• Qubits

    Qubits vs. Bits

    • Bits are the smallest increment of data on a classics computer that exist either in 0 or 1

    • Qubits can be either 0 or 1 or a superposition of both (refer to superposition section!)

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  • Quantum computer vs. Classic computer

    • Adding more qubits allows the power of a quantum computer to grow exponentially
    • Classic computers: adding more bits increases it linearly

  • Superposition

    • Superposition is the ability of a quantum system to be in multiple states at once.
    • The go-to example of superposition is the flip of a coin, which will always end up as heads or tails.
    • That being said, when that coin is in mid-air, it is both heads and tails and until it lands, so both heads and tails simultaneously.

  • Entanglement

    A phenomenon observed at the quantum scale where entangled particles stay connected so that the actions performed on one of the particles affects the other, no matter the distance between two particles.

    Coin Analogy:

    • In entanglement, when you measure the state of the quantum system, in the previous example, you find the state of the coin in mid air. By finding one side of the coin, you determine the other side.

    Stone Analogy:

    • Another quick analogy is consider two boxes with a white stone in one and a black stone in the other. Suppose someone mixes the two boxes around so fast you cannot remember which one was which. You open one box and you see that a white stone is present. Therfore, the other box has to have the black stone.

  • Quantum Supremacy

    • Being able to solve problems that classical computers can’t
    • Because they use unconventional strategies, they can solve other problems instantly
    • For example, say a problem is to break into a lock. A regular computer would be a regular lockpick, while a quantum computer can calculate and re-create a key.

  • Future Applications:

    • Finance:
      • Portfolio and risk management
    • Automotive:
      • Applied to decrease manufacturing process–related costs and shorten cycle times
    • Chemicals:
      • Improve catalyst designs
      • Supply-chain optimization
    • Pharmaceuticals:
      • R&D of molecular strucutres
      • More precise by making target identification, drug design, and toxicity testing less dependent on trial and error