It all started with a conference in 1981. It was here that Richard Feynman, one of the most influential theoretical physicists of the XNUMXth century, proposed the idea that classical computers would never be able to fully simulate quantum systems.

So, he suggested, we might think of a computer that could handle the inherent complexity of these systems: the quantum computer.

Feynman's proposal laid the foundation for the field of quantum computing, paving the way for the search for devices that could exploit quantum properties for advanced computations.

What is quantum computing? 

Quantum computing uses the quantum properties of subatomic particles to process information. There are two fundamental concepts of quantum mechanics that underlie quantum computing: the overlap el 'entanglement.

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In traditional computing, bits are the fundamental unit of information and can exist in a state of 0 or 1. Qubits, on the other hand, can exist in both states simultaneously thanks to the phenomenon of superposition. This allows quantum computers to perform multiple calculations in parallel.

Thanks to superposition, a quantum computer can explore all possible combinations of states in parallel. For example, a system with n qubits can represent 2^n states simultaneously, allowing for an exponential number of calculations.

Instead, classical computers operate sequentially. 

Consider how such a computational modality is advantageous in solving complex problems, such as factoring large numbers or simulating molecular systems.

Entanglement

Entanglement is a quantum phenomenon in which two or more particles become interdependent, such that the state of one particle instantly affects the state of the other, regardless of the distance between them. This creates a powerful connection that can be used to transfer information.

Bottom line: Qubits can share information instantaneously, which allows quantum computers to perform operations faster than classical computers. This phenomenon is especially useful in search and optimization algorithms, where the correlation between qubits can dramatically reduce the number of calculations needed to find a solution.

What Problems Could a Quantum Computer Solve?

Now we come to the practical question: what do we need this extraordinary computing potential for?

Quantum computers have the potential to address some of the greatest societal challenges of our time. 

For example, Quantum computers can simulate molecules and chemical reactions with unprecedented precision, thus accelerating the discovery of new drugs. This is especially important for the treatment of rare or complex diseases, where decades of traditional research are normally needed.

Another common use, again in the medical field, is for personalizing medical treatments and optimizing the use of drugs based on need, as well as energy resources – a rightly trendy topic at the moment.

Quantum algorithms can also be used to optimize urban traffic flow, reducing travel times, fuel consumption and greenhouse gas emissions, as well as public transport management and planning can be optimized with quantum computing, improving the efficiency and reliability of services, thus encouraging the use of sustainable means of transport.

This type of optimization applies to several other sectors: agricultural production, supply chain management, waste reduction, but also the creation of new quantum cryptography systems, which would offer much greater security for online communications and transactions.

Use of Quantum Computers in Economics and Finance

Quantum computing can be used to optimize financial portfolios, improving risk management and increasing returns. 

Or, they can improve economic forecasting by being able to analyze and process more data than traditional computers.

Current Application of Quantum Computers: What is the Market Like?

In this interesting series of possible practical applications, we must deal with reality, with the state of the market and with public and private investments in research and development.

The sale of quantum computers is limited and often actually involves the intermediation of cloud computing services (see the acronym Qaas - Quantum as a Service). Companies such as IBM, Google, Amazon and Microsoft offer access to quantum computers via cloud platforms, allowing researchers and companies to use quantum resources without purchasing physical hardware.

Top Manufacturers (Last Updated: June 2024)

1. IBM: IBM is one of the industry leaders, thanks to its IBM Quantum Experience platform. They have developed various models of quantum computers, such as the IBM Q System One, designed for commercial and research use;
2. Google: Google, through its Quantum AI project, has built quantum computers like Sycamore, a 53-qubit quantum processor that performed a sampling operation in about 200 seconds, a task that Google says would have taken 10.000 years on a classical supercomputer.
3. D-Wave Systems: D-Wave specializes in quantum annealers and has produced several generations of quantum computers, such as the D-Wave 2000Q and the D-Wave Advantage used to solve optimization problems.
4. Rigetti Computing: Rigetti Computing is a startup that develops and provides access to quantum computers through its cloud platform, Forest.
5. Honeywell: Honeywell has developed ion trap-based quantum computers, the H1 Series, which boast high fidelity and long coherence times.

What We Predict for the Future of Quantum Computers

First, it should be noted that most access to quantum computers occurs through cloud services, where users pay for temporary access to quantum resources.

Additionally, many quantum computers are used in collaboration with research institutes and universities, and some quantum computers have been sold or provided in pilot projects to large companies and government agencies to explore specific applications.

The quantum computing market is set to grow significantly in the coming years, fueled by technological advances and increasing practical applications. According to some estimates, the quantum computing market could reach billions of dollars within the next decade.

The main criterion for the market diffusion of quantum computers is the ability to innovate, with careful management of the very high energy consumption that a quantum computer entails.

As technology advances, quantum computers with larger numbers of qubits will become available, andthe duration of the coherence of the qubits can progress.

Furthermore, it will be necessary to develop more efficient error correction techniques.

Continuing to invest in the research and development of this technology is essential to fully exploit its potential and radically transform our ability to solve problems that today seem insurmountable. 

Only with constant investment in research and development can we exploit the revolutionary capabilities of this computing system so powerful it is revolutionary.