Quantum computing is an information processing method that uses principles of quantum mechanics, such as superposition and entanglement, to perform calculations. Unlike classical computers, which operate on bits, quantum computers use qubits, which enables them to process multiple states simultaneously and solve complex problems with much greater efficiency. Quantum computing has applications in fields such as cryptography, molecular modelling, optimisation, and Artificial intelligence.
Quantum Computing
Type of technology
Description of the technology
Basic elements
- Qubit: A basic unit of information in quantum computers, whose state can be 0, 1, or their superposition.
- Quantum entanglement: A phenomenon that allows qubits to be linked so that they can work together to solve complex problems.
- Quantum algorithms: Special algorithms, such as Shor’s algorithm or Grover’s algorithm, that use quantum phenomena to speed up calculations.
- Decoherence: A phenomenon causing loss of quantum information, which compromises the stability of quantum computing.
- Superposition: The ability of qubits to take multiple states simultaneously, which increases the computing power of quantum computers.
Industry usage
- Pharmaceutics: Quantum computing supports molecular simulations, speeding up drug discovery.
- Finance: Quantum computers can analyse financial markets and optimise investment portfolios.
- Cryptography: Development of new cryptographic algorithms that are resistant to quantum attacks.
- Industry: Optimisation of manufacturing and logistics processes using quantum computing.
- Artificial intelligence: Accelerating the training of Artificial intelligence models and analysing large data sets.
Importance for the economy
Quantum computing has enormous potential to change many sectors of the economy, offering solutions that are unavailable to classical computers. In particular, they could revolutionise industries such as pharmaceuticals, finance, cryptography, and Artificial intelligence, enabling faster drug discovery, more efficient analysis of markets, and the development of secure encryption systems. Countries and companies investing in the development of quantum computing will gain a technological advantage, which will affect global competitiveness.
Related technologies
Quantum Technologies
Quantum computers can break current encryption systems, forcing the development of new quantum-secure cryptographic methods. The results from the quantum sensors can be analysed by quantum computers, which enables even more accurate measurements and analysis.
Artificial Intelligence
Quantum computing can significantly speed up AI model training and algorithm optimisation.
Cloud Computing
With cloud services, quantum computing can be available to companies on demand without the need for physical hardware.
Mechanism of action
- Quantum computing involves the manipulation of qubits that can be in a superposition state, which enables simultaneous processing of multiple solutions to the problem. Thanks to quantum entanglement, the qubits work together, which significantly speeds up the execution of complex calculations. Quantum algorithms, such as Shor’s algorithm, make it possible to solve problems that are too difficult or time-consuming for classical computers.
Advantages
- Accelerating calculations: Quantum computing offers quick solutions to problems that are too time-consuming for classical computers.
- New discoveries: With molecular simulations, quantum computers can accelerate research into new drugs and materials.
- Process optimisation: Quantum computers can support the optimisation of complex processes, such as logistics and resource management.
- Breakthrough in cryptography: Quantum computing could lead to new secure cryptographic systems.
- Applications in AI: Quantum computing can accelerate the development of Artificial intelligence, improving model training and data analysis.
Disadvantages
- High costs: The development of quantum computers and the infrastructure necessary for their operation is expensive.
- Technological complexity: Quantum computers require advanced knowledge and technology, which may hinder their widespread deployment.
- Threats to cryptography: Quantum computers can break current cryptographic systems, which requires the development of new encryption methods.
- Decoherence problems: Decoherence limits the duration of the qubits, which poses a challenge for long-term computing.
- Limited availability: Due to the high cost and advanced technology, quantum computers are currently available only to large companies and institutions.
Implementation of the technology
Required resources
- Qubits and cooling systems: They are critical to the operation of quantum computers, especially under low-temperature conditions.
- Cryogenic laboratories: They make it possible to maintain stable conditions for qubits and quantum processing.
- Data centres: Infrastructure to store computational results and support large-scale operations.
- Team of experts: Scientists and engineers specialising in quantum computing and quantum mechanics.
- Cloud computing: Cloud services for remotely sharing the computing power of quantum computers.
Required competences
- Quantum physics: Knowledge of the principles of quantum mechanics and their application to practical calculations.
- Quantum algorithms: Knowledge of creating and optimising algorithms used in quantum computers.
- Computing systems engineering: Ability to design computing systems that integrate quantum technologies.
- Quantum programming: Knowledge of quantum programming languages, such as Qiskit, Cirq, and Forest.
- IT project management: Skills in the management of projects implementing quantum technologies in companies.
Environmental aspects
- Energy consumption: Quantum computers, especially those operating at low temperatures, consume a lot of energy.
- IT equipment recycling: Quantum computing equipment replacement and upgrades generate electronic waste.
- Reducing resource consumption: Optimising industrial processes with quantum computing can reduce raw material consumption.
- Emission reduction: Quantum computing can help reduce emissions by managing resources more efficiently.
Legal conditions
- Data protection: Quantum computing must comply with data protection standards, such as GDPR (example: data processing under GDPR).
- Export regulations: Quantum computers are subject to international high-tech export regulations (example: technology export controls in the US).
- Patents and licences: Quantum technologies must be protected by intellectual property laws (example: quantum technology licences).
- Information security: Quantum computing must comply with international information security standards, such as ISO 27001 (example: ISO 27001 compliance).
- Environmental standards: Quantum infrastructure development must comply with environmental management requirements, such as ISO 14001 (example: environmental management under ISO 14001).