Analyze Quantum Computing

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Examine the efficiency and power of quantum computing, which will be useful in the final stages of the capstone project.

[tylercyber]

• Quantum computers base it’s calculations around the probability of an object's state before it is actually measured.

• Classical computing systems relied on basing on an object's physical state, which is usually binary, based on 1s or 0s. There's are called bits

• However in quantum computing calculations are based on the quantum state of an object in order to produce what is known as a qubit. Essentially a qubit is an undefined property of an object before it has actually been detected

• Qubits are incredibly valuable since its superposition state allows for many calculations to be conducted simultaneously, which magnifies the potential computer power of these systems. For example 50 qubits can equate to around 10 quadrillion “classical” bits and become capable of calculating problems that classical computers could never achieve.

• Instead of having a definite position/state unmeasured quantum states occur in a superposition. Meaning the object has the possibility of being a 1 or 0 at the same time. For example a coin spinning in the air before it lands in your hand

• The superposition of any object can also be entangled with those of other object which means their final outcomes will be algorithmically related even if no one knows what they are yet

• In order to achieve this quantum computers must hold an object in the superposition state long enough to carry out the various computations on them

• Once an object in a super positional state meets with materials that are part of the large system it loses this in between states which is when decoherence occurs. Then the object assumes a classical bit state, a 1 or 0

• These quantum computing devices need to be able to shield quantum states from this state of decoherence in order to actually complete calculations.

• There are currently two approaches to quantum computing, one involves cooling the loops of wiring within a quantum machine to near absolute zero temperature which gives the benefit of providing current flow with no resistance.

• The other method utilizes trapped ions which are charged atoms of rare earth elements like ytterbium held within a vacuum chamber by laser beams and manipulated by other laser systems.

• The quantum systems currently in use can only contain a few qubits under ideal circumstances, companies are still trying to create a computer which can handle hundreds or even thousands of qubits.

• Quantum computers can be broken into five layers starting from top to bottom (Application layer, Classical processing, Digital processing, Analog processing, Quantum processing.)

• Application layer is not a part of the computer itself but is an integral part of the system as a whole. It comprises the programming environment, the operating system, the user interface etc. Algorithms at this layer can be quantum or a combination of classical and quantum.

• Classical layer contains three basic functions, it optimizes the quantum algorithm being run and compiles it into microinstructions. (What occurs in the CPU) Also processes quantum state measurements returned by the hardware in the layers below. Handles calibration and tuning needed for the layers to follow

• The digital analog and quantum processing layer make up the QPU (Quantum processing unit)

• The digital processing layer translates the microinstructions into pulses the kinds of signals needed to manipulate qubits, and allowing them to act as quantum logic gates.

• The analog processing layer is responsible for creating signals to be sent to the qubits one layer below. Mainly voltage steps and sweeps of microwave pulses in order to move the qubits. Involves qubits connected together in order to form quantum logic gates which are used in concert to carry out computations.

• Current techniques of quantum computing cannot produce uniform qubits, different qubits have different properties associated with. This requires the QPU to be tailored to the specific qubits it wants to control.