What is Quantum Computing?
Quantum computing combines Maths, Physics and Computer Science. It will change the speed and efficiency of problem-solving forever!
Although the science is complex, it’s 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 of 2 states 1 – on or 0 – off. Quantum computers are unique because they’re not bound by binary language. Instead of representing one state and a time, it can represent many. This creates something called a Quantum Bit. In technical terminology, this is leveraging Quantum Superposition.
What Does This Mean?
Quantum computers consider, calculate and compare many answers at the same time. A standard computer can only calculate answers in a one-by-one fashion. Because of this, quantum computers can process information quickly and efficiently.
Quantum Computing can target all areas of industry. Especially in Medicine, Manufacturing, Pharmaceuticals and Aerospace.
Quantum Computing & Medicine
Quantum computers are improving radiation therapies. When radiation detects tumours, infections and internal injuries. At this point, the computers will generate treatment plans quicker than standard computers. This is particularly exciting for the future of cancer prevention! Ideally, we will see areas of concern and prevent them from spreading in the early stages.
Quantum Computing & Manufacturing
In Manufacturing, Quantum Computers can utilise machine learning to simulate the discovery of new materials for a manufacturer, and analyse software for better quality control whilst also efficiently using robotics to speed up the time of production.
Quantum Computing & Pharmaceuticals
Quantum computing will allow the Pharmaceutical industry to accelerate the discovery of drugs, through in-depth analysis of the product, and reduce the time it takes for the product to be put on the market.
Quantum Computing & Aerospace
Finally, companies like NASA can take advantage of Quantum Computers to quickly calculate in-flight physics, test mechanical parts of an engine and even develop insights into cosmic phenomena such as dark matter.
On more of a maths note, Combinatorial Superstition is something to certainly keep in mind. This is the problem-solving aspect of analysing a situation however it can be paired alongside Quantum Computers. It looks at the problem mathematically and with reasons to ultimately reach the optimum solution from a large set of data combinations. This does so by rapidly exploring every single possible solution to a problem without taking shortcuts. We can see it being used now in Smart Cities such as Singapore, Dubai and Tokyo. Combinatorial Optimisation reduces traffic congestion and travel times by looking at every possible route and journey time, considering a pool of large data such as foot traffic, road accidents, events going on at the time of travel, train strikes and even air pollution.
This article was written by Stemette’s work experience, Lexi Jary.
