Although it may sound like the stuff of science-fiction movies, Google has already built a quantum computer that works around 158 million times faster than the fastest supercomputer in the world. Furthermore, with scientists at some of the globe’s leading tech companies beginning to work out how to harness the power of quantum mechanics, a new generation of computers – infinitely faster than anything we have today – is on the horizon.
Why are Quantum Computers So Powerful?
The field of quantum mechanics is highly complex – and completely mind boggling. While in classical mechanics objects are in a single place at any given time, in the world of quantum mechanics a subatomic particle may exist in multiple places at the same time until it’s observed. Furthermore, all the probabilistic states of a subatomic particle are not independent but are entangled, which means that these particles can work together, creating a highly complex ecosystem.
This means (in a nutshell) that quantum computers – unlike traditional computers – are able to process 0 and 1 simultaneously, facilitating parallel processing that delivers quick solutions to even highly complex tasks.
Taking AI to the Next Level
Quantum computers are set to vastly improve AI capabilities in the near future, not only imbuing AI tools with enhanced cognitive abilities but also, it is speculated, something that looks like sentience.
Major Impact on Cryptography
The area of cryptography could be significantly impacted by the rise of quantum computing, which could potentially be used to break encryption schemes currently deployed to keep sensitive data safe. However, as experts in this field like Domen Zavrl are aware, the combination of blockchain and quantum computing could provide a revolutionary means of securing data and ensuring privacy.
Providing Personalised Medication
Quantum computing could enable enhanced drug discovery and pave the way to personalised medicine and healthcare. By simulating complex molecular interactions on a vast scale, researchers could use quantum computers to more efficiently assess and design new drugs.
Benefits for Investment Portfolios
Using qubits, quantum computers can sift through a huge range of possibilities at high speed to extract solutions to even the most complex of problems and tasks. For financial institutions, this could be a way to optimise investment portfolios for institutional and retail clients. As with its use in healthcare, ethical application will be crucial to quantum computing’s deployment in this sector.
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