesting theme for an interview, can't wait for it!

author: RoGeorge
author_rank: Super Contributor
timestamp: June 17, 2020, 06:56:11 am
content: About what to ask:How their particular implementation of a quantum computer works?That is, if they have their own quantum computer and not just a theoretical or simulated one, but if they have one, please ask an explanation for engineers/scientists. No zombie cats or other generic kindergarten talk, meant only to hype and bamboozle instead of clarifying.

author: Bud
author_rank: Super Contributor
timestamp: June 17, 2020, 07:01:54 am
content: Quantum computer and quantum key distribution (QKD) are two separate things. QKD exists today, uses a different technology and has been commercialized. Quantum computer has not been, it has no commercial value yet. D-Wave is a separate animal and is not regarded as a quantum computer by many.

author: RoGeorge
author_rank: Super Contributor
timestamp: June 17, 2020, 07:20:11 am
content: Indeed, that's why I said with a big maybe. Quantum encryption it's not quantum computing, only very, very far related.

author: rstofer
author_rank: Super Contributor
timestamp: June 17, 2020, 01:47:30 pm
content: I look forward to your video. I know just about nothing about quantum computing (or quantum anything else) but if I have learned only one thing over the last 50 years, "Don't bet against technology!" The machines today are at least 1000 times faster than machines of the '70s with vastly more memory and strorage. Where does the next 1000x come from?An application will come along that demands the technology. We just aren't there yet.I'm wondering if AI will expedite the creation of anti-virals and vaccines and I wonder how much computing power will be required. Could I get a solution in less than a day with enough horsepower?

author: SilverSolder
author_rank: Super Contributor
timestamp: June 17, 2020, 03:21:45 pm
content: 1) Has anyone successfully explained how quantum computing works in a way that an intelligent 12 year old could understand?2) What is it that is holding quantum computing back? What is the limitation that we can't seem to get past and "make it real"?3) Any ideas for simple quantum computing experiments that we can do in our home labs / basements / kitchens / garages / caves?

author: Syntax Error
author_rank: Frequent Contributor
timestamp: June 17, 2020, 04:31:08 pm
content: @eevblog: Some more for the hat. Thanks.There are many ways to implement a qubit. Which of these methods, if any, will result in the construction of a reliable quantum computing platform?Other than cyptography, what computational problems are quantum computers more suited when compared to electronic machines?What are the biggest engineering hurdles to quantum computing, and how are these being solved?So how exactly do you program a quantum computer?What would be quantum computings' killer application?

author: rstofer
author_rank: Super Contributor
timestamp: June 17, 2020, 05:03:06 pm
content: There are a ton of videos on YouTube and I tend to head toward anything by computerphile so I searched for 'computerphile quantum computing'. As an offshoot, there are dozens of other videos offered for viewing.Somebody must think there is a future in quantum computing, Microsoft and Google both have labs working on the subject. Probably the next version of Chrome or Office...As to home quantum computing, that probably won't happen until there is home delivery of liquid helium. The device likes being cold. Like a fraction of a degree above absolute zero.That's a limitation today in the same way that Eniac used vacuum tubes. Within 20 years, transistors ruled, heat dissipation was substantially reduced and speed increased. Seventy odd years later we have some fairly productive systems.Cryogenic computing started back in '61 at IBMhttps://www.electronicsweekly.com/blogs/mannerisms/memory-lane/ibm-launch-cryogenic-computer-2017-09/If you want to bend your mind around "spooky action at a distance", quantum entanglement is the ultimate in distributed computing. In theory, particles can simultaneously change state when displaced across the universe. There's a lot of particles in our universe, it would make a heck of a computer.https://www.sciencemag.org/news/2018/04/einstein-s-spooky-action-distance-spotted-objects-almost-big-enough-see

author: NivagSwerdna
author_rank: Super Contributor
timestamp: June 17, 2020, 05:12:17 pm
content: I've seen "Devs"https://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Devs... ask them for next weeks Lottery numbers.You could ask them about error rates... and when to expect a useful and reliable result from one....... and who is investing the cash... spooks breaking crypto?PSAnd do they own a cat? Do they keep it in a box? [I bet they have never heard that one before..]

author: emece67
author_rank: Frequent Contributor
timestamp: June 17, 2020, 05:37:08 pm
content: .

author: nctnico
author_rank: Super Contributor
timestamp: June 17, 2020, 06:44:33 pm
content: To me the best question would be: what kind of everyday problem can a quantum computer solve?

author: RoGeorge
author_rank: Super Contributor
timestamp: June 17, 2020, 07:39:45 pm
content: Maybe go for more personal questions, more insights rather than generic questions that can only render generic Google answers. For example: how come that is now working in quantum computing research and not something else, what are some personal goals, hopes and expectations from the field, how a typical day looks like, etc.

author: daqq
author_rank: Super Contributor
timestamp: June 17, 2020, 07:46:59 pm
content: Maybe try a best case/worst case/likely case question. As in:Best case, where do you see quantum computing in 20 years assuming incredible successes everywhere, what's it being applied to etc?Worst case, what's the worst likely thing that could happen to the area of quantum computing (i.e. theories are found not to be true, regulation...)Likely case, same as best case, only use realistic assumptions.

author: EEVblog
author_rank: Unknown
timestamp: June 18, 2020, 04:19:59 am
content: Quote from: RoGeorge on June 17, 2020, 06:37:18 amIt's not a panel discussion unfortunately, and I won't be seeking out an "alternative viewpoint". In fact I wouldn't even know where to begin to find such a "non-biased" viewpoint. This guest has spoken publicly about quantum cryptography for example and how it's not even remotely close to being practical yet, so I doubt you'll get any hyperbole on that front.Anyone working on this stuff is obviously going to be biased. And there is probably no point to talking to anyone who'snotworking on it

author: EEVblog
author_rank: Unknown
timestamp: June 18, 2020, 12:40:41 pm
content: Quote from: rstofer on June 17, 2020, 05:03:06 pmI see that as one of the problems I foresee, they may never be usable at room temperature for reason of basics physics, and this will be one of my questions.

author: SilverSolder
author_rank: Super Contributor
timestamp: June 18, 2020, 02:02:20 pm
content: Quote from: EEVblog on June 18, 2020, 12:40:41 pmPerhaps it will one day be possible to create a micro-environment inside a chip that is "hospitable" to quantum computing? MEMS supercooling Stirling engine anyone?

author: Bud
author_rank: Super Contributor
timestamp: June 18, 2020, 04:59:39 pm
content: There is no such thing as quantum cryptography, this term may be misleading. There is Post-Quantum cryptography, which is using quantum-resistant cryptographic algorithms running on regular computers. Encrypted data produced by such algorithms will be tough to crack even on quantum computers. And there is Quantum Key Distribution which has nothing to do with a cryogenic quantum computer. So let him set the record straight what he means by quantum encryption, if other than using quantum computer to crack existing RSA family of keys.

author: EEVblog
author_rank: Unknown
timestamp: June 19, 2020, 09:44:33 am
content: Thanks for the questions, I think most of them were covered in some way.I have about 1hr 50min of footage.Here is a short clip:

author: RoGeorge
author_rank: Super Contributor
timestamp: June 19, 2020, 09:54:36 am
content: Wow, can't wait, just upload it all!

author: EEVblog
author_rank: Unknown
timestamp: June 19, 2020, 01:05:45 pm
content: Quote from: RoGeorge on June 19, 2020, 09:54:36 amNot that easy, can't just dump it, needs editing for various things. I goofed the first 10-15min forgetting to put my lapel mic onThe full length will go on EEVdiscover, a short maybe <20min version on the main channel, and any interesting tidbits like the one shown I'll render out and put on EEVblog2.

author: SilverSolder
author_rank: Super Contributor
timestamp: June 19, 2020, 02:12:51 pm
content: Quote from: EEVblog on June 19, 2020, 09:44:33 amSounds like a quantum future a la Long Term Capital Management! (of crash fame)https://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Long-Term_Capital_ManagementMembers of LTCM's board of directors included Myron S. Scholes and Robert C. Merton, who shared the 1997 Nobel Memorial Prize in Economic Sciences for a "new method to determine the value of derivatives".

author: RoGeorge
author_rank: Super Contributor
timestamp: June 21, 2020, 10:49:08 am
content: Well, that was a fantastic talk! Thank you.Very dense in the first part, and very engaging afterwards.About the technical aspects in the first part, it happens that I've had already seen the videos posted on Veritasium and Veritasium2 channels in 2013. There are 5 or 6 of them, where some of the same explanations are made in front of a wightboard, so it's easier to picture and follow the main ideas. Even with that former videos in memory (or whatever was left after 7 years), I still had to rewind your interview for some parts a few times, just to make sure I'm not losing any essential steps in the explanations.I've noticed your youtube video is unlisted for now, so I'll guess this is just a preview, and looking for opinions. My 2 cents (keep in mind that I know nothing about how to publish engaging material)- the content is pure gold- it's a lot to watch the whole video in one sit, maybe publish it in some episodes- at the beginning, it all might seem like complete gibberish talk for those who never look into quantum computing before, and might make them lose the interest for the very thoughts stimulating and very entertaining talk that follows- would be such a waste to let all that material as an unlisted video on EEVdiscover- not sure if a similar thing will work for EEVblog, too, but I've seen this method on another youtube channel,Lex Fridman. He have very long videos, 2-3 hours for each guest, so he first upload the long version, then in the next 1-2 weeks he keep posting the same material again, in shorter episodes of 20-30 minutes. At first I thought that looks silly, but in time I start clicking on the shorter episodes, too, and many times noticed ideas that escaped me at the first listen. Not sure how EEVblog audience would react to a 1.5 hours long video, followed by shorter episodes of the same material in the next days. I didn't liked this idea at first, and only after watching many talks on that channel I've learned to appreciate the value of a second listen but in shorter episodes.To me, the whole interview was very, very interesting, answered my questions, and taught me new things.Loved every second of it.

author: EEVblog
author_rank: Unknown
timestamp: June 21, 2020, 11:15:06 am
content: The full video is going on EEVdiscover as-is, public, not unlisted, it's just unlisted for now for supporters.I did the full version because I needed to edit that anyway for the Amp Hour podcast.There will be a short version on EEVblog main channel, maybe 20min, no idea what I'll include or leave out yet.Short snippets of interesting stuff will go on EEVblog2.