What other “superpowers” ​​can quantum computing demonstrate?

Quantum computing is getting closer and closer to us. Recently, the WT-QRNG300 quantum random number chip developed and produced by Anhui Wentian Quantum Technology Co., Ltd. passed the test of the Commercial Cryptography Testing Center of the State Cryptography Administration, becoming the first quantum random number chip product in China to be certified by the Commercial Cryptography Report.

Although quantum computing has not yet entered our daily lives, it has demonstrated amazing "superpowers" in some specific fields.

Emerging in multiple fields

In the field of chemical simulation and material research and development, quantum computing is like a wizard with magic. Merck Pharmaceuticals of Germany is using quantum computing to explore the molecular structure and potential chemical reactions of drugs; Google's quantum team has also used its quantum computer to simulate the energy state of simple molecules; BMW uses quantum computing to optimize the chemical composition of batteries, injecting new energy into improving the endurance and charging efficiency of electric vehicles.

Providing better solutions is also where quantum computing can be used. Many airlines use quantum computing to optimize route planning and fleet management, just like finding the best solution in a "maze" of millions of flight paths and scheduling solutions, saving fuel and time costs; FedEx is also using quantum computing to optimize delivery routes and reduce transportation costs and carbon emissions.

In the field of cryptography and information security, quantum computing has moved from theory to practice. my country has implemented a quantum communication network based on quantum key distribution, which is used for highly secure communication between banks; projects in some European countries have also used quantum networks for military communications and sensitive data protection, just like putting on an indestructible "quantum armor" for information.

In addition, quantum computing also plays an important role in financial services, machine learning and artificial intelligence. It helps financial institutions tap into the potential of risk assessment, portfolio optimization and market simulation, injecting new vitality into the development of the financial industry. At the same time, many technology companies have also begun to test the application of quantum computing in artificial intelligence, hoping to bring new breakthroughs to the development of artificial intelligence.

Large-scale adoption faces multiple challenges

Although quantum computing has great potential, it still faces multiple challenges before it can be popularized on a large scale.

First, the bottleneck of hardware development is a big problem. Quantum bits are like delicate flowers, extremely sensitive to the environment, and can go wrong with a slight vibration or temperature change. This requires quantum computers to operate at close to absolute zero (equivalent to minus 273.15 degrees Celsius), and it is still difficult to manufacture stable and reliable quantum computers.

Secondly, the cost of quantum error correction is also incredibly high. Because of the fragility of quantum bits, a large number of additional bits are required for error correction. For example, to perform a task, tens of thousands of physical quantum bits may be required to support the normal operation of a few logical quantum bits, which seriously limits the practicality of quantum computing.

In addition, the development of algorithms is insufficient. There are only a few quantum algorithms, and most of them are only applicable to specific problems. Quantum programming is very different from classical programming, and programmers need completely new skills and thinking patterns to adapt to this change. It's like learning a new language from scratch, which requires a lot of time and effort.

More importantly, the strong foundation of classical computing cannot be ignored. After decades of development, classical computing has formed a complete ecosystem that can meet almost all daily computing needs. In contrast, the hardware, software and application development of quantum computing is still immature and cannot directly compete with classical computing in a wider range of non-specific computing fields.

The future will have endless possibilities

Despite the many challenges, the future of quantum computing is still full of possibilities. At present, quantum computing and classical computing will work together for a long time in the future, with classical computing responsible for daily tasks and quantum computing solving high-complexity problems. However, as technology advances and costs decrease, quantum computing may surpass classical computing in some areas and gradually penetrate into more industries.

It is foreseeable that in the field of astronomy, scientists may be able to use quantum computing to simulate the behavior of black holes and explore dark matter; in the field of medicine, researchers may be able to use quantum computing to accelerate the development of personalized drugs; in quantum machine learning, new algorithms may also become a new engine for the development of artificial intelligence; in quantum Internet and communications, this network based on quantum entanglement can achieve completely secure communications; in the field of consumer applications that people are more looking forward to, personal devices equipped with micro quantum chips, accelerating encryption and decryption or optimizing personal data processing is no longer a fantasy.

Quantum computing is changing our world with its unique charm and unlimited potential.

(The author Liu Yanjia is an engineer at the Institute of Computing Technology, Chinese Academy of Sciences)