Quantum Computers; the Fascinating Evolution in Computer Technology

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The Genesis

The early age of human technology consist of our brains, fire, stone and sharp sticks. Years go by and our old human technology (fire, stones and sharp sticks) became nuclear weapons and power plants while our brain power grew to empower other brain-like machine to think for us. In other to do this, humans invented the computer. Before we continue, let me give a simple computer definition;

A computer is a machine that takes input carries out a chain of instruction and produces an output. A conventional digital computer receives instructions in 1s and 0s called bits.
Since the 1960s, the computing power (brain power) of a computer has been growing exponentially while the sizes have been reducing along with it, thereby making computers smaller and powerful (like the smaller it is, the more powerful it becomes).
A computer has a main memory that receives arithmetic units and processes it through a control unit. A computer chip contains simple basic modules which contains logic gates and transistors which is the simplest form of a data processor in a computer which allows data/information in or out. The information or instructions allowed into a computer are called bits which are in 1s or 0s (like I previously said) and a combination of several bits are used when representing complex data.

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Quantum Computing

Quantum computer is exactly like a conventional computer but in this case, instructions are received in quantum bits. Instead of utilizing 1s and 0s, Quantum computer qubit uses complex mathematics of quantum mechanics which allows for more possibilities. Unlike traditional computers that operates in bits of 1s or 0s, quantum computer uses either 1 or 0 or both simultaneously.

Qubits are made up of two level quantum system which could be a spins of electron in a magnetic field as well as photon. Unlike regular computer, information on quantum computers don’t have to any of 1s or 0s, it can be both and that is called Superposition which allows multiple computation at once. For regular bits to the power of 4 different configuration giving 16 possible combinations of which only one can be used, for qubits superposition to the power of four different configuration giving 16 possible combinations, the 16 combinations can be choosing at once. So with 20 qubits, we have a million value stored in parallel. Also one amazing thing about qubits is the ability to change based on the state of the other qubit instantaneously called entanglement.

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Why Quantum Computers are Taking Over

Quantum computer are going to be faster safer and better way of solving computing arithmetic problems, other impressive importance of quantum computer is simulating molecular bonds, as well as factoring large numbers very quickly. Since we are living in an era of large data usage, quantum computing ability to analyze large data very fast is one impressive use of quantum computer.

Unlike conventional computers, quantum computing is said to be more power efficient due to quantum tunneling and at such power consumption by the computer should be reduced about 1000 times.

With quantum computers, language learning and machine learning for artificial intelligence (AI) could be faster thereby speeding up the learning process.

Conclusion

The evolution of computer technology is fascinating and quantum computer is not left out. Quantum computers can do a lot of things but at the same time a few hiccups have made the conventional digital computer still in existence. Conventional computers are easily used for simple tasks like sending a mail while they aren’t suitable for quantum computers which are useful for solving high complicated problem. Also, cold temperature is needed for quantum computers to be stable.



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16 comments
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Technology is one thing that can only be improved and advanced. Meaning that new developments, discoveries and inventions are bound to take place.

The advent of computer technology has really been a huge blessing to mankind. With computer, lesser time and high efficiency is achieved. However, it keeps developing from one stage to another. From analog to digital to hybrid.

Quantum computers would however be helpful for AI and data science as a whole.

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The ability to solve complex problem with qubits is one amazing thing i will like to check out, currently regular system takes time to solve fractional problems so i will like to see the speed of a quantum computer

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It is a nice research area..

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I can't help but wait to see what this quantum computer will look like, in this game of evolution, it's been a long time coming.

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Waiting is all we have to do currently.

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By developing quantum computing we are going to enter new era of computers

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I do not think quantum computers will be displacing the current digital computer rather jt will be complementing it.

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It is a specialized subject, but it is interesting. I certainly share the vision you give at the end, we will have on the one hand quantum computers that solve big research problems, create complex simulations for clinical tests or scientific simulations of all kinds; But, we will also have the old computers based on 1 and 0 for our daily operations. I believe that due to cost and technological development, this future is credible in the short term, of course I keep the expectation that in the long term the prices of the components and associated cooling systems can be lowered enough to be an option for Purchase even for the civil sector particulars.

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It is amazing how physics is taking a huge stand in the future. Quantum computers will be for industries, and for data mining purposes since speed in solving problems is its major advantage.

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I think you're right, although I would also add the field of creating complex simulation models for predictive purposes, such as those that can be used for the study of the climate or the epidemilogy.

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I find the use of AI with one of these quantum computers fascinating. The truth is very impressive and the positive implications for humanity are gigantic. In this I see a lot of innovation and I hope that the unscrupulous do not take advantage of the account, because the other side of the coin is to use them as weapons, so the ethical dilemma is on the table.
Very good post.

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When I saw the recent advertisement for a quantum chip, I thought this to be a marketing ploy. Most experts say we're many years away before making anything practical. I wonder.

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