Introduction to Quantum Computing and Quantum Supremacy

Quantum computing is a fascinating and rapidly evolving field that holds the potential to revolutionize many fields of science and technology. It will change everything, the economy, transform medicine, break encryption, how to solve problems, the way we interact with the universe, and revolutionize communication and artificial intelligence. That's why many companies like Google, IBM, and Microsoft are racing to build reliable quantum computers. 

Quantum computers can crack almost any code that is based on digital technology. Anyone concerned with security is interested in quantum computers. That's why the CIA, the FBI, and all national governments are following this very closely. 

What is quantum computing? 

Let's start with the basics. 

An ordinary digital computer chip comprises millions or billions of tiny transistors using bits. These are like switches, that can either be in the off position represented by a zero (0) or in the one position represented by a one (1). The photograph you take and the website you visit are ultimately made up of millions of these bits in some combination of zeroes and ones. This works great for most things, but it doesn't reflect how the universe actually works. In nature, things are not just on or off. They are uncertain and act like waves. If we need to better way to of making calculations that can handle uncertainty that's where quantum computers come in. Quantum computers use the spin of quantum particles as bits called quantum bits generally known as qubits. One qubit represents all the possibilities of an object spinning between up and down. Quantum particles can be in more than one state at the same time. For example, an electron can spin up or down, or both up and down simultaneously. That's why qubits, are like magical bits that can be 0, 1, or both at the same time.

Imagine if you could be in two places at once or do two things at the same time – that's what qubits can do, thanks to a special property called superposition. This superpower allows quantum computers to consider many possibilities simultaneously, making them incredibly powerful and parallel computations that are impossible for classical computers.

Another cool thing about quantum computing is entanglement. It's like having a special connection between qubits, where the state of one instantly affects the state of another, no matter how far apart they are. This teamwork between qubits allows quantum computers to solve problems much faster than regular computers.

How does quantum computing work?

Quantum computing works by applying quantum logic gates, which are the building blocks of quantum algorithms, to qubits. Quantum logic gates are operations that manipulate the states of qubits, such as flipping, rotating, or swapping them. These logic gates can also create and control entanglement between qubits, and measure their outcome.

How to get started with quantum computing?

Quantum computing is a challenging field that requires a solid background in mathematics, physics, and computer science. There are many tools and resources available for beginners to learn quantum computing.

Quantum computing I Udemy: This is a free online course that introduces the basics of quantum computing, and how to use Qiskit, an open-source framework for quantum programming. In this course, you will learn how to create quantum algorithms.

IBM Quantum Learning: This is a platform that offers free tutorials, courses, and resources on quantum computing. This covers such as quantum cryptography, quantum algorithms, and quantum hardware. You can also access IBM quantum services and systems and run quantum circuits on real or simulated quantum computers.

An Introduction to Quantum Computing for Non-Physicist-arXiv.org: Imagine sitting down with a friend who wants to understand quantum computing but isn't into heavy math or physics. This paper is like that friendly chat. It breaks down the basics of quantum computing in simple, everyday language, showing how it's different from regular computing and why it's so exciting. You'll learn about the cool things quantum computers can do and the hurdles they still need to overcome. It's all about demystifying quantum computing without the complicated jargon!

Quantum Computing for Dummies - IEEE Spectrum: This is an article that provides a simple and accessible introduction to quantum computing and how to use IBM Quantum Experience. This is a cloud-based platform that allows anyone to experiment with quantum computers.

What is the biggest problem facing quantum computing?

The number one problem facing quantum computing is the question of 'decoherence. Everything is based on particles like electrons and electrons have waves associated with them. When these waves are vibrating together, it's called 'coherence,' and then you can do calculations of a quantum mechanical nature. But if you fall out of coherence, then everything vibrates at different frequencies. This is called noise. You have to reduce the temperature down to near absolute zero so everything is pretty much vibrating slowly in unison(together) that's difficult.

Nature solves this problem it creates coherence at room temperature. amazing

Photosynthesis, for example, is a quantum mechanical process.

What can quantum computing do?

Quantum computing unlocks the secret of how to make fertilizer from nitrogen

Quantum computing may be able to create fusion power by stabilizing the super-hot hydrogen inside a fusion reactor.

Diseases like Alzheimer's, Parkinson's, and cancer are beyond the reach of digital computers but quantum computing solves this problem.

With the help of quantum computing we will be able to create a theory of the entire universe, the theory that eluded Einstein.

Quantum computing creates encryption keys that cannot be copied or hacked. They would be completely unbreakable.

When will I get a quantum computer?

Almost anything can knock a qubit out of the delicate state of Superposition. Quantum computers have to be kept isolated from all of the electrical interference and chilled down to absolute zero. That's why you'll probably never have a quantum chip in your smartphone or laptop.

They'll mostly be used by academics and businesses who will probably access them remotely. It's already possible to use IBM'S quantum computer via it's website- you can even play a card game with it.