Quantum computing

22 Dec 2022 Quantum computing

Significance for Prelims: Quantum Supremacy; ‘Post-quantum cryptography; Conventional computing. 

Significance For Mains: Not Much 

News: Google researchers have achieved ‘quantum supremacy’, in which a standard computer did a far better job than the world’s most powerful supercomputer by harnessing the properties of sub-atomic particles. Google’s quantum computer produced an answer to the task of finding a pattern in a seemingly random series of numbers. In 3 minutes and 20 seconds earlier it was estimated that the supercomputer at the Oak Ridge National Laboratory in Tennessee would take 10,000 years to complete the same task.
About Quantum supremacy:

• In simple terms, supremacy solves a computing task that a conventional computer would struggle to or never complete.
• Quantum supremacy is known as the achievement of the superior potential of quantum computing in practice effectively superseding existing forms of computing.

Difference between quantum computing and conventional computing:

• The basis of calculations in Conventional computers is ‘bits’ or ones and zeroes.  These bits represent ‘yes’ and ‘no’, or ‘on’ and ‘off’; a combination of bits can handle logical tasks. 
• Quantum computing, using the property of sub-atomic particles, simultaneously exists in different states.  Hence, a quantum bit or qubit can be both one and zero at the same time, and this is known as superposition.
• Quantum computers need to work with classical computers in the real world to use their respective strengths.

Reasons for the powers of Quantum Computers: 

• ‘Entangled’ property of sub-atomic particles makes quantum computers so powerful. This property of sub-atomic particles influences each other’s behaviour.
• When entanglement is combined with superposition, that leads to exponential computing power increases after adding each qubit. 
• The Sycamore processor designed by Google had 54 qubits arranged in a two-dimensional grid. But only 53 could be made to work, which is enough to produce a successful result.
• Google has solved the problem associated with working quantum computing with high fidelity or accuracy. 

Challenges of making  quantum computing work:

• Chances of errors in the calculations made by a quantum computer: The qubits need to be cooled to just above absolute zero to reduce ‘noise’ – or vibration.

Critics of google’s achievements in quantum computing:

• Critics say that Google is hyping its achievement in Quantum computing and creating the misleading impression that all conventional computers will become obsolete. 
• Google’s random problem can also be solved by adding disk storage to the IBM’s Summit supercomputer, that could have solved that problem with greater accuracy in at most two-and-a-half days.
• There was scepticism that Google has only solved a very narrow task, and quantum computing is still needs to go a long way for practical use. 

Potential uses for quantum computing:

• It is used in machine learning, materials science and chemistry.
• Cryptographers are already preparing quantum computers for cracking the codes. 
• It can be used to secure online access to bank accounts. ‘Post-quantum cryptography’ is already here even before wide use of  quantum computing. 

Future Prospects of Quantum Computing:

• With its close rival IBM, Google is staking a claim to leadership in the ‘quantum supremacy’. 
• With growing applied research and startups, it may be possible to hook quantum computers to a cloud server for research work.
• New trade and technology cold war between the United States and China due to heavy Investment by China in fields such as artificial intelligence and backing quantum computing.

Prelims:

Q. Consider the following statements:

1. The basis of calculations in Conventional computers is ‘bits’ or ones and zeroes.
2. Quantum computing use the property of sub-atomic particles that simultaneously exist in different states. 

Select the correct answer using the code given below:

(a) 1 only

(b) 2 only 

(c) Both 1 and 2 

(d) Neither 1 nor 2 

Source: The Hindu

Article: What are quantum computers, and is it time to throw your old PC away?

Article Link: https://www.thehindu.com/sci-tech/technology/what-are-quantum-computers-and-is-it

Yojna IAS Daily current affairs eng med 22nd Dec

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