Quantum Leap

We have seen that traditional computing uses binary computing or bits, which process data in 1s and 0s. Thus, any calculation can be done only in one set of numbers at a time. Quantum computers, on the other hand, use qubits which exist in multiple states at once, making them exponentially more powerful for certain tasks. There is no limitation of sequential computing, and several tasks can be done simultaneously.

Google and IBM’s quantum processors focus on increasing the number of qubits. There is a major limitation here of correcting errors. What we need is error-corrected qubits. Google achieves this through increasing qubit counts and reducing errors through improved hardware and error-correction techniques. Microsoft has taken a different approach. It has introduced Majorana 1 quantum chip. It is a new type of qubit that uses a special kind of particle that makes qubits more reliable. It means fewer errors and greater potential to scale quantum computers to the size needed for real world applications. Microsoft aims to solve the problem at its roots by developing qubits which are more stable.

Quantum computing is not just a futuristic idea. It can revolutionize industries by tackling problems which traditional computers cannot tackle. The combination of quantum computers and AI will make AI models more efficient. Of course, one area of concern is that quantum computing can easily break encryption technology currently in use to protect data and this poses a serious security risk.

Quantum computing is not a replacement of traditional computing. It can supplement the existing technologies, and could be reserved for specialised applications.

Microsoft experts intend to build a useful quantum computer between 2027 and 2029. The competition is heating up. Each advance brings us closer to a major transformation.

The other challenge is the integrity of the outcome. The multiple states of a qubit lead to multiple outcomes, only one of which is desirable. getting one desirable outcome instead of myriads of possibilities is also a challenge. There are errors in calculations due to disturbances. Quantum behavior of a particle collapses into normal behaviour, the moment the system is observed or measured. Besides the are disturbances such as change in temperature or presssure which makes the system collapse. Maintaining the stability of qubits is a huge issue.