Computers do not exist in a vacuum. They solve problems, and problems which they solve, are determined solely by the hardware. The graphics processors process the image; the processor artificial intelligence provides algorithms AI, quantum computers, intended to… what?
While the power of quantum computing is impressive, it does not mean that existing software just works a billion times faster. Rather, quantum computers also have a certain type of problems, some of which they well decide, some don’t. Below you will find the main applications in which quantum computers will have to shoot your best, when it becomes commercially feasible.
Artificial intelligence
The main application of quantum computing is artificial intelligence. AI is based on the learning principles of the learning experience, becoming more precise through use of feedback, until finally it acquires “intelligence” and let the computer. That is, self-study solving problems of a certain type.
This feedback depends on the calculation of the probability for many possible outcomes, and quantum computing are perfect for this kind of operation. Artificial intelligence, backed up by quantum computers will revolutionize every industry, from cars to medicine, and say that AI will be for the twenty-first century what electricity was for the twentieth.
For example, Lockheed Martin plans to use its quantum computer D-Wave to test the software for the autopilot, which is too complex for classical computers, and Google uses a quantum computer to design software that can distinguish cars from the road signs. We have reached the point beyond which the AI creates more AI, and his strength and size will only grow.
Molecular modeling
Another example is provided by accurate modeling of molecular interactions, the search for optimal configurations for chemical reactions. This “quantum chemistry” is so complex that with the help of modern digital computers can perform only the simplest molecules.
Chemical reactions are quantum in nature, as form a highly entangled quantum state of superposition. But a fully developed quantum computers will be able to calculate even complex processes.
Google already makes inroads in this area by modeling the energy of the hydrogen molecules. The result is a more efficient products, from solar panels to pharmaceuticals, particularly fertilizer, since fertilizer accounts for up to 2% of global energy consumption, the implications for energy and the environment will be enormous.
Cryptography
A large part of the systems of cyber security relies on the difficulty of factoring large numbers on a simple. Although digital computers, which calculate every possible factor that can handle, for a long period of time required for “breaking the code”, results in a high cost and impracticality.
Quantum computers can produce such a factoring is exponentially more efficient digital computers making the modern methods of protection obsolete. Developed new methods of cryptography, which, however, require time: in August 2015, the NSA started to collect a list of resistant to quantum computing cryptographic methods that could resist quantum computers, and in April 2016 the national Institute of standards and technology started a public evaluation process that will last four to six years.
In development are also promising methods of quantum encryption, which uses one-sided nature of quantum entanglement. Network within the city has already demonstrated its efficiency in several countries, and Chinese scientists recently explained that successfully transmitted entangled photons of the orbital “quantum” of the satellite in three separate base stations on the Ground.
Financial modeling
Modern markets are among the most complex systems in principle. Although we have developed many scientific and mathematical tools to work with them, they still lack the conditions that can boast of other scientific disciplines: there is no controlled environment in which to conduct experiments.
To solve this problem, investors and analysts have turned to quantum computing. The immediate advantage is that the randomness inherent in quantum computers, congruent stochastic nature of financial markets. Investors often want to estimate the distribution of results in a very large number of scenarios is randomly generated.
Another advantage offered by quantum computers is that financial transactions like arbitration sometimes may require many sequential steps, and the number of possibilities they render much faster than allowed for conventional digital computer.
Weather forecasting
Main saves NOAA Rodney Weyer claims that almost 30% of the US GDP ($6 trillion) is directly or indirectly dependent on weather conditions affecting food production, transport and retail, among others. The ability to better predict the weather will have a huge advantage for many areas, not to mention the extra time it will take to recover from natural disasters.
Although scientists have long puzzled over the processes posodobitve, the equations behind them, include many variables, greatly complicating the classical simulation. As noted by quantum researcher Seth Lloyd, “use a classical computer for this analysis will take so much time that the weather has time to change.” So Lloyd and his colleagues at MIT showed that the equations governing the weather, have a hidden wave nature, which completely resolved with the use of a quantum computer.
Hartmut Neven, Director of engineering at Google noted that quantum computers can also help in the development of better climate models that could give us a better understanding of how people affect the environment. Based on these models we build our understanding of future warming, and they help us to define the steps that are required for disaster prevention.
Particle physics
Oddly enough, in-depth study of physics with the use of quantum computers can lead to… the study of new physics. Model of particle physics are often extremely complex, require extensive solutions and uses a lot of computing time for numerical simulation. They are ideal for quantum computers, scientists now have my eyes on them.
Scientists at the University of Innsbruck and Institute for quantum optics and quantum information (IQOQI) have recently used a programmable quantum system for such manipulations with models. To do this, they took the simplest version of a quantum computer, in which ions produce logical operations, the basic steps in any computer calculation. The simulation showed excellent agreement with real world described by physics experiments.
“The two approaches perfectly complement each other,” says physicist Peter Zoller. “We can’t replace experiments conducted by particle accelerators. But developing quantum simulation, we may one day better understand these experiments.”
Now investors are trying to infiltrate the ecosystem, quantum computing, and not only in the computer industry: banks, aerospace companies, cybersecurity is all they come to the crest of the computing revolution.
While quantum computing is already having an effect on the fields above, this list is not exhaustive in any case, and this is the most interesting. As with all new technologies in the future will appear completely unimaginable applications, in time with the development hardware.
Six examples where quantum computers will help us a lot
Ilya Hel