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Week 4 [06.11-12.11] - The quantum computers


Since the 1960s the power of computers has kept growing exponentially which made our computers smaller and faster at the same time.Computer parts are approaching the size of an atom that’s why this process is about to meet its physical limits.


In classical computing, a single piece of information is a bit. It can exist in either state 1 or 0.Quantum computers use qubits, which can also be set to one of two values: 1 or 0.But qubits have their unique property that sounds like "A qubit could be at any proportion of 0 and 1 at once”. This is called the superposition. But as soon as you want to get its value,  the qubit has to decide to be either „0” or „1”.


This means that while being unobserved the qubit is in the superposition of probabilities for 0 and 1 and you can’t predict which it will be but when you want to retrieve its value, qubit should collapse into 1 or 0.


For example, 5 classical bits can be in 1 of 25 possible states at a time while five qubits in a superposition can be in all of those 32 combinations at once.This number grows exponentially with each new bit.This means that a computer using these bits can store much more information using less energy than a normal computer.


Quantum computers operate on completely different principles to existing computers.This makes them incredibly efficient for particular mathematical problems.
Let’s take a look at the  database search engine.In order to find some value in the database store,  a normal computer may test every single one of its entries.While the quantum computer may do it in only the square root of that time.This could be crucial for some huge databases.
Quantum computers can also be used to model complicated chemistry reactions, a task that conventional supercomputers are not good at.Probably quantum simulations will be used to design entirely new molecules for use in medicine.
On the flip side,  quantum computers could be applied to ruin IT security.Taking under consideration the fact that quantum computers can easily find very large prime numbers,  they could easily crack your private secret key to decode encrypted information as well.While it would literally take years for normal computers.This could make all our private information not actually private anymore(of course if it’s not already).
Questions:
  1. Would the quantum computer be the next step of the computer era?
  2. Would you like to have the quantum computer at home? What for?
  3. Does the invention of quantum computers mean that one day we will have quantum smartphones? Could you give an example of the usage of such a device?
Sources:

Comments

Unknown said…
It is obvious that quantum computers will replace modern computers. Well, maybe not modern PCs but supercomputers will be replaced for sure. It's only matter of time when this technology will bypass experimental stage and become publicly available and ready for production usage, although, it might not happen in near few years.
I personally cannot think of any situation which might require usage of machine of such high computational power. I don't need quantum PC or quantum smartphone for my daily routine tasks. For scientists who deal with Big Data and perform some resource-heavy operation using computers that might take decades to finish processing this technology will be a great time-saver but for regular users, it's overkill and simple waste of money.
Unknown said…
This comment has been removed by the author.
Unknown said…
I don’t know much about quantum computing, but my ideas seems to contradict with some of your points. There’s no point in storing data in qubits since they are exactly the same as normal bits upon inspection. While you said it allows storing more. It’s only feasible for computation. And indeed, its usability only applies to certain mathematical problems. For the most part home pcs won’t have a lot of use of their power. I imagine that in near future quantum processors will coexist together with conventional processors. Specific hardware for specific task much like graphics card for image rendering or tensor processing unit for ai. Regarding your concerns about cryptography. I heard that solving this problem is as simple as using quantum computer for a hashing function. Also it’s silicon based processors that are reaching its limits. There are potential alternatives to this material. It’s just that it will take a lot of resources for other possible technology to be able to compete with the level of advancement of silicon based processors.
Jakub Nietupski said…
As you stated in your article, quantum computers operate based on a different premise and because of that they will be used in different applications than classical computers. For example, I think it won't be possible for quantum computers to run video games. So in my opinion it won't be the successor of contemporary computers but a parallel branch of technology.
Right now, I would like to wait for an affordable quantum computer available in store, so I could check its available features and decide if want one in my home ;)
I don't think that quantum computing allows us to create an operating system the way we know it now. So if there will be quantum smartphones, they will look completely different than now.
Filip Sawicki said…
Quantum computation has already proved to be quite outstanding in querying data from specially prepared database, decryption and encryption and solving complex mathematical equations. Right now we don’t have the right technology to build proper quantum computer but I believe that we are standing at the edge of next computer revolution. I don’t think that I would need quantum computer at home, but having one at my own imaginary company and using it as a hosting service would be game changing. Right now scientists are skeptical about appliance of quantum processors for personal devices, as it doesn’t really provides any substantial benefits for client users.
Anna Koca said…
I have never heard about quantum technology in a computer, so thank you for bringing up this interesting subject. From what you describe, it really looks like quantum CPUs will be the next step on path towards total digitalization of civilization. I don't quite get the idea of the increased storage, but the consequences seem pretty clear. I would like to have a quantum computer at my home, but I guess that the prices, at least at the beginning, will e affordable only to big corporations (such as was with normal computers soon after their discovery). One purpose that immediately jumped into my mind was bitcoin farming - with so much data and computing power you wouldn't need a "farm" of computers - just one quantum computer would do.
I cannot think of any possible use for quantum smartphones. I guess the battery life could get improved on one hand, seeing that the storage would be much more effective. On the other hand, the processed data would also be of enhanced size and that could impact the battery life greatly. I guess they would have to think of some new features for phones - like advanced voice assistant that does many of the things for you, and has a memory and "personality" that adapts during usage, may seem like one option for quantum technology.
Maciej Główka said…
I think it is obvious, that quantum computers will be one of the biggest steps in the computer era. Maybe not from the beginning, but within few years after first release, they will be available for simple users like us. To be honest, I don't think people will benefit much from quantum cellphones. Apple will probably sell one for 5000$ and everyone will won't one, but all in all I don't think they will be gamechangers.
Andrzej Gulak said…
This comment has been removed by the author.
Vladlen Kyselov said…
For sure its a perceptible progress for technology development, because it would be much easier to create super computers that contain lots of quantum processors, which will increase computing power in thousand times, which is significant result. I guess once such smartphones would be produced everyone would start buy them as well as computers. Perhaps we will even make something newer than smartphone.
Of course something like this should happen in a time, because technological advancement do not stop and modern computers have tons of disadvantages and architectural mistakes, that were made by recklessness of designers too eager to start making money. If some another alternative could be presented to change modern computers i would definiely have it at home just even because it is better. Smartphones would be a question of time just because it happens, you know? One day they just appeared and have become a part of everyday life, so with a new technology they will just be made anew.
Unknown said…
1. Science and technology are constantly evolving, so I think that is possible, that quantum computers will be one of the biggest steps in the computer era.
2. I don't think I will need such equipment at home, I don't think I need it at all. However, as far as the work is concerned, I would be very happy to ask for such equipment when using a very large database.
3. This is very possible because smartphones are similar in design to computers. However, this will not have the same impact as quantum computers
Foodocado said…
For sure the quantum computers will replace the modern ones. They won't be cheap so not everybody will be able to afford them.

Who wouldn't? I could play any game without any lags on the highest settings!

Yeah, that might happen, but it is so distant future ... I can't even imagine the usage of such devices.
Yevhen Shymko said…
Unfortunately it will not be how usually people imagine quantum computers would change the world. For example you wouldn't be able to play on it or render video. You still would need a regular CPU and GPU. Quantum processor have quite narrow application and perform maximum within small set of algorithms like weather simulation and that stuff. So most probably it would be one more chip inside computer dedicated to solving very specific purposes and we will see something like combination of CPU GPU and QPU.
Unknown said…
I don’t understand a lot of it, I don’t know if I want a quantum computer. That computer which I have is enough for me. Maybe if I understood something more, I would have more to say about it
Marcin Mróz said…
I don't know anything about quantum computers, but I think that if they are faster and more efficient, they will replace nowadays computers. But of course it depends also on the price of production of such computer. If they are much more expensive, but not so much faster, people probably won't buy them for home usage. Maybe they will have only application in server-side computing where every milisecond is important.
Iman Masjedi said…
For some tasks, quantum computers cannot do better than your laptop and have no fundamental advantage over conventional computers. One such example is sorting your email messages by date/time. For most useful tasks, we don't know of any algorithms that would benefit quantum computers (and this is not for the lack of trying). So, quantum computers, as we know them, aren't going to replace existing laptops and smartphones.However, with all their drawbacks, quantum computers can skewer data in ways that conventional computers can't. And for some tasks this makes a large difference — quantum computers need fewer steps than conventional computers. Some science tasks that currently need supercomputers might benefit from quantum computers in the future, and you might even understand some of the results, but you won't be able to use those results directly.
Quantum computers will probably become faster per step, but so will conventional computers. I would not count on quantum computers being faster per step than regular computers in the future, unless some major physics discoveries are made. However, for tasks where they win by the number of steps, quantum computers could be useful if they can be built in more-than toy sizes. Unfortunately, their fragility and high error rates make it difficult to leverage these advantages today.
I have another point of view. Don't you think that nowadays computers are already overkill for most of us? Do you use all the power and resources of your PC or smartphone. I don't really think so :)
Yes, solving discrete logarithm problem using "bruteforce" to crack your private key is very easy for quantum computers but I think the purpose they are being created for is much more fascinating.
I don't know quantum mechanics so well to be able to discuss this question with you but I am pretty sure that you are right and these computers won't be used by simple users for everyday purposes.
Maybe you should consider using the quantum computer from your imaginary company for mining imaginary cryptocurrency? :)
I agree with you about 1 quantum computer that could be able to replace the whole farm of simple computers but I heard that some new encrypting algorithms based on quantum processors were about to be invented.
Yeah, Apple will definitely propagate quantum cellphones and persuade everyone that they need it but overall I agree that they will be gamechangers.
I have mentioned only small part of possibilities that the quantum computers could bring. So ,yes, these computers will advance our science on the whole new level.
It's hard to disagree with you. As was mentioned, you should only give it to Apple and this smartphones will be spread all over the world.
I don't think that current computers was made by reckless designers which wanted only to gain profit. I simply state that the whole new era of computers is about to come
Don't you think that you can buy a quantum computer once and forget about all system requirements for years?
Maybe you are right. Not everyone needs such a computer at home and maybe there is no purpose of buying it if it won't impact in our everyday's life.
I don't know whether this "chip" will be able to work with CPU and GPU that's why I can't say anything about this state.
Try to watch a video that I provided in the links. Maybe it will make this topic more clear for you :)
Maybe some current servers will be replaced with 1 quantum server if it will be more profitable.But as always, everything depends on money.
Does it mean that quantum computers will be mostly used in science fields rather than in every single sphere of our life?
Quantum computer is cool thing but as I know for it work don't need event an energy, he must be cooled to temperature maximum close to absolute zero and for usual tasks it's hard to adapt it as we use current computers because power of quantum computers in type of calculation as a result we get more then one values and for most of our needs we need only one result. But quantum computer will be useful for neuron networks I think.
Illia Shynder said…
Yes, quantum computers definitely are a next step of computer era. I would like to see them becoming smaller and affordable. I would like too see new era during my lifetime, and I hope i will see it. I can answer yes on all questions to this post, but the only problem on the way to all this devices is the size of quantum computer. They are so big, like 5 floor building probably. But I still hope that someday humanity will invent the way to make them smaller.
Marcin Górski said…
Yes of course, quantum computer will be the next step of the computer era and he will replace actual one.
Yes, I would like to have the quantum computer but it will probably be too expensive for me. I want to send email on that, why not? :P
About last question? Yes, I hope that I will se quantum smartphone in my life. World is growing very rapidly and it can be real. It's hard to say about usage.
Unknown said…
I think so. Personally, I have never been interested in this technology. It's hard for me to say exactly how it will affect the development of computers. But judging by the article, this is definitely a big development.

Personally, I think not. Currently, computers are so strong that you don't need more power to do the things that I do. Although if I had a chance with desire, I would like to have such a machine.

Unfortunately, I have no idea. I can guess but it's also heavy here, because I don't know exactly this technology and what it can do.
Illia Lukisha said…
Would the quantum computer be the next step of the computer era?
I don't know, article is don't answer this question.

Would you like to have the quantum computer at home? What for?
No, I don't.

Does the invention of quantum computers mean that one day we will have quantum smartphones? Could you give an example of the usage of such a device?
I don't know, article is don't answer this question.


The main problem of the post - is a lack of info about technologies needed to achieve this performance, and it cost.
Unknown said…
Quantum computers are the future for IT. Computing would be much faster but it would be much more complex. And at the beginning it would cost a lot, but in a matter of time it would get cheaper and affordable for everyone.

If they would be cheap enough I would like to have one in my home to work with. And to be sure, I'm capable of knowing how to make anything with them.

Well, maybe the future will bring to us quantum smartphones... But it will be still used as a normal smartphones - to call others, text with them, play games in bus, read books, view sweet kitties videos in the Internet...
Unknown said…
1. Would the quantum computer be the next step of the computer era?
Well, it is not like it is something new out there - we have quantum computers for a while, so I dare to say that we are living in the era you are describing.

2. Would you like to have the quantum computer at home? What for?
As far as I know, these computers are great at solving particular problems, but they are not designed to work like a standard I/O PC to listen on user events and respond accordingly. However, if they could work properly as a home PC I would definitely like to have one. I would use it great power and efficiency to dig some Bitcoins and play UHD games.

3. Does the invention of quantum computers mean that one day we will have quantum smartphones? Could you give an example of the usage of such a device?
Well, having ultra spec PC or mobile is different than having a quantum one, right? It is just designed to do something else, so I can't imagine a real purpose for a quantum smartphone.. Maybe as one of many clusters in a huge quantum PC.
I am pretty sure that quantum computers someday would "rule the world". They are so powerfull but nowadays its hard to store them because I've heard they need certain of conditions to be able to work e.g. an absolute zero atmosphere to. Those conditions are very expensive and hard to achieve. No, I don't need "monster" like that in my home, I am not performing any high cost calculations. And as I said before for now technology doesn't allow avarge person to have absolute zero chamber in home. I've never heard about the idea of quantum smartphones I guess if this technology would be widely known probably we would have quantum refrigerator and ovens so, yes smarthpones as well.
Unknown said…


Your article is based on existing knowledge, so we have some quantum computers already, but I if you refer to the personal computers sector, I don't think we will need it in the near future, unless our security is compromised.

I can't think of any reasonable use at moment.

Sound completely unnecessary, but again, I'm no expert in quantum computing.

Unknown said…
Would the quantum computer be the next step of the computer era?
In my opinion yes, but people could still find something better, but the idea of quantum computer will be still alive with few years ahead.
Would you like to have the quantum computer at home? What for?
Someday maybe we will be having quantum computer on the wrist because they will be more energy-efficient and battery will last longer. Right now I would like to have that computer to make research on them.
Jakub Lisicki said…
For now I'm not convinced that this type of computers would be able to completely replace the ones that we currently use. This type of computers is considered to be usable only for the specific purposes (as well as only in the specific conditions.) These are not the computers for the purposes that we currently have in mind, but could surely be a real improvement to the existing systems.
I wouldn't want to have a quantum computer at home, at least not as for now. The conditions needed for them to be effective are pretty insane as well as I probably wouldn't find any use for it. For anyone who is interested in the topic, I recommend to watch Linus Tech Tips video about them.
Would quantum smartphones ever be a thing? I wouldn't say no, looking at the improvements made by the regular computers over the last decades. What would be their purpose? I don't have any idea, honestly.
Unknown said…
This comment has been removed by the author.
Unknown said…
Quantum computing in my opinion is the next step of the computer era, maybe even one of the biggest step. Like I mentioned a lot times before - technology are constantly evolving so something like this should happen in time - we are in development phase all the time.
If the prize will match the quality and performance I will consider buying - I'm always happy to use something new, something that can be extrordinary.
Of course that may happen, smartphones are similar in design to computers. But for now, I don't have example if the usage of this device
Unknown said…
I believe quantum computers is the future, as current, binary computing is almost run out their capacity. And due to humans are trying to achieve more and more I think it ’s inevitable that quantum computing its future.
Would I like to have it at home? I’m not sure that I need it now due to I'm not using the full power of my current computing resources. But due to needs of software also rising I believe it can also need a better hardware. At least for some professional programs for modeling, graphics, simulations it can be used also on private PCs. Maybe researchers which currently calculated on supercomputers some enthusiasts will be able to d at home on PC.
Hmm, for it’s hard to say is quantum computing will be ever applied for smartphones as I think even now smartphones are much more powerful than we actually need.
Maybe but we still have some juice in our "conventional" processor architecture. About quantum computing, its architecture requires so much cooling that i dont think that it will ever be a "customer ready", add to this technical requirements and knovledge needed to operate quantum based machine and we will never get there. When we think about it most of our current technology is way over consumers head, liquid cooling even computer parts are way over "casual" consumers head.
I would not like to have one from what i know it would be more of an inconvenience than help in any tasks i would need its help.
No, i hardly can see quantum computers as a staple part of our homes not even talking about miniaturizing it to a handheld devices size. One thing i can see about quantum computer is future regarding cloud computing, i think that maybe those computers might be a core of cloud computing of the future and removing computing part of our pc's and phones entirely.
Unknown said…
Would the quantum computer be the next step of the computer era?
Absolutely, I hope that this computers are going to be used for scientific purposes.

Would you like to have the quantum computer at home? What for?
Actually I think there is no need of having so powerful device for personal use. I think nowadays most people don't exploit even half of performance of their devices.

Does the invention of quantum computers mean that one day we will have quantum smartphones? Could you give an example of the usage of such a device?

Maybe but I can't find any sensible purpose for quantum smartphone for now
Maciej Nowak said…
If Quantum computers will become as reliable as standard computers and widely available, then they will definitely be used at companies for various purposes. Right now i don't need personal quantum computer as i wouldn't do anything with it and i don't think that quantum computers will replace any personal devices, for example smartphones, at least for now. Conventional computers will be good enough for ordinary users.
Unknown said…
Quantum computers are very powerful and for me it's obvious that they will be used in the future. However for now price of their construction and difficult of their maintenance makes them rare. Probably in the future they will be more common. In a distant future there will be something like quantum PC, but in my opinion it's rather about few hundred years.
For me I haven't got any idea for what I can use that kind of computer. Maybe for very realistic video games? That's the only thing I can imagine to use that big calculate power.
Quantum smartphones are funny idea for me. I'm not able to find any possibility to improve smartphones' usage that could be improved with more power. Of course it could be the same like with old fashioned mobile phones and smartphones: 30 years ago nobody suppose to comment on online blogs using their mobile phones. So for our descendants who will use that quantumphones far more things which you can do with your mobile will be obvious.
Peter Clemenza said…
Quantum computing doesn’t offer a significant
advantage over traditional computing in cryptographic hashing,
thus no significant advantage in either mining or attacking.
They aren’t necessarily just more powerful versions of the
computers we already have — they are at very specific mathematical calculations.
Can someone please explain to me how superpositions are helpful for storing data in any way? If they're in every state possible before we observe them, isn't that basically the same as just having one possible state: all of them at once? How can you store information in that?
Unknown said…
All the evidence is that quantum computer will be the next step of the computer era.
Of course, I would like to have one of these computers at home but sadly I think that this era will not occurs in my life.
It is more than obvious that if quantum computers get real, it will be miniaturized someday and get to our pockets. I think that nowadays smartphones have enough power to cover our current needs.
Cecylia said…
I believe that the quantum computer will be much more powerful but I’m not sure if that they will appear in my lifetime . There is a plan and they will create it but not now . But why having such a power in the house ? For what ?
Unknown said…
They will change our view on technology. Access to real quantum technology will make a significant difference in the whole world we know. With so much more computer power we would have a tremendous opportunity to create new applications and games! I think after a couple of years when this technology will be at average people house we will move to the real virtual reality worlds. With such power, we would be able to simulate our world conditions in the virtual environment and create the second life there.
"With Great Power Comes Great Responsibility" - I think this quote summarises the quantum computing power. Unfortunately, there will be some individuals in our society who will use this technology in a wrong way, because of this we will need to find a way how to defend them.
Discovery of quantum power will spread across all devices we use today. I hope in someday we will be able to carry current super gaming pc in our pockets and need to connect it to extra monitor to play even most power required games.
Unknown said…
I’m not really into the topic about quantum computers, but you know - it’s not anything new out there for now. Would they be the next step of computer area? Maybe, but our technology is growing so rapidly, that there is a possibility, that people could find something better.

If that kind of computers work good enough as home PC - why not. If the price is matching power/effinency, of course I would like to try it, especially with some 4k gaming.

I can’t really imagine the usage of quantum smartphone…

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