A Gist on Quantum Computing
Sripriya Simhadri · Journal of Emerging Technologies and Innovative Research · 2021
Over the last three decades computers have become exceptionally compact and faster. Now that we have reached the fifth generation of computers which include concepts of artificial intelligence, what’s next? There is a lot of fuss about quantum computers being a strong contender for the next generation of computing. Recently we heard stories about small scale quantum computers being built by technology giants like IBM and Google and also an instance of quantum supremacy. One of the key features of quantum computing is its core concept, leveraging the principles of quantum mechanics, which we have avoided with our classic computers. Quantum computers are the first ones to deviate from the basic concept of bits. To understand this difference in the fundamental concepts, we start with basic building blocks in conventional computers, bits and draw contrasts with those in quantum computers. Further explore how rudimentary operations are performed in both machines by comparing addition operations of 2 and 3 bits. Followed by a brief detail on current research on quantum computers and claims on their supremacy over current machines. Then we elaborate on the world of new possibilities and unsolvable problems quantum computers have the ability to tackle. This paper aims at giving a gist of quantum computing to beginners, starting with fundamentals to current research by identifying stark contrasts with conventional machines. It also explores the need of new computation powers and why we have reached almost the tail end of processing power of classical computers.