Computers have become an indispensible part of our life. Advancements in the field of technology have led to smaller and more compact computers, while their processing power has increased. However, with parts getting smaller and more compact, quantum physics are making things a bit problematic. Transistors act like switches, either allowing electrons to pass through or blocking their passage. Transistors are already almost as small as atoms. Electrons will eventually be able to transfer themselves to the other side of the blocked passage via a process called quantum tunneling, making transistors useless. Classical computers and the way it works stop making sense in the quantum realm. A possible solution to this problem could be quantum computers, which takes advantage of quantum principles to work. In this paper, an overview of quantum computers, their working principles and the basics of the math behind such computers have been discussed. The future scope of such a computer, problems associated with implementing it as well as the problems to be dealt with in case a scalable quantum computer is built is also provided.
Computers have become an indispensible part of our life. Advancements in the field of technology have led to smaller and more compact computers, while their processing power has increased. However, with parts getting smaller and more compact, quantum physics are making things a bit problematic. Transistors act like switches, either allowing electrons to pass through or blocking their passage. Transistors are already almost as small as atoms. Electrons will eventually be able to transfer themselves to the other side of the blocked passage via a process called quantum tunneling, making transistors useless. Classical computers and the way it works stop making sense in the quantum realm. A possible solution to this problem could be quantum computers, which takes advantage of quantum principles to work. In this paper, an overview of quantum computers, their working principles and the basics of the math behind such computers have been discussed. The future scope of such a computer, problems associated with implementing it as well as the problems to be dealt with in case a scalable quantum computer is built is also provided.
Computers today become faster by becoming smaller. By reducing the size of transistors, engineers are able to fit more of them on a given size microprocessor, thus increasing the processor's computational power. This process cannot continue forever. It has been estimated that sometime within the next two decades, at the current rate, engineers will be faced with the problem of building something that is smaller than an atom. This is as far as our current "classical" computing paradigm will take us. Quantum computing is a potential solution to this problem. This paradigm of computing seeks to directly exploit quantum mechanical phenomena to perform calculations or in some way boost computational efficiency. Some problems can theoretically be solved on a quantum computer exponentially faster than on a classical computer. An overview of the subject is provided here with emphasis on quantum information processing and physical realizations of a quantum computer. Included is a brief history of the subject, a discussion of quantum computing notions such as parallelism and entanglement and their use in quantum algorithms, and conjecture on the prospects and pitfalls of this theory.
Quantum computing is necessary to be described as a powerful tool is the new generation of computational power that works based on the principles of quantum mechanics, allowing the solving of problems that are intractable for classical computers. Due to the utilization of such phenomena as superposition, quantum entanglement and quantum interference, quantum computers are said to be able to solve problems in such areas as cryptography, artificial intelligence, optimization problems and material sciences, among others. This paper attempts to examine the basic concepts of quantum computing while focusing on their different aspects and their potential impacts. This study its experience and potential in its current form and in future applications through examples, illustrations, and theoretical discussion. Specific problems, including error correction, hardware scalability, and requirements for resources to address, make the paper a comprehensive overview of the quantum computing potential and weaknesses. Moving towards practical examples, the discussion covers all aspects of the book, providing readers with a holistic understanding of how quantum computing is going to change technological paradigms in the forthcoming decades.
Quantum computing is the area of study focused on developing computer technology based on the principles of quantum theory. The quantum computer, following the laws of quantum physics, would gain enormous processing power through the ability to be in multiple states and to perform tasks using all possible permutations simultaneously. Classical computing relies, at its ultimate level, on principles expressed by Boolean algebra. Data must be processed in an exclusive binary state at any point in time or bits. While the time that each transistor or capacitor needs to be either in 0 or 1 before switching states is now measurable in billionths of a second, there is still a limit as to how quickly these devices can be made to switch state. As the authors progress to smaller and faster circuits, they begin to reach the physical limits of materials and the threshold for classical laws of physics to apply. Beyond this, the quantum world takes over.
Over the last three decades computers have become exceptionally compact and faster. Now that we have reached the fifth generation of computers which include concepts of artificial intelligence, what’s next? There is a lot of fuss about quantum computers being a strong contender for the next generation of computing. Recently we heard stories about small scale quantum computers being built by technology giants like IBM and Google and also an instance of quantum supremacy.
One of the key features of quantum computing is its core concept, leveraging the principles of quantum mechanics, which we have avoided with our classic computers. Quantum computers are the first ones to deviate from the basic concept of bits. To understand this difference in the fundamental concepts, we start with basic building blocks in conventional computers, bits and draw contrasts with those in quantum computers. Further explore how rudimentary operations are performed in both machines by comparing addition operations of 2 and 3 bits. Followed by a brief detail on current research on quantum computers and claims on their supremacy over current machines. Then we elaborate on the world of new possibilities and unsolvable problems quantum computers have the ability to tackle.
This paper aims at giving a gist of quantum computing to beginners, starting with fundamentals to current research by identifying stark contrasts with conventional machines. It also explores the need of new computation powers and why we have reached almost the tail end of processing power of classical computers.
Abstract: Quantum computing is a modern calculation method that is based on the science of quantum mechanics. These phenomena include the bizarre behavior of particles at the atomic and subatomic levels, and the way that these particles can be in multiple states simultaneously. The field of computer science is a great mix of physics, math, and information theory. This technology provides high computing power, low power consumption, and exponential speed by controlling the behavior of small physical objects, such as atoms. Atoms, electrons, photons, etc. are all elements of the physical world. We would like to introduce the basics of quantum computing, and some of the ideas behind it. This article begins with the origins of the classical computer and discusses all the improvements and transformations that have been made due to its limitations thus far, then moves on to the basic operations of quantum computing and results in quantum properties such as superposition, entanglement, and interference.
The first computer originated as an ordinary calculator in 19th century. Subsequently, the rapid evolution of computers began. The massive amount of processing power generated by computer manufacturers has always failed to quench the thirst for speed and computing capacity. If, as Moore's Law states, the number of transistors on a microprocessor continues to double every 18 months, then soon we will find the circuits on a microprocessor being measured on an atomic scale. Today's advanced lithographic techniques can squeeze fraction of micron wide logic gates and wires onto the surface of silicon chips. Thus it can be seen that very soon we will be facing the need to create quantum computers which can harness the power of atoms and molecules to perform memory and processing tasks. Quantum computers have the potential to perform calculations a billion times faster than any silicon-based computer. Also, theories suggest that every physical object, even the universe, is in some sense a quantum computer. If this is the case, then according to Turing's work which says that all computers are functionally equivalent; computers should be able to model every physical process. Scientists have already built basic quantum computers that can perform certain calculations; but a practical quantum computer is still years away. In this paper, we will be discussing about the history, development and the future scope of quantum computing. The pros and cons of this future technology have also been compared and our analysis has been put forth.