Quantum Computing - A Revolution in Computing World

Complex or bulky problems can be solved by using either classical computing or Quantum computing, but they both differ fundamentally in their manipulation and processing speed to generate solution for a particular complex problem in their own unique way. In other words, Quantum Computing is a multidisciplinary computational approach that integrates concepts of computer science, physics and mathematics to solve a complex problem or challenge in more efficient manner than a classical computer. To perform complex computations, Quantum Computing uses various concepts of quantum mechanics such as superimposition, interference, entanglement, qubits etc. In classical computing, bits are usually used to perform the calculations.

These bits can take one possible value at a time either zero (OFF) or one (ON). Although, the usage of bits for doing computation is very convenient in nature but the common logic beyond this ON or OFF still remains unsolved. This leads to an uncertainty behind the computational logic of classical computing which is not even solved by many powerful supercomputers yet. This factor of uncertainty came into picture over the last decade when the scientists realized that the physical laws cannot be applied directly to sub-atomic units. In consequence, this resultant computing void can be fulfilled by quantum computing approach only. Based on various laws, quantum mechanics says that the sub-atomic units can present simultaneously at different places and in different states.

The same theory is applied when the quantum computers solve massive and complex problems efficiently in much lesser time as compared to classical computers. Although, Quantum Computing is an emerging technology and still is in its infancy state, lots of inventions and research works are being going on in the same field by popular companies like Google, Microsoft, IBM and D-Wave etc. As per the report, Google launched its first quantum computing machine in October 2019 which can solve a complex problem in 200 seconds and as its counterpart, the world’s fastest classical supercomputer takes 10,000 years to work out for the same challenge. The various complex problems like protein modeling, stock profile management, resource optimization challenges, aerospace issues, cyber security problems, non-linear problem like traffic stability optimization and estimation of probability on moon landing etc. can be easily solved by theory of quantum computing.

The capability of quantum physics empowers quantum computing to solve problems at exponentially higher speed than classical computing with comparatively lesser energy consumption. The robust future directions in quantum computing are creation of efficient financial portfolios for retail and institutional clients, making trading simulators, drug development, creating more robust encryption systems, designing of secure and optimized traffic planning system. In conclusion, we can say that Quantum Computing is the biggest revolution in the field of computing technology which can solve classical unmanageable complex problem in an efficient way.

About the Author:

Dr. Rohit Vashisht, Assistant Professor, Department of CSIT at KIET Group of Institutions, Ghaziabad.

Note: The views expressed in this article are solely author’s own and do not reflect/represent those of Shiksha