Quantum computing is a rapidly growing technology that takes
advantage of the laws of quantum mechanics to solve problems that are too
complex for classical computers.
Today, IBM Quantum makes real quantum devices, a tool that
scientists began imagining just three decades ago and is available to hundreds
of thousands of developers. Our engineers introduce increasingly powerful
superconducting quantum processors at regular intervals, along with critical
advances in classical quantum coordination and software. This work leads to the
speed and quantum computing power needed to change the world.
These machines are very different from the classic computers
of over a century ago. Here is an introduction to this transformative
technology. @smarttechpros
Discover IBM Quantum systems
Why do we need quantum computers?
For some issues, supercomputers aren't that great.
When scientists and engineers face challenging problems,
they turn to supercomputers. These are powerful classic computers, often with
thousands of traditional CPU and GPU cores. However, even supercomputers
struggle to solve certain types of problems.
If the supercomputer falters, it may be because the sizeable
classical machine is asked to solve a problem of a high degree of complexity.
When classic computers fail, it's often because of complexity.
Complex problems are problems with many variables
interacting in complex ways. Modelling the behaviour of individual atoms in a
molecule is a complex problem because all the different electrons interact with
each other. Determining optimal routes for a few hundred carriers in a global
shipping network is also complicated.
How do quantum computers work?
Quantum computers are neat machines that are smaller in size
and require less power than supercomputers. The IBM Quantum processor isn't
much more significant than what's in a laptop. A quantum hardware system is
about the size of a car and consists mainly of cooling methods to keep the
superconducting processor at a very cool operating temperature.
A classical processor uses bits to perform its operations. A
quantum computer uses qubits (CUE-bits) to run multidimensional quantum
algorithms.
super fluids
Our quantum processors must be very cold, about one
hundredth of a degree above absolute zero. To achieve this, we use supercooled
fluids to create superconductors. A desktop computer probably uses a fan to
cool it down enough to work.
superconductors
At shallow temperatures, some materials in our processors
exhibit another significant quantum mechanical effect: electrons move through
them without resistance. This makes them "superconductive".
When electrons pass through a superconductor, they pair up,
forming "Cooper pairs". These pairs can carry charge through barriers
or insulators through a process known as quantum tunnelling. Two
superconductors placed on opposite sides of an insulator form a Josephson
junction.
controls
Our quantum computers use Josephson junctions like
superconducting qubits. By firing microwave photons at these qubits, we can
control their behaviour and make them retain, alter and read individual units
of quantum information.
overlap
A qubit by itself is not very useful. But it can pull off
one important trick: put the quantum information it contains into a
superposition, which is the combination of all possible configurations of a
qubit. Nested groups of qubits can create complex, multidimensional
computational spaces. Challenging problems can be represented in new ways in
these spaces.
tangle
Entanglement is a quantum mechanical effect that links the
behaviour of two separate objects. When two qubits become entangled, changes in
one of the qubits directly affect the other. Quantitative algorithms take
advantage of these relationships to find solutions to complex problems. @techgeeksblogger
