Surpassing AI, quantum computing will be the most powerful and worrying technology

In 2022, leaders in the US military technology and cybersecurity communities said they saw 2023 as a “reset year” for quantum computing. They estimate the time needed to make quantum-safe systems will match the time it will take for the first quantum computers that threaten their security to appear: both about 4 to 6 years . It is critical that industry leaders quickly understand the security issues surrounding quantum computing and take action to address the issues that will arise as this powerful technology emerges.

Quantum computing is an advanced technology that poses many unique challenges and promises unprecedented computing power. Unlike traditional computing, which works with binary logic (0s and 1s) and sequential computation, quantum computing works with quantum bits or qubits, which can represent an infinite number of possible outcomes. go out. This allows quantum computers to perform a large number of calculations simultaneously, exploiting the probabilistic nature of quantum mechanics.

The potential of quantum computing

The potential of quantum computing lies in its ability to process huge amounts of information in parallel, leading to an exponential increase in computing power compared to classical computers. While classical computers can calculate the results of a single race, quantum computers can simultaneously analyze a race involving millions of participants with different routes and determine the most likely winner using a probability-based algorithm. Quantum computers are especially suited to solving optimization and simulation problems with many probabilistic outcomes, revolutionizing fields such as logistics, healthcare, finance, cybersecurity, according to weather monitoring, agriculture, etc. Their impact could extend to geopolitics, reshaping power dynamics on a global scale.

Quantum computing requires a completely different programming approach due to its novel logic model. Embracing uncertainty and iterative empirical approaches is essential to effectively exploit the potential of this technology. However, a significant challenge in quantum computing is the need to link multiple qubits without increasing the probability of errors. This remains an important obstacle to the commercial development of the technology.

A practical limitation of this is the need to separate the qubits from the real-world environment to avoid decoherence, which degrades the quantum state. Currently, cooling to extremely low temperatures is used for isolation. Ongoing research is exploring different methods, including photonics and different materials, to make quantum processors more scalable and commercially viable.

A thousand powerful qubits

Over the past decade, quantum computing has made tremendous progress. For example, IBM launched a 50-qubit chip in 2017, and in 2019 it claimed to have outperformed the fastest traditional supercomputers in certain calculations. Further advances are expected, with the race to develop a 1,000-qubit quantum computer now underway.

While short-term predictions about quantum computing may be overhyped, the long-term results could be game-changing. Growing global interest from diverse sectors ensures significant capital commitment and paves the way for extraordinary practical innovations in the years to come.

For quantum computers to reach their full potential, the development of error-correcting qubits is crucial. Current quantum processors typically require a significant number of standard qubits to achieve a single error-correcting qubit. However, there is optimism that this problem will be resolved in the next few years.

Quantum computing promises to transform our world by providing unprecedented computing power and revolutionizing various industries and sectors. Although challenges remain, continued progress in quantum technology shows that breakthroughs can happen at any time. As we harness the potential of quantum computing, it will likely have the most impact of all pioneering technologies, driving significant advances in our society.

Daniel Doll-Steinberg is the co-founder of EdenBase.