Breakthroughs in quantum computing have profound implications for the near future.
Circuitry, complex algorithms, and cutting edge technology- the world of computer science has often been defined by these key facets. Its sheer potential for revolutionary change, coupled with its massive impact on everyday life, has made it a juggernaut on the economic stage. With the advent of new developments in computer science, there is a new factor at play: quantum computing.
Quantum computing is often seen as an enigma by the masses, a byword for the complicated and the strange. Indeed, the applications, and often esoteric knowledge required to work with quantum computing, are quite complicated. The underlying principle behind the technology, however, is quite simple at its core.
Conventional computers operate on a bit system, where each bit is filled by either a one (ON) or zero (OFF). While simple, modern bit computers can execute a plethora of complicated tasks and calculations. A prime example is the modern supercomputer: a device which currently helps fight disease, predict the weather, and more.
Quantum computers, on the other hand, use quantum bits, or qubits. Rather than storing either a one or a zero, a qubit can hold a value equivalent to a mixture of the two simultaneously. This “superposition” capability has manifold implications for the future, with quantum computers potentially able to perform certain computations much faster than supercomputers. However, the main draw of quantum computers is to perform operations on a wider scope than normal bit-based computers, as qubits can store varying states of data: allowing quantum computers to execute tasks that would take modern computers the lifetime of the universe (13.7 billion years) to complete.
Yet quantum computing technology is still under development. There exist a host of issues with developing a fully functional, full-size quantum computer: issues that have not been resolved. Chief among these is the issue around actually constructing qubits for practical use. Unlike normal bits, qubits cannot function with “noise” in the system they operate in: meaning that any errors or interference would result in a faulty output. The inability of qubits to siphon off noise is a direct result of superposition; as there is no either-or relation between values, the system cannot eliminate any noise the way current binary computers do. As more and more qubits are developed, the problem is compounded; even five-qubit systems have been hard pressed to exhibit low error rates.
Nonetheless, quantum computing is progressing. Quantum computers could render classical computers all but void with their capabilities, and tomorrow’s economy will very much be a product of the time’s technology. While no full-size working quantum computer exists, companies like Microsoft have created quantum computing simulations that have revealed profound applications of the technology; it could revolutionize several industries, agriculture being one.
Modern agriculture practices are extremely energy-intensive; 3 percent of the world’s energy is used on fertilizer development alone. Fertilizer, of course, is essential in providing plants with nutrients, especially nitrogen: an integral element in forming proteins, which give a plant its structure and allow it to carry out its various functions. Recent biological research has revealed, however, that certain root-dwelling bacteria fix nitrogen on their own with the help of an enzyme called nitrogenase. While even the most advanced supercomputers of today have been unable to analyze this enzyme, simulations show that a reasonably-sized quantum computer could, potentially saving farmers hundreds of dollars per acre and streamlining the fertilizing process.
Quantum computing is not restricted to the agricultural sector: far from it. Problems such as climate change, where quantum computers would be able to find methods to trap excess carbon emissions or find more sustainable production methods, could be solved. A current NASA project has, in fact, been working on developing a quantum computer capable of accurately monitoring atmospheric fluctuations in carbon dioxide: a concrete step towards combatting climate change.
At its core, a simple concept: in application, a complicated maze of scientific endeavor. The problems quantum computing can solve are head-scratchers today, but will likely be things of the past in years to come. Quantum computing will keep developing, and as it grows, will bring a marked benefit to economies and people the world over.