Basics of Quantum Computing

Fundamental Differences of Quantum Computers

In the standard architecture of computer storage, values are arranged as a series of bits, each of which is either true or false(0 or 1). This fundamental restriction of two states is the most basic difference when working with quantum states. Rather than allowing just the two singles states, a superposition of the two states is also possible, forming a state that is neither 0 nor 1, but something in between with a probability of either state.

Further, in the standard organization, it is possible to attach various bits together to force correlations between their values. This is also possible within the superposition of the states represented in a quantum bit. (Qubit) The correlation between these superpositions in the two qubits is referred to as Entanglement.

With proper tying it is possible to evaluate the qubit as both one and zero at the same time, and do so across the entirety of the set of qubits at the same time, allowing for massively parallel evaluations of all possible sequences at the same time. Of course in the end there can only be a single full set for the stable state, but information can be gathered from each of the possibilities by its influence upon the whole system during each step of the evaluation.

History of Quantum Computers

Initially the famous physicist Robert Feynman breached the subject of using quantum effects for computation in 1982, though his primary interest was in using the effects of one quantum effect to simulate another. Three years later in 1985 David Deutsch of the University of Oxford published a paper detailing the workings of a universal quantum computer, detailing the functionality of the theoretical process, but not...

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...e technological barrier has not progressed so far as to allow convenient usage.

At every stage of production the quantum computer has a great deal of work that needs to be done, and each step must be painstakingly analyzed and protected from the harsh environment that surrounds the extremely delicate system.

Even once such systems can be produced for small experiments to confirm the effects we seek, it will be quite some time before the production techniques and applications are so well refined as to allow for mass production or even a working prototype.

More importantly, there does not seem to be any choice but to move to these systems. As our computers become more and more compact, the effects of quantum events are going to make themselves first known and then become overwhelming. The solutions appear to be evolution or stagnation.