Quantum Computing: Unlocking the Secrets of the Universe

The Rise of Quantum Supremacy

In September 2019, rumors swirled about a paper where Google claimed to have achieved quantum supremacy. In October of that year, Google released a paper stating that its quantum computer, Sycamore, had run calculations for a task in just 200 seconds, while the most powerful supercomputers would take at least 10,000 years to solve the same problem. IBM, the tech giant, quickly refuted these claims, arguing that they could solve the problem with their supercomputer in just two and a half days.

This statement from Google has sparked a flurry of interest and debate. What is quantum supremacy, and what is quantum computing? Why is the Chinese government heavily investing hundreds of millions into this same project? These are the questions we'll explore in this in-depth blog.

The Foundations of Quantum Computing

To understand quantum computing, we need to delve into the world of quantum mechanics, a field that has puzzled some of the greatest minds in science for over a century. Physicists like Einstein, Heisenberg, and Niels Bohr have all grappled with the seemingly irrational and counterintuitive nature of quantum mechanics.

One of the key concepts in quantum mechanics is superposition, which is the ability of a subatomic particle to exist in multiple states at once until it is observed. This is best illustrated by Erwin Schrödinger's famous thought experiment, Schrödinger's cat, where a cat in a closed steel container is both alive and dead until the box is opened and the state is observed.

While classical computers use bits of 1s and 0s to represent data, quantum computers use quantum bits, or qubits, which can exist in both states simultaneously. This allows quantum computers to process a vast amount of information much faster than classical computers. As the number of qubits increases, the processing power grows exponentially.

The qubits in a quantum computer are "entangled," meaning that they are correlated with each other in a way that Einstein described as "spooky action at a distance." This allows the computer to affect changes across all the qubits to arrive at the correct solution.

The Challenges of Building Quantum Computers

Building a reliable and stable quantum computer is no easy feat. Qubits are highly sensitive and require very specific conditions to function properly. Google's quantum computers, like the steampunk-like chandelier, use something called a Josephson junction to convert bits to qubits. The computer's design also ensures that electrical and magnetic interference are minimized, and superconducting is achieved by using a cryostat to bring the temperature close to absolute zero.

Despite these challenges, the potential rewards of quantum computing are immense. Google has set a goal of creating a quantum computer with a million qubits, a feat that would require years of patience and hard work from the brilliant team at Google's Quantum AI. The company has already built a quantum AI campus in Santa Barbara, complete with hardware research labs, a data center, and facilities for developing quantum processor chips.

Real-World Applications of Quantum Computing

The applications of quantum computing are vast and far-reaching. One of the most promising areas is in the field of drug discovery. Quantum computers would be able to accurately predict the best combination of molecules for new drugs, a task that currently relies on a trial-and-error method. This would save a significant amount of time and resources, as well as reduce waste.

Quantum computers could also be used to create more accurate models for projects and theories, as well as to make more reliable financial forecasts. They could also be used to implement even safer encryption technology than what we have today, making cryptographic functions for blockchains look like a joke. However, the same power that can secure data can also be used to easily hack private keys and other security systems using weaker technology.

It's no wonder that the Chinese government is heavily investing in quantum computing. They understand the immense potential of this technology and are determined to be at the forefront of its development.

The Future of Quantum Computing

While quantum computers may eventually surpass classical computers in certain tasks, the two technologies are fundamentally different and will likely coexist. Quantum computers are designed to solve the most data-heavy and complex problems that would be impossible for even the most powerful supercomputers to tackle. They are not meant to replace classical computers for everyday tasks like opening two Chrome tabs at once.

As the race to perfect quantum computing continues, it will be fascinating to see which tech giant or government emerges as the leader in this field. Will it be Google, IBM, or the Chinese government? Only time will tell. But one thing is certain: the future of computing is quantum, and the secrets of the universe may soon be within our grasp.