What are Quantum computers and how do they work? WIRED explains

Google, IBM and a handful of startups are racing to create the next generation of supercomputers. Quantum computers, if they ever get started, will help us solve problems, like modeling complex chemical processes, that our existing computers can’t even scratch the surface of.

But the quantum future isn’t going to come easily, and there’s no knowing what it’ll look like when it does arrive. At the moment, companies and researchers are using a handful of different approaches to try and build the most powerful computers the world has ever seen. Here’s everything you need to know about the coming quantum revolution.

What is quantum computing?

Quantum computing takes advantage of the strange ability of subatomic particles to exist in more than one state at any time. Due to the way the tiniest of particles behave, operations can be done much more quickly and use less energy than classical computers.

In classical computing, a bit is a single piece of information that can exist in two states – 1 or 0. Quantum computing uses quantum bits, or ‘qubits’ instead. These are quantum systems with two states. However, unlike a usual bit, they can store much more information than just 1 or 0, because they can exist in any superposition of these values.

What can quantum computers do that normal one can’t?

Quantum computers operate on completely different principles to existing computers, which makes them really well suited to solving particular mathematical problems, like finding very large prime numbers. Since prime numbers are so important in cryptography, it’s likely that quantum computers would quickly be able to crack many of the systems that keep our online information secure. Because of these risks, researchers are already trying to develop technology that is resistant to quantum hacking, and on the flipside of that, it’s possible that quantum-based cryptographic systems would be much more secure than their conventional analogs.

Researchers are also excited about the prospect of using quantum computers to model complicated chemical reactions, a task that conventional supercomputers aren’t very good at all. In July 2016, Google engineers used a quantum device to simulate a hydrogen molecule for the first time, and since them, IBM has managed to model the behavior of even more complex molecules. Eventually, researchers hope they’ll be able to use quantum simulations to design entirely new molecules for use in medicine. But the holy grail for quantum chemists is to be able to model the Haber-Bosch process – a way of artificially producing ammonia that is still relatively inefficient. Researchers are hoping that if they can use quantum mechanics to work out what’s going on inside that reaction, they could discover new ways to make the process much more efficient.

45 thoughts on “What are Quantum computers and how do they work? WIRED explains”

  1. Es un gran recurso sobre bienestar.
    Siempre es importante estar informado sobre salud.

    Este contenido me ayudó a entender mejor el tema.

    Gracias por detallar este aspecto.
    Interesante punto sobre los procedimientos médicos.

    Un tema de salud muy relevante hoy en día.

    Este tipo de artículos son necesarios.
    Aprecio la claridad con la que explicas este tema.

    Este artículo subraya lo esencial que son.
    Este artículo está muy bien estructurado.
    La prevención es clave y este artículo lo deja claro.

    Gran enfoque sobre un aspecto vital de la salud.
    Siempre es bueno estar informado sobre temas de salud.

    Un gran recordatorio de la importancia de la salud.

    Un contenido que sin duda es valioso.
    Me llevo varias cosas interesantes de este artículo.
    Es un tema muy importante y tu artículo lo trata bien.
    Gracias por la información tan valiosa.
    Es bueno ver artículos que destacan la importancia de los
    laboratorios.
    Este tipo de información es necesaria para todos.
    Un gran recurso para quienes buscan mejorar su bienestar.

    Este tipo de contenido es esencial para todos.
    Este artículo hace un gran trabajo explicando este tema.

    Es vital estar informado sobre esto.
    Un buen recordatorio sobre la importancia de los laboratorios.

    Gracias por compartir este contenido tan útil.
    Gracias por este artículo tan bien detallado.
    Es importante estar bien informado sobre salud.
    Un tema vital y bien desarrollado en este artículo.
    Un artículo muy valioso sobre un tema importante.
    Un excelente recurso para quienes buscan mejorar su salud.

    Es bueno ver artículos que se enfoquen en la prevención.
    Un artículo que sin duda será útil para muchos.
    Es un tema importante y bien explicado.
    Es un gran recurso para quienes buscan información fiable.

    Un gran recurso para quienes buscan mejorar su salud.

    Un contenido muy valioso sobre salud.
    Gracias por compartir esta información tan útil.
    Un gran contenido sobre salud y bienestar.
    Un gran recurso para quienes buscan información confiable.

    Es vital entender esto y tu artículo ayuda mucho.

    Gracias por compartir este contenido tan útil.
    Un gran recurso para quienes buscan información confiable.

    Este tipo de contenido es lo que necesitamos.

    Gracias por la información tan útil.
    Gracias por la claridad con la que explicas este tema.

    Este artículo es un gran aporte a la comunidad de salud.

  2. Way cool! Some extremely valid points! I appreciate
    you writing this post and also the rest of
    the site is extremely good.

  3. Area 52 becomes the first and only online dispensary to ship
    premium cannabis legally to all 50 states. This breakthrough service follows their strict compliance
    with the 2018 Farm Bill, making quality weed available to everyone, regardless of local laws.

    “We’re the only company offering this nationwide shipping service for premium cannabis products,” said Area 52’s founder.
    “While others can’t or won’t ship across state lines, we’ve found the legal path forward.”

    Area 52’s federally compliant products include:

    THCA Flower – Diamond-dusted premium buds

    Pre-Rolls – Ready-to-smoke in multiple strains

    THC Gummies – Potent UFO MAX (15mg THC) and other varieties

    Vape Products – Fast-acting THCA disposables and cartridges

    Functional Blends – Sleep, Energy, and Mushroom
    formulations

    Unlike competitors, all Area 52 products ship legally nationwide by containing
    less than 0.3% Delta-9 THC while delivering powerful effects.

    “No other company can legally ship weed to all 50 states like we can,” the founder
    emphasized. “This is a game-changer for people without local dispensary access.”

    Every product includes a 60-day money-back guarantee and orders over $110 ship free.

    Want legal weed delivered to your door? Area 52 is the only online dispensary that can ship to your state.

  4. First off I would like to say fantastic blog! I had a quick
    question that I’d like to ask if you don’t
    mind. I was interested to know how you center yourself and clear your head
    before writing. I have had a difficult time clearing my thoughts in getting my thoughts out there.
    I do take pleasure in writing but it just seems like the first
    10 to 15 minutes are wasted simply just trying to figure out how to begin. Any suggestions or hints?

    Cheers!

  5. I loved as much as you’ll receive carried out
    right here. The sketch is attractive, your authored material stylish.

    nonetheless, you command get got an nervousness over that you wish be delivering the following.
    unwell unquestionably come more formerly again since exactly the same nearly a lot often inside case you shield this increase.

  6. Thank you a lot for sharing this with all people you really understand
    what you are speaking about! Bookmarked. Please additionally discuss with my website =).
    We can have a link exchange arrangement between us

  7. Thank you for any other great post. The place else may just anyone get that type of
    info in such an ideal way of writing? I have
    a presentation subsequent week, and I am at the search for such info.

  8. This is the right site for everyone who hopes to find out about this topic.

    You realize a whole lot its almost hard to argue with you (not that I really would want to…HaHa).
    You definitely put a new spin on a subject which has been discussed for many years.
    Great stuff, just great!

  9. Awesome blog! Do you have any tips and hints for aspiring
    writers? I’m hoping to start my own blog soon but I’m a little
    lost on everything. Would you suggest starting with a free platform like WordPress or go for a paid option? There are so many
    options out there that I’m completely overwhelmed ..
    Any suggestions? Thanks a lot!

  10. Superb post however , I was wanting to know if you could write
    a litte more on this subject? I’d be very grateful if
    you could elaborate a little bit further. Bless you!

  11. After I initially left a comment I appear to have clicked
    the -Notify me when new comments are added- checkbox and from now on every
    time a comment is added I recieve 4 emails with the exact same
    comment. There has to be a way you are able to remove me from that service?
    Appreciate it!

  12. Its like you read my mind! You appear to know so much about this, like
    you wrote the book in it or something. I think that you can do with some pics to
    drive the message home a bit, but other than that, this is wonderful blog.
    A fantastic read. I’ll definitely be back.

  13. you are really a just right webmaster. The web site loading speed is
    incredible. It kind of feels that you are doing any unique trick.

    Furthermore, The contents are masterpiece. you have performed a great task on this topic!

  14. Hmm is anyone else experiencing problems with the pictures on this blog loading?
    I’m trying to determine if its a problem on my end or if it’s the blog.
    Any feed-back would be greatly appreciated.

  15. I do not even know how I ended up here, but
    I thought this post was great. I don’t know who you are but definitely
    you’re going to a famous blogger if you are not already 😉 Cheers!

  16. Excellent blog here! Also your website loads up fast! What web host are you using?
    Can I get your affiliate link to your host?

    I wish my website loaded up as fast as yours lol

  17. I don’t even understand how I ended up here, but I believed this submit used to
    be good. I don’t recognize who you’re but definitely you’re going to a famous
    blogger if you aren’t already. Cheers!

  18. Please let me know if you’re looking for a writer for your site.

    You have some really good posts and I feel I would be a good
    asset. If you ever want to take some of the
    load off, I’d love to write some articles for your blog in exchange for a link back to mine.
    Please send me an e-mail if interested. Regards!

Leave a Reply

Your email address will not be published. Required fields are marked *