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IBM and Google are planning to develop functional quantum computers in the next decade.
Recently, Microsoft has stepped up its efforts to construct functional quantum computers. The idea of designing a computational machine that can potentially be used to handle complex variables has been around since the beginning of the ’80s.
However, at that time the idea of building such a complex machine was not feasible. Traditional computational methods use binary language in order to process information. While traditional computers paint everything in 0 and 1, it has been theorized that quantum computers, which use bits and qubits to process information, cannot distinguish between the two states. This means that the 0 and one states exist simultaneously within the system.
Although this type of system may look that it could outclass even the most powerful supercomputer in the world, it has many limitations. These qubits are in a state of quantum flux, meaning that they are quite fragile and can be offset by any external stimuli.
For instance, according to the existing research papers on quantum computers, the fragile link that binds the qubits can be destabilizing by anything from heat-induced vibrations, waves of light, and cosmic waves.
However, recent research into quantum computing has allowed the scientists to develop ways that can detect these anomalies when they occur and fix them on the go. Should this idea be successfully implemented in practice, in just a few years, we will the first functioning quantum computer.
But what does that mean, exactly? Of course, such a high capacity computational apparatus would not be used (at first) to run generic applications. Instead, this heavyweight computer will be used to predict weather changes or to study molecular interactions.
It would also seem that this project gathered some of the world’s foremost computer scientists. Some of the names include Harry Shaum, Charles Marcus, and Todd Holmdahl. Aided by a team of over 5,000 computer scientists and engineers, the Holy Trinity of Cybernetics and Advanced AI research.
Working under together with Google and IBM, the massive research team will try to develop the first working quantum computer.
Should quantum computers become a reality, then they may have countless other applications besides molecular biology and meteorology. For example, these types of heavyweight quantum computers can be used to create complex stasis modules for manned spacecraft. Only such devices can monitor complex biological functions and intervene should the patient’s state deteriorate.
Image source: Pixabay
