Quantum Computing

Often confused as the next iteration of binary-based computers, quantum computing serves as a separate method of digital calculation with unique use cases. Since their introduction in 1978, classical computers have commonly depended upon components including a mainboard, central processing unit (CPU), (if dedicated) graphics processing unit (GPU), random access memory module (RAM), long-term storage medium (HDD, SSD, etc.), input/output sources, power source, and enclosure [1]. While each has been developed and refined over time, they collectively allow for code execution with calculations necessary to display visual information.

As the name implies, quantum computing exercises principles of superposition, entanglement, decoherence, and interference to calculate probability which results in dependence upon vastly different technologies to function. Qubits, like a combination of binary bits and the theory of Schrodinger’s cat, perform calculations with fixed ones and zeros as well as propose their coexistence thereby being exponentially more powerful. Despite this practice, they can only yield a singular answer comprised of fixed numbers and determine them by examining the most likely possibilities.

With respect to physical differences, classical computers all use CPU cores within a processor architecture to execute tasks while quantum exercises various types of qubits including superconducting, trapped ion, and dots. In addition to being most common, superconductive bits require the most controlled environment at extremely cold temperatures and limited functionality intervals. Unlike this, trapped ion bits can function in less specific environments with longer functionality and provide more specific results, but additionally suffer from constrained scalability. (Qubits and CPU cores follow the same calculation principles such that adding more allows for additional instantaneous calculations). Lastly, dots are small-scale semiconductors which use an electron as a bit and can be largely manufactured at lesser costs due to shared technology with modern solar research.  (Rather than using the electron state for calculation purposes, it moves across junctions from energy obtained by sunlight absorption and resultantly generates usable electricity).

Due to current design limitations, operational requirements, computing specialties, manufacturing costs, and feasibility, mobile devices have no current use for qubit processors but will eventually be limited by silicon. Moreover, technology manufacturers such as Apple, Google, and Microsoft should personally be focusing on revised encryption with established digital financial service standards rather than moving products.

Looking past the challenges brought by every technological breakthrough, it’s important to do good with what’s given all while working to prevent the worst. If used correctly, quantum computers could allow for previously impossible advancements in material science, medicine, climate restoration, and more.

[1]         L. Morgan. “The Complete Computer Processor History.” https://www.hardwarecentral.com/processor-history/ (accessed January 24, 2025).

[2]         J. Schneider and I. Smalley. “What is quantum computing.” https://www.ibm.com/think/topics/quantum-computing (accessed January 25, 2025).

Comments

Post a Comment

Popular posts from this blog

Wind Energy

To meet the needs of increasing energy demands around the world, people of various fields including environmental conservationists, engineers, material scientists, and aspiring innovators have worked collaboratively to achieve countless breakthroughs in renewable capturer s (semiconductors, electrical generators, etc.) efficiency, density, and waste-material reduction. R esult antly , solar panels, wind turbines, geothermal exchanges, and other renewable systems have become increasingly available to consumers as well as substantially decreased in price.   Although its first generation of global e lectric ity didn’t occur until 1978 and initial adoption was slow , wind h as become one of the fastest growing forms of energy throughout the 21 st century [1 ] . In 2000, 15276.96 total t erawatt- h ours of usable e nergy was generated with 5,809.34 TWh being derived from coal, 2,745.09 TWh from natural gas, 2,629.08 TWh from hydropower, 2,540.46 TWh from nuclear, 1,323....
Read more

Level 4 EV Charging

After gasoline-based automobiles first entered mass production over a century ago, industries devoted their focus to constructing refuel stations throughout the world and preceded to build other establishments around them. For many decades, this continued to be a priority and led to abundant gas stations, price competition, and economic dependence. Although the first electric vehicles debuted well before this time, limited electricity access in rural areas and greater costs ultimately resulted in a decreased demand with little to no production by 1935 [1]. Though the majority continued to favor internal combustion engines, interest shifted in the late 1960’s following increased fuel costs and resulted in EV prototypes which were further promoted by governmental legislation against petroleum emissions. By 2010, Toyota, Honda, and Tesla Motors had all entered mass production with consumer deliveries and more companies soon followed suit. In result, both public and personal chargers hav...
Read more

Silicon-Carbon Battery Advancements

Although batteries were first invented centuries ago, their advancements have not occurred in the same developmental arch as most modern technologies. When the first “wet cell battery” was invented in 1800, it was comprised of brine-soaked cardboard, copper, and zinc, but could not provide a sustained current over extended periods of time [1]. To resolve this, John Daniell began work on copper sulfate and zinc sulfate electrolytes with a functioning prototype completed in 1836. Due to its success and consumer feasibility, the Daniell Cell design entered mass production and was used for over a century in various household electronics. Over the next 23 years, additional improvements were made leading to the first lead-acid rechargeable battery in 1859 and became a universal standard until the testing of lithium batteries in 1958 [2]. Over this transition, countless other breakthroughs occurred including the invention of the dry-cell battery in 1866 by Georges Leclanché, nickel-cadmium re...
Read more