Understanding Quantum Computers Made Easy: 8 Key Questions and Answers for Beginners

Understanding Quantum Computers Made Easy: 8 Key Questions and Answers for Beginners

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Have you heard the term ‘quantum computer’ a lot in the news or science articles these days?
But many people ask, “What on earth is a quantum computer?” and “What are qubits and how are they different from conventional computers?”

In this article, I will explain quantum computers step by step, very slowly and in detail.
Don't worry, follow along as we cover everything from the essentials you need to know to the latest technology trends, all while explaining even the technical terms in an easy-to-understand manner!

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1. What is a quantum computer?

A typical computer, like the laptops and smartphones we use, uses bits that represent only one of two states: '0' or '1'.
These bits come together to perform complex calculations and processing.

 

But quantum computers Qubit (quantum bit)) Use this.
Qubit is A curious state where one can have both 0 and 1 at the same timeYes!

Why are qubits special?

The reason why quantum computers are powerful is because of this ‘simultaneity’.
While existing computers can only calculate one of '0' or '1',
Quantum computers can perform massive calculations in parallel because qubits can represent multiple states simultaneously.

Do you find it difficult to understand? Don't worry! I will explain it to you using a familiar situation around us. Below, you can easily feel the amazing power of quantum computers!

The Amazing Power of Quantum Computers, Made Easy to Understand (Three Examples)

1. Maze game

• General computer: Imagine trying to find the exit in a maze. A normal computer would do it in one go. Just follow one path Find the exit. When you reach a dead end, you have to go back and try another way. It can take a long time.
• Quantum Computer: Quantum computers are different. The maze Explore all paths at onceYou can do it. It's like trying all the paths at the same time! So you can find the exit much faster.

2. Find a book on the bookshelf

• General computer: Imagine looking for a specific book in a very large library shelf. A regular computer would find the book. Let's look at each book in order Find the book you want. You may have to read it from the first page to the last.
• Quantum Computer: A quantum computer is like an entire bookshelf. As if at a glance You can check all the books at once, so you can find the one you want almost instantly. Can you feel the difference in speed?

3. Unlock the lock password

• General computer: Let's say you want to unlock a lock with a four-digit password. A normal computer uses '0000', '0001', '0002', etc. Enter all possible passwords one by oneFind the answer by trying. Try every possible case one by one.
• Quantum Computer: Quantum computers are the lock Try all password combinations simultaneouslyIt can be done. It's like trying to put a bunch of keys into a hole at once! So it has the potential to find the right password in a much shorter amount of time.

So, now you have a little idea why quantum computers are so powerful? Because of these amazing capabilities, quantum computers are expected to bring about revolutionary changes in various fields such as medicine, materials science, and finance in the future.

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2. Why Qubits Are Possible: Quantum Superposition and Entanglement

This is the core of quantum physics, and even though it may seem difficult, I will explain it simply!

Quantum Superposition

• Normally when you throw a ball, the ball is either “in the air” or “on the ground,” right?

• But in the quantum world, very small particles (such as electrons and photons) can exist in multiple states at the same time, meaning they can be 'in the air and off the ground at the same time'!

Quantum Entanglement

• This is a phenomenon in which two or more qubits are tied together with a special link, so that when the state of one qubit changes, the other qubits are immediately affected.

• Even though they are far apart, they act as if they are 'telepathic'.

• This entanglement allows qubits to cooperate with each other to quickly solve complex problems.

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3. How are they made? — Various ways to implement qubits

A qubit is said to be the 'minimum unit that expresses a state', and how to create this qubit in reality is the key to developing a quantum computer.

Let's take a look at some representative qubit implementation methods:

3-1. Superconducting qubits

• It uses a special material called a superconductor.

• Superconductors are materials that enable 'electrical flow without resistance', but to maintain this state, extremely low temperatures, close to absolute zero (about -273 degrees Celsius) are required.

• Google, IBM, and others are using this technology as their main products.

3-2. Trapped ion qubits

• Ions (particles that have lost or gained electrons from atoms) are trapped by electromagnetic fields and used as qubits.

• We manipulate and measure the state of these ions using lasers.

• It's very precise, but the equipment is large and complex.

3-3. Photonic qubits

• We use photons, particles of light, as qubits.

• Its advantages include being able to operate at room temperature and fast information transfer.

• It's still in the research phase, but it's a promising approach for the future.

3-4. Other methods

• semiconductor quantum dots, Nuclear magnetic resonance (NMR) Various studies are being conducted on this method.

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4. How to make it work?

Creating a qubit isn't the end!

• Cryogenic Cooling: Superconducting qubits only operate at very low temperatures.

• Precision control device: Qubits need to be delicately manipulated using lasers, electromagnetic fields, microwaves, etc.

• Error correction: Quantum states are very unstable and easily broken, so we need technology to compensate for this.

 

 

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5. Differences between quantum computers and conventional computers

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6. Changes it will bring to our lives

When quantum computers become commercially available…

• Decryption: It could completely change the way we secure the Internet today.

• New drug development: The development of new drugs will be accelerated by accurately calculating molecular structures.

• Logistics Optimization: Innovating logistics and transportation systems by accelerating complex route calculations.

• Artificial Intelligence: Potential to make machine learning and deep learning faster and more efficient.
  If you would like to know more about the changes it will bring to our lives, Click

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7. How far has technology come?

• Google declared “quantum supremacy” in 2019, meaning that its computer outperformed conventional supercomputers in certain calculations.

• IBM, Intel, and Microsoft are also steadily improving the performance of their quantum computers.

• However, it is not yet at a level where it can be applied directly to real life, and research is continuing to improve the technological perfection and stability.

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8. When will it be available?

Experts predict that it will be commercialized within 10 to 20 years.
However, it may take more time to become fully commercialized, especially for easy use in our daily lives.

8-1. What does an individual have right now?

Current quantum computers require enormous equipment and environments.

• Cryogenic cooling unit (maintains temperatures close to several hundred degrees below zero)

• Precise vacuum condition

• Complex control equipment and software
  It's virtually impossible to keep these things at home and use them.

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8-2. What will it look like in the future?

(1) Cloud-based quantum computing service

The most realistic vision of the future is not 'having a machine in my hand',
Connect to a quantum computer via the Internet and use itIt has the form .
For example, companies like IBM, Google, and Microsoft are already offering quantum computers in the cloud, right?
This is much cheaper and more accessible, so individuals can use it whenever they need to do specific calculations or research.

(2) Portable quantum computer?

In the distant future, thanks to technological advancements, we will not have as large equipment as we do now.
Quantum computers could be quite small and portable.

• New Cooling Techniques Developed to Maintain Superconducting Qubits

• Advances in nanotechnology and materials science

• Overcoming the stability and error correction of qubits
  Once this is complete, it's no longer a dream to have a quantum computer that you can carry around like a laptop.

However, this is still in the early stages of research, so it may take 20 to 30 years or more.

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8-3. What if it gets smaller for personal use?

• Super fast problem solving: Today, complex problems that would take years for even a supercomputer to solve could be solved instantly with a personal quantum computer.

• Personalized drug development, AI development, and cryptography Nowadays, individuals can easily do the work that companies and research institutes do.

• Innovation in education and creation: Students and artists will also be able to work creatively in new ways.

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In closing: The future of personal and quantum computing

It is not yet the time for individuals to own quantum computers. The equipment is large and complex, making it difficult to use in a typical home. However, just as AI is permeating every aspect of our lives, quantum computers are a technology that will soon bring about major changes.

Companies like IBM and Google have already opened the door to providing quantum computing through the cloud, making it easily accessible to everyone, and as technology advances in the future, it is highly likely that portable personal quantum computers will be released. Just as AI has revolutionized our lives, quantum computers are also attracting attention as a future technology that will create synergy with AI in complex problem solving, new drug development, and advanced data analysis.

In other words, just like AI today, quantum computers will become a part of our daily lives in the distant future, and now is the time to take the first step.