Quantum Computing

Mats Tage Axelsson introduces you to quantum computing, the coolest tech around. Learn how it works and how you can get started.

- Mats Tage Axelsson

Quantum computing has caught the attention of large companies, academics and hobbyists. This article will cover the history, the different ways to make a quantum computer and the logic behind programming. You’ll also learn about some programming toolkits that you can use to get started.

To run a quantum computer, the physics has to be understood so programmers can then manipulate and measure the final results. Scientists have observed quantum effects in photons, electrons and isotopes of many materials. This means engineers use superconducting materials such as niobium and aluminium to construct workable quantum computing systems.

The logic gates are made of silicon wafers and are controlled using microwave emitters. These solutions may not be the best in the long run, but they’re the ones that are running now. To use quantum computers, you need logic that takes advantage of the two core concepts: superposition and entanglement. When you start exploring these concepts, the Bloch sphere will help visualise what to do with different gates. Programmers can use classical bit gates together with quantum gates to create the algorithms needed.

The mainstream media hails quantum computers as significantly faster than current models. It turns out they’re only fast in specific areas: cryptography, optimisation, simulation and database searches. In cryptography, many algorithms are safe because factorising large prime numbers with classical computers will take far too long for practical use. Shor’s quantum algorithm can do it in minutes. Optimisation and simulations can benefit from a quantum computer’s ability to test many solutions at once.

Database searches are faster by a factor of four. And with faster database searches, machine learning also becomes much faster.