Can Quantum Computers Replace the Classical Computer
Nikhil Talele, Ajinkya Shukla, Sumant Bhat · 2012
The first computer originated as an ordinary calculator in 19th century. Subsequently, the rapid evolution of computers began. The massive amount of processing power generated by computer manufacturers has always failed to quench the thirst for speed and computing capacity. If, as Moore's Law states, the number of transistors on a microprocessor continues to double every 18 months, then soon we will find the circuits on a microprocessor being measured on an atomic scale. Today's advanced lithographic techniques can squeeze fraction of micron wide logic gates and wires onto the surface of silicon chips. Thus it can be seen that very soon we will be facing the need to create quantum computers which can harness the power of atoms and molecules to perform memory and processing tasks. Quantum computers have the potential to perform calculations a billion times faster than any silicon-based computer. Also, theories suggest that every physical object, even the universe, is in some sense a quantum computer. If this is the case, then according to Turing's work which says that all computers are functionally equivalent; computers should be able to model every physical process. Scientists have already built basic quantum computers that can perform certain calculations; but a practical quantum computer is still years away. In this paper, we will be discussing about the history, development and the future scope of quantum computing. The pros and cons of this future technology have also been compared and our analysis has been put forth.