Have you ever waited anxiously for your computer or calculator to compute a multidimensional, highly constrained, mathematical function? Have you ever felt a need to quickly find the optimal solution set for a multiple variable problem? Or have you ever pondered how future of computer processors will affect artificial intelligence and biomedical studies? If so, it might be time to familiarize yourself with the concept of Quantum Computing.
Briefly, quantum computers are designed around the concepts of quantum mechanics. While the basis of traditional computers is the bit, which can only occupy one of two states: on or off. Quantum computers are built around the qubit (quantum bit), which, in the most simple terms, is capable of occupying multiple states at the same time, when necessary–being both on and off (zero and one) simultaneously. Whereas traditional computers would have to manipulate its bits to achieve the desired result, quantum computers must manipulate its qubits. Now what does this all mean, you ask?
Basically (I’ll spare you the boring and complex details), the concept of quantum computing radically differs from that of traditional computing; the potential computing power available through the use of qubits is absolutely astonishing and its potential uses are virtually limitless. Qubits can handle much larger and complex calculations in comparison to traditional computers due to the fact that each qubit isn’t restrained to occupying only one state at any given time. For example, the factorization of massive integers (the product of two 300+ digit prime numbers) is a very arduous task for traditional computers. Not only would this computation be very unfeasible, but it would also take an exhausting amount of time. Quantum computers, on the other hand, would be able to factor the number in record time (provided there are sufficient qubits). In the end, the processing power of a quantum computer is distinctly associated with the number of qubits it possesses. Disregarding current bottlenecks associated with the architecture and implementation of qubits, a 512-qubit system is much more powerful than a 16-qubit system. Yet, quantum computing is still in its infancy and even though it could easily be considered the next "wave" of computing, it will be a while before we will begin seeing mainstream usage of quantum computers.
Generation One: Orion
D-Wave Systems Inc., a Vancouver based technology company, is leading the quantum computing revolution and just last week, D-Wave unveiled its first 16-qubit quantum computer to the public. Their demonstration of what they consider to be "the first commercially available quantum computer" was met with mixed feelings; some were extremely interested by D-Wave’s seemingly successful construction of a quantum computer, while others remained skeptical about the entire technology and its current state of maturity. Although their 16-qubit system, in many ways, was still a bit slower than some of today’s most powerful digital processors, D-Wave has made a stunning breakthrough in the field of quantum computers. The public’s interest in quantum computing has been aroused and it’s apparent that advances in the maturity of quantum computing are just around the bend.
D-Wave’s 16-qubit quantum computer, called Orion, is rather unique. To operate optimally, it’s components must to cooled to nearly absolute zero, a temperature at which one has the ability to control the shape of atomic particles and manipulate the qubits into the most optimal arrangement for the problem to be solved. Quantum computers that are designed to tackle one massive problem at a time, like Orion, are called adiabatic quantum computers. Adiabatic quantum computers may one day revolutionize calculations and studies such as protein folding, structural optimizations, and more. Even though the computing prowess of quantum computers has yet to be fully examined (the surface has barely even been scratched), Orion has not only demonstrated that quantum computing is a reality, but it has also distinctly demonstrated which areas of quantum computing design would benefit from drastic improvements.
At the moment, one of the largest bottlenecks in the realm of quantum computing is the act of arranging the qubits. Orion’s 16 qubits are arranged in a 4 x 4 grid, such that each qubit is coupled with its adjoining qubits. This architecture is significantly less efficient than if the qubits were more greatly entangled. Furthermore, increasing the numbers of qubits would increase the computing power exponentially. D-Wave executives addressed these issues and stated that after considerable redesign, it is possible that they will have 512 and 1,024-qubit systems functioning over the next couple years. The potential of systems with millions of qubits–while it seems rather far fetched–might become a reality in the not too distant future as well. We are sure to see impressive demonstrations of quantum computers over the next few years while the technology begins to creep out of its early stages of development.
Despite the fact that D-Wave’s quantum computer was less powerful than some of today’s traditional computers, they proceeded to demonstrate that Orion is a fully functional quantum computer. By accessing Orion remotely, D-Wave representatives challenged the system with three unique calculations: searching a pharmaceutical database to determine the closest match to a specific molecule, finding the optimal seating arrangement for guests to a wedding, and lastly, solving a series of Sudoku puzzles. Orion completed each calculation with relative ease, demonstrating its potential to solve complicated and constrained problems, as well as its ability to optimize complex systems. The results of each challenge were sent from Orion, which was stationed in Vancouver, to D-Wave’s laptop in California, where the demonstration was held. Similarly, D-Wave officials have stated that at some point in 2008, the public will be able to remotely access one of their quantum computers over the Internet.
It is apparent that D-Wave is riding the next "wave" of computing. Their massive quantum computing breakthrough will lay the stepping stones for future advancements in the field–Orion is just the beginning and in a few short years, it is quite possible that quantum computers with thousands of qubits will be assisting with scientific studies, cryptography, and more.
In My Opinion
In all honesty, I am astonished by the concepts of quantum computing. I don’t fully understand the technology behind quantum computing, but I’m very impressed with what D-Wave Systems has produced. As with all technology, I expect to see massive improvements over the next few years and I can’t wait to see what the future of quantum computing holds. Whether it be 512-qubit systems that are capable of assisting with advanced biomedical studies or 1024-qubit systems that are capable of cracking complex passwords in mere minutes, I am positive that Orion is just the beginning of quantum computing.
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