What is Quantum Computing?
Quantum computing is a technology combining Maths, Physics and Computer Science. Hopefully, it will change the speed and efficiency of problem-solving forever!
Although the science behind it is complex, the idea is not as daunting as it sounds. Binary is the language of all technology. It is a long string of numbers made up of 1s and 0s. This states that a device can only be in 2 states 1 – on or 0 – off. However, quantum computers aren’t bound by binary language. Instead of representing one state and a time, it can represent multiple, creating something called a Quantum Bit. In technical terminology, this is called leveraging Quantum Superposition.
Ethical Issues in Quantum Computing
If Quantum Computing is so powerful and effective why isn’t it talked about more in society and used? The main challenges Quantum technology is currently facing are interference, cost, accuracy and usability. Quantum Computers need to be kept and maintained at a temperature of absolute zero and free from all magnetic fields that can increase calculation time and accuracy. These problems of stability and cost are really holding back the idea of Quantum Computing being used in everyday industries. As Quantum bits can be more than 1 state at a time there is a risk of them falling out of their superposition station and errors occurring down the line. Hence this is why it is only currently being used for research and the solution produced is not so applicable to the real world.
It is important to recognise these issues and the effect they have on our world, now. Perhaps, as scientific research progresses we can solve the issues holding us back from Quantum Computing.
As tech moves at such a fast pace, it is likely that in a few years, we will be in a completely different position from where we are now. Like the subject of Cyber Security that rose quickly due to WW2, this topic is becoming more prevalent, and it is critical to be aware of developing technology.
