Although all eyes are on Artificial Intelligence, experts believe that the technology that is really going to change the world is quantum computing. The basis of this idea is to use quantum mechanics to achieve greater processing power, in addition to other things that are difficult to explain and difficult to understand for those who do not have a certain level of physics knowledge. Here we are going to try to take a look at the future and tell everything about the Quantum Computer and its impact on technology.
The concept of quantum computing was born in 1981 by the hand of Paul Benioff. He was the first to theorize about the real possibility of creating this type of computers. At that time, building a computer with the power necessary to develop this idea was a pipe dream. But today this no longer seems so unattainable.
What is quantum computing?
Lets start by the beginning. Quantum computing can be defined as that computing discipline capable of performing calculations at a speed much greater than that of classical computers. This is achieved through the application of the principles of quantum mechanics.
Before continuing, it is necessary to explain that the quantum mechanics It is the branch of physics that studies nature on small scales, starting from the atom and subatomic particles.
By using quantum measurements, instead of using bits as traditional computing does, Quantum computing uses quantum qubits (qubits). The peculiarity of these is that they are capable of representing multiple different states simultaneously thanks to the application of the principle of quantum superposition. Without going into too technical details, it is enough to know that, by applying superposition and entanglement of qubits, multiple calculations can be performed in parallel at the same time.
Some of the immediate advantages of this are the possibility of storing more information and working with more efficient algorithms. This is no longer just a theoretical concept, but little by little it is becoming a reality. In fact, numerous quantum algorithms have already been developed to address especially complex tasks such as simulating physical systems or solving complex mathematical problems.
Differences between a quantum computer and a normal computer
Why are quantum computers more powerful than conventional ones? The basis of this decisive advantage lies in the use of different units: the qubit instead of the bit. Thus, while the bit can only be 1 or 0, the qubit, thanks to the capacity for superposition, can be 1 or 0, but also 1 and 0 at the same time. It's a very simple and rudimentary way of explaining it, but that's what it essentially comes down to.
Derived from the above, it is easy to understand the reason for the greater capacity of quantum computing when it comes to executing complex processes. In a matter of minutes, A quantum computer can perform tasks that would take years on a normal computer.
Another important difference is that, by eliminating a processor or quantum language (everything works through algorithms), energy consumption is much lower than that of traditional computing systems.
All these factors lead us to think that, when quantum computers begin to develop (something that will happen sooner or later), it will not take long for definitively displace current computers.
The Quantum Computer: when will it arrive?
There are already quantum computers operating in the world, although it is impossible to know how many there are and what their current capacity is. He physical support that they need does not have to be particularly voluminous or complex. The problem is in the necessary requirements regarding pressure and temperature.
And in order to function, These computers need to be in an environment with almost zero atmospheric pressure, as well as an ambient temperature close to absolute zero. (-273 °C), although this is an obstacle that could be overcome. On the other hand, they must be isolated from the earth's magnetic field, thus preventing atoms from moving and colliding, or interacting with the environment.
Building a computer of this type is a challenge that involves different disciplines such as physics, engineering and electronics. On the other hand, the development of applications and algorithms is carried out by mathematicians.
Beyond this, There are still some important limitations that this technology must overcome to be used on a massive scale.. For now, they can only function for short periods of time (it is not easy to sustain the necessary conditions we have mentioned for long periods), before what scientists call "noises" occur, which end up stopping the processes.
The world of the future
Experts seem to agree that this fabulous technology is going to change our world, opening up endless new and promising possibilities. But the future that is proposed is full of doubts and chiaroscuros. Some of the issues of greatest concern are The impact of quantum computing on the world of work and Ethical dilemmas that it can provoke.
As for the first, we must remember that every time a new technology has appeared in the world there have always been voices that have warned that it will "destroy millions of jobs." This is only partly true. In the case of quantum computing, its development will require mathematicians, physicists and engineers, in addition to other complementary or related jobs that will undoubtedly appear. The new professions of the "quantum age."
More worrying is the issue of informatic security. Quantum computers may have the computing power capable of easily breaking current encryption systems, with the risks that this represents. In fact, There are those who predict that quantum computing will be the end of Bitcoin and the rest of the cryptocurrencies. You could also put capabilities.
It is a new world, an unknown territory (in this it coincides with AI) in which common sense advises entering with caution. It seems to be imposed the need to establish ethical regulations and mechanisms to guarantee responsible use of this technology.