Science has always been fascinated by the invisible forces of the universe. So much so that the attempts to explain the inner mechanics of our (and other) worlds started at the beginning of civilization. Quantum mechanics is a revolutionary scientific paradigm whose principles were established between 1900 and 1930s, throughout the events of World War I. One century and twenty years later, we are starting to see the incredible applications that quantum mechanics could bring to our technology and the possibilities for the future. Let’s explore them together in this article.
What is quantum mechanics?
Quantum mechanics can be explained as a series of pivotal discoveries that revolutionized the field of physics and challenged classical mechanics. These critical moments in history are known as “the first quantic revolution.”
In 1900, German physicist Max Planck introduced the concept of quantized energy levels to explain blackbody radiation, a phenomenon that classical physics could not explain. He proposed that energy is emitted in discrete units, known as “quanta,” which laid the groundwork for quantum theory. This revolutionary idea marked the beginning of the quantum era. In 1905, Albert Einstein built on Planck’s work by explaining the photoelectric effect, a discovery that ultimately earned him the Nobel Prize.
In 1913, Danish physicist Niels Bohr developed a model that integrated quantum principles. His theory became the foundation for significant advancements in quantum theory. He made Werner Heisenberg’s Uncertainty Principle, Schrödinger’s Wave Equation, Quantum Entanglement, and the Einstein-Podolsky-Rosen (EPR) Paradox possible.
These discoveries created a new scientific framework for describing atomic and subatomic processes. They were the basis for quantum chemistry, solid-state physics, and many other fields.
Since then, quantum science has evolved through the “second quantum revolution,” which began in the late 20th century. This revolution led to practical applications such as quantum computing, cryptography, and teleportation. Quantum science continues to advance, with researchers seeking to develop more sophisticated technologies and understand the universe at a fundamental level.
What is quantum computing?
Quantum computing uses principles from quantum mechanics to perform calculations much faster than classical computers. Traditional computers use bits as the smallest unit of data. Bits can be either in the 0 or 1 state. Quantum computers, however, use quantum bits or qubits. Qubits can exist in multiple states simultaneously due to a phenomenon called superposition. They also leverage entanglement, where qubits become interconnected even if they are physically separated. These principles enable quantum computers to handle vast amounts of information and perform complex calculations at impossible speeds for classical computers.
Stepping stones toward quantum computing
The development of the first quantum computer was a gradual process with a series of significant milestones. In 1994, mathematician Peter Shor developed an algorithm showing that a quantum computer could factorize large numbers exponentially faster than classical computers. This discovery gave quantum computing a practical focus and highlighted its potential to break widely used encryption methods. In 1998, the Los Alamos National Laboratory and MIT developed a 2-qubit quantum computer. The same year IBM and Stanford did the same. Between 2007 and 2016, Canadian company D-Wave Systems and IBM Quantum Experience developed the first scalable quantum computers. In 2019, Google claimed to have achieved quantum supremacy with their 53-qubit Sycamore processor. Sycamore completed a calculation in 200 seconds. A classical supercomputer would have taken thousands of years instead.
Applications of quantum computing
Quantum computing is exceptionally appealing when big data is under-analyzed due to a lack of time and technological capabilities. Below are some of the most relevant examples of its possible applications.
Cryptography
Quantum computing poses a risk to current encryption methods. Algorithms like Shor’s can theoretically break widely used cryptographic systems (such as RSA) by factoring large numbers much faster than classical methods. However, quantum-safe cryptography is also being developed to secure data against future quantum threats.
Optimization problems
Many industries, such as logistics, manufacturing, and finance, face complex optimization problems: finding the most efficient way to allocate resources or reduce costs. Quantum algorithms, such as the Quantum Approximate Optimization Algorithm (QAOA), can handle large datasets with more complex interdependencies than classical systems, leading to faster, more efficient solutions.
Drug discovery and material science
Quantum computers can simulate molecular interactions at a quantum level, which classical computers struggle with. This can lead to faster drug discovery, improved chemical processes, and new materials with desirable properties (like superconductors).
Artificial Intelligence and Machine Learning
Quantum computing can enhance machine learning algorithms, especially for tasks involving large datasets and complex patterns. By speeding up the linear algebra operations fundamental to many machine learning algorithms, quantum machine learning can lead to faster training times and better model accuracy.
Climate modelling and weather forecasting
Quantum computers can simulate complex systems with many interdependent variables. This ability can revolutionize climate modelling by providing more accurate predictions and insights into climate change’s impact, helping guide policy decisions.
Financial modelling
In finance, quantum computing can be applied to optimize trading strategies, risk assessment, and fraud detection. Financial models that involve large-scale simulations, like Monte Carlo simulations, can be sped up significantly by quantum algorithms.
Healthcare
Quantum computing can help improve diagnostics, personalize treatment plans, and enhance genetic research. For example, it could help identify patterns in genetic data linked to specific diseases or conditions and optimize treatment plans tailored to an individual’s unique biology.
Quantum physics research
Quantum computers can simulate quantum systems, which classical computers can’t do efficiently. This allows scientists to study quantum phenomena more deeply and develop new theories in quantum mechanics.
Current limitations of quantum computing
Quantum computing is still in its early stages and faces challenges like error rates, stability (decoherence), and scalability. Current quantum computers, known as noisy intermediate-scale quantum (NISQ) systems, are limited in the number of qubits and are prone to errors. However, advancements are progressing rapidly. Overcoming these challenges could make quantum computing a mainstream tool in sectors that require intensive computational power.
The race to quantum computing
Quantum computing is a global race involving leading technology companies, research institutions, and government agencies.
Among the leading programs are IBM Quantum Experience, Google’s Sycamore quantum processor and its open-source Cirq framework, Microsoft’s Azure Quantum, Amazon’s Braket, Intel’s silicon-based qubit, and D-Wave’s quantum annealing approach.
In the public sector, the U.S. government has prioritized quantum computing through the National Quantum Initiative Act, involving agencies like the DOE, NIST, and NASA. China has built a secure quantum communication network using the Micius Quantum Science Satellite (QSS). The European Union has adopted a 10-year Quantum Flagship program. Canada is also a strong player in quantum research, with the University of Waterloo’s Institute for Quantum Computing (IQC) and D-Wave Systems.
Studying and Working in quantum computing
Quantum computing’s practical applications are just around the corner. However, it’s already possible to study in the field at universities with solid quantum computing programs, such as the Massachusetts Institute of Technology (MIT), the University of Waterloo in Canada, CalTech, Oxford University, Harvard, and Stanford.
Specialized startups in quantum computing are also appearing worldwide. Rigetti Computers, IonQ, PsiQuantum, and Xanadu are examples of companies known for their work in the field.
A look into the future: the 2045 initiative
We have discussed North America, Europe, and China. If you feel a big country is missing the quantum party, that’s right. What about Russia?
Russia is also interested in quantum computing as the enabling technology for its 2045 initiative. This is the most visionary and futuristic program of all. The 2045 initiative is a Russian project launched in 2011 by entrepreneur Dmitry Itskov with the ambitious goal of advancing humanity through cutting-edge technology to achieve digital immortality. The project envisions a future where human consciousness could be transferred to non-biological carriers, allowing people to “live” in digital forms. The initiative relies on various advanced technologies, including quantum computing, artificial intelligence, and neuroscience.
While the 2045 Initiative is privately led, the Russian government has allocated funding for quantum research, aiming to position Russia as a leader in the global quantum race.
Science fiction and the TV industry have already fantasized about a future in which humanity, AI, and machines are one. However, whether you find it exhilarating or terrifying, the 2045 initiative gives us a glimpse of what a very near future could be with the help of quantum science.
What do you think? Share your thoughts in the comments!
