What is Quantum Computing?
In short, this is a technology that combines the fields of Maths, Physics and Computer Science and will change the speed and efficiency of problem-solving forever!
Although the science behind it consists of many complex elements, the principle idea of the topic is not as daunting as it sounds. Binary is the language of all technology, in essence, 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. What makes Quantum Computers unique is that its technology is not 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.
What Does This mean?
The effect of this means that a Quantum Computer can consider, calculate and compare a variety of answers simultaneously compared to a standard computer that calculates answers in a one-by-one fashion. Due to this, quantum computers can rapidly and efficiently process a plethora of information.
Quantum Computing can target all areas of industry. However, it is mostly being used in Medicine, Manufacturing, Pharmaceuticals and Aerospace.
Quantum Computing & Medicine
With Medicine, it can optimise radiation therapies allowing diagnostics to detect problems such as tumours, infections and internal injuries and then quickly generate treatment plans. This is particularly exciting for the future of cancer prevention as we can quickly 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.
