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SAN FRANCISCO – Following numerous failed forecasts, advancements in quantum computing are now progressing swiftly, with practical applications and significant scientific discoveries anticipated within just a few years rather than over multiple decades.
American technological corporations, emerging startup firms, financial institutions, and drug manufacturers are heavily investing in this groundbreaking technology.
Here’s what you should understand regarding technologies that could reshape our world yet might be challenging to comprehend:
Beyond 0 and 1
Although traditional computing depends on bits that have only two states (0 or 1), quantum computing utilizes “qubits” that can exist in an unlimited number of states simultaneously.
Every additional qubit increases the computational power exponentially, enabling quantum computers to explore numerous options at once, potentially resolving problems within minutes that would otherwise require millions of years using traditional methods.
As classical computers use an incorrect language, in quantum computing, we’re nearly communicating in nature’s tongue,” stated John Levy, CEO of hybrid chip company SEEQC. “This enables us to tackle issues that were once unsolvable.
Recently, Microsoft introduced quantum technology grounded in a completely new state of matter that doesn’t fit into the traditional categories of solids, gases, or liquids.
Levy’s assessment: “They deserve a Nobel Prize.”
‘Efficiency race’
Levy thinks that due to its immense computational capabilities, quantum technology’s potential surpasses what we can currently imagine, particularly when combined with artificial intelligence.
Some people believe that quantum computing is the sole pathway to developing “superintelligent” AI possessing advanced cognitive capabilities.
In practical terms, quantum technology has the potential to significantly speed up the discovery of new molecules — expanding upon the periodic table we learn about in school.
This will involve novel materials, groundbreaking drugs, sophisticated textiles, intricate financial models, and highly efficient batteries.
The philosopher and investor Anders Indset anticipates an “efficiency race” reshaping sectors such as agriculture and transportation: “Hyper-efficient, lightweight vehicles will emerge alongside more affordable and environmentally friendly ways of air travel,” he predicts.
Too much noise
Quantum computers are operational even as of now.
IBM asserts that its quantum services have amassed revenues of approximately $1 billion; however, their practical uses are currently mostly confined to research purposes.
The initial expansion of the market will be driven by servers fitted with customized chips and systems.
“We are now switching from quantum theory to the quantum economy,” said Indset.
This clarifies why cloud frontrunners Amazon, Microsoft, and Google are entering the fray.
Indset emphasized the aim is to become a leader in trillion-dollar industries.
Already engaged in an intense competition to dominate AI, these major players are now significantly investing resources to overcome quantum computing’s foremost hurdle: computational inaccuracies.
Qubits necessitate temperatures below freezing and are highly susceptible to environmental “noise,” such as vibrations, heat, and electromagnetic interference, which can lead to computational mistakes.
Google’s latest Willow quantum chip and Amazon’s Ocelot semiconductor prototype are designed to significantly decrease these errors and costs.
“The development of this ecosystem is underway,” stated Levy, the CEO, highlighting that Merck, a leading pharmaceutical company, is investing in SEEQC to ensure future access to quantum technology.
Is it safe?
The United States and China are at the forefront of advancing quantum technologies, while Washington has implemented export limitations on this tech.
Apart from competition, quantum computing raises significant cybersecurity issues.
Given their ability to explore numerous possibilities at once, qubits have the potential to undermine traditional encryption techniques.
Government agencies within the United States along with technology firms such as Apple are currently working on “post-quantum” encryption methods to get ready for this upcoming shift.
Provided by Syndigate Media Inc. (
Syndigate.info
).
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