Quantum Computers Explained – Limits of Human Technology
Historical Context
- Early human technology: brains, fire, sharp sticks
- Evolution: fire and sticks to power plants and nuclear weapons
- Biggest upgrade: exponential growth in computer power since 1960s
- Current limitation: approaching the physical limits as computer parts get near atomic scale
Basics of Computers
- Components: represent data, process data, control mechanisms
- Hierarchical structure: computer chips → modules → logic gates → transistors
- Transistors: simplest data processor, acting as switches (0 or 1 bits)
- Logic gates: combinations of transistors (e.g., AND Gate)
- Modules: complex functions from combinations of gates (e.g., adding numbers)
- Computers: systems answering basic math questions to perform complex tasks
Limits and Quantum Challenges
- Transistor size: down to 14 nanometers, smaller than viruses and red blood cells
- Quantum tunneling: electrons bypass blocked passages at atomic scales
- Quantum realm: unpredictable physics at tiny scales, limits traditional computing
Quantum Computers
- Utilize quantum properties: superposition and entanglement
- Qubits: smallest units, can exist in superposition of 0 and 1
- Superposition: qubits can represent multiple states simultaneously
- Entanglement: qubits influencing each other’s states instantly over distance
- Quantum gates: affect probabilities and keep states in superposition
- Final measurement: collapses superpositions to definite states
- Parallel computation: possible configurations grow exponentially with qubits
Applications and Implications
- Efficiency: faster database searching algorithms (square root of normal time)
- IT Security: challenge to current encryption systems (public vs. private key)
- Simulations: accurate quantum simulations with quantum computers (e.g., molecules, proteins)
Future Outlook
- Uncertainty: specialized tool or technological revolution?
- Continued exploration essential to discovering technology limits
Supported by the Australian Academy of Science and viewers like you on Patreon.