A Brief Understanding of Quantum Computers: Taking You Deep into the Quantum Revolution

Quantum Computing has been a hot topic in recent years, and the video 'A Brief Understanding of Quantum Computers in an Hour' produced by PanSci provides an easy-to-understand exploration of the core technology and future development of quantum computers. In just one hour, the video covers everything from the operating principles of quantum bits to the application scenarios of Quantum Computing, as well as the challenges faced by current technology. Here are the key summaries and observations from this video, let's understand this global quantum revolution together.

How fast is quantum computing?

The film begins by illustrating the computational power of quantum computers with a shocking example: Google's quantum computer, Sycamore, can complete a computing task that would take traditional supercomputers 10,000 years in just 200 seconds. This milestone event is known as 'quantum supremacy.' Unlike traditional computers that rely on binary systems for computation, quantum computers use 'qubits,' which can simultaneously represent both 0 and 1 in a superposition state, enabling more efficient calculations. This nonlinear, exponential growth in computational power allows quantum computers to demonstrate unprecedented potential in solving complex problems.

Encryption technology may be cracked in a matter of seconds.

The video explains: "The encryption of the internet world is essentially prime factorization, using very difficult prime factorization problems to allow only those who know the answer to read the message. According to the current common encryption rules, to crack this encryption, you need to unlock a super large number with over 600 digits to factorize, and to solve this kind of problem with a traditional computer, it would take tens of millions, or even billions of years. Shor's Algorithm, on the other hand, only takes about a minute, or even seconds to solve."

Core Technology: Quantum Superposition and Quantum Entanglement

The film delves into the two cornerstone technologies behind Quantum Computing: Quantum Superposition and Quantum Entanglement. Superposition allows quantum bits to represent multiple states simultaneously, thereby improving information processing efficiency; while entanglement allows quantum bits that are related to each other to instantaneously affect each other's states, even when they are far apart. This phenomenon gives quantum computers an absolute advantage in parallel computing.

For example, in the film, traditional computers are likened to mice that need to try each path in the maze one by one; while quantum computers, like 'quantum cats,' can explore all paths simultaneously and directly find the exit, significantly reducing computing time.

Quantum Computing Applications Beyond Limits

The video further explores the practical applications of Quantum Computing, especially its breakthrough potential in climate simulation, financial market analysis, and pharmaceutical research. For example, using Quantum Computing to simulate molecular structures can greatly shorten the time for new drug development; in the financial field, it can simulate market dynamics through powerful parallel computation to assist investment decisions.

Two classic quantum algorithms mentioned in the article are noteworthy: Grover's algorithm and Shor's algorithm. The former can improve the search efficiency of unsorted databases, while the latter demonstrates the ability to break traditional RSA encryption, showcasing the disruptive impact of Quantum Computing in the field of information security.

Challenges of Quantum Computing: Stability and Environmental Interference

The film also reveals the challenges currently faced by quantum computers, especially the quantum decoherence problem. Due to the extreme susceptibility of quantum states to external environmental interference (such as electromagnetic waves or tiny vibrations), the stability of quantum bits has become the biggest obstacle in developing quantum computers. In addition, quantum computers need to operate in an extremely low-temperature environment close to absolute zero, which significantly increases their operating costs and deployment difficulties.

The video pointed out that current quantum computers still need to make further breakthroughs in error rate and stability, especially the core issue of achieving long-term stable superposition and entanglement states.

Intensified Global Competition: The 'Manhattan Project' of Quantum Technology

The video specifically mentions that quantum computers have been seen as the high ground of the next generation of technological competition, with countries investing heavily in development. The United States' Google, IBM, and Microsoft, the EU's flagship quantum technology program, and China's 'Nine Chapters' quantum computer are all vying for 'quantum dominance.' The video even likens current quantum technology development to the 'modern Manhattan Project,' pointing out that countries or companies that possess quantum computers in the future may occupy a dominant position in international politics and economy.

The film also mentioned that in addition to the superconducting quantum computer 'Benguan Wukong', China has also developed the photon-based 'Jiuzhang' quantum computer, showing the potential of multiple technological routes.

Taiwan's Quantum Layout: From Semiconductors to Quantum Chips

In the global quantum competition, Taiwan has also shown a proactive attitude. The video specifically mentioned that Taiwan's first quantum computer, developed by Academia Sinica, will be successfully developed in 2024. Although it only has 5 qubits, it marks Taiwan's official entry into the Quantum Computing arena. With the technological advantage of semiconductor manufacturing, Taiwan has the potential to occupy a place in quantum chip manufacturing and application development.

The film points out that the mass production of quantum computers in the future will involve various challenges such as materials science and process technology, which are precisely Taiwan's expertise. If a breakthrough can be achieved in the field of quantum chips, Taiwan may become an important participant in the development of quantum technology.

The Future of Quantum Computing: Opportunities and Challenges Coexist

The film ends in an optimistic but rational tone, pointing out that although quantum computers have huge potential, there is still a long way to go before they are fully commercialized and popularized. Every aspect, from hardware stability to software algorithm development, requires overcoming numerous technical challenges. However, the film also emphasizes that this quantum revolution has just begun, and each of us will be a witness.

《An Hour Understanding Quantum Computing》 is not only an informative video that explains the principles and applications of quantum computing in a simple and understandable way, but also a window to the future of technology. Through this video, we can not only understand the principles and applications of quantum computing, but also experience the fierce global technological competition and the shocking scientific breakthroughs. With the maturity of Quantum Computing technology, it will not only change our technological ecosystem, but also profoundly impact our daily lives.

This article 'One Hour Understanding of Quantum Computers': Takes You Deep into the Quantum Revolution First appeared on Chain News ABMedia.