Quantum Computing

Information in our day-to-day lives is something observed. When we see a puddle we can infer that it has rained recently. We we smell smoke we can assume that a fire most be near.

Computers like us also infer based on information given.

There are two types:

Classical Computers

and

Quantum Computers

Classical computers hold information similar to a light switch in fixed states 0 representing "OFF" and 1 representing "ON". Quantum computers are distinct in that they hold information in a spectrum never fully in either state but rather a mixture of the two. This unique quality is what allows quantum computers to achieve solutions quicker than a brute-force approach (quantum utility).

Imagine you are trying to find the best route to get to your local grocery store. Computers now have to run each route one at a time in order to find the best one however quantum computers can find the best one by running all routes simultaneously

How is this achieved ?

Qubits

Qubits are the building blocks of quantum computers. Allowing them to outperform classical computing in solving certain complex problems.

Nature simulation, Optimization & Cybersecurity are a few areas where they excel

Qubits have distinct properties but we will focus on three:

Superposition, Entanglement, & Tunneling

Superposition allows a qubits to exist in multiple states. While Entanglement allows one qubit to influence the behavior of another and act as a system. Tunneling is when a qubit has overcome a barrier for which it does not have enough energy to do. Together, these concepts allow quantum computers to conduct multiple operations at once known as parallel processing.

(Images from Google DeepMind)