Companies, countries battle to develop quantum computers | 60 Minutes

Summary

The script explores the revolutionary potential of quantum computing, a technology that could solve complex problems in minutes that would take supercomputers millennia. It discusses the race to develop this technology, with companies like IBM and Google leading the charge. Quantum computing leverages quantum bits, or 'cubits', which unlike traditional transistors, can hold and process vast amounts of data simultaneously. The script highlights the immense computational power and the challenges of maintaining coherence in these systems. It also touches on the implications for encryption standards and the potential to revolutionize fields like healthcare and materials science.

Takeaways

• 🧙‍♂️ **Quantum Leap**: IBM is set to announce a significant advancement in quantum computing, a technology that could solve complex problems much faster than current supercomputers.
• 🚀 **Breakthrough Potential**: Quantum computing is based on the principles of quantum physics, offering a new way to process information that could revolutionize various fields.
• 🌐 **Global Competition**: Major tech companies like IBM, Google, and others are in a race to develop quantum computing, as it could give a significant economic advantage to the nation or company that succeeds.
• 🔬 **From Transistors to Qubits**: Quantum computers use qubits instead of transistors, allowing them to process information in multiple states simultaneously, vastly increasing computational power.
• 🧠 **Quantum vs. Classical**: Unlike classical computers that process information sequentially, quantum computers can evaluate multiple possibilities at once, akin to finding a maze's exit through all paths simultaneously.
• 🌌 **Quantum Supremacy**: Physicist Michio Kaku discusses the high stakes of quantum computing, suggesting that it could lead to unprecedented control over the world economy.
• ❄️ **Extreme Cooling**: Quantum computers require near absolute zero temperatures to function, which minimizes electrical resistance and isolates the qubits for precise control.
• 🔄 **Coherence Challenge**: Maintaining coherence among qubits is a significant challenge due to its fleeting nature, leading to errors that need to be mitigated for practical use.
• 🔮 **Future Prospects**: Experts predict that quantum computing could be integrated into practical systems by the end of the decade, offering solutions to currently unsolvable problems.
• 🛡️ **Encryption Concerns**: The development of quantum computing raises concerns about current encryption standards, as quantum computers may one day be able to break existing codes.
• 💡 **Practical Applications**: Quantum computing has the potential to transform fields like healthcare by modeling protein behavior, which could lead to breakthroughs in understanding and treating diseases.

Q & A

What is the significance of the announcement IBM is making regarding quantum computing?

IBM is set to announce an advance in a new kind of computing, quantum computing, which has the potential to solve problems in minutes that would take today's supercomputers millions of years.

What is quantum computing and how does it differ from classical computing?

Quantum computing is a technology named for quantum physics, which describes the forces of the subatomic realm. Unlike classical computing that uses transistors with binary states (on/off), quantum computing encodes information on electrons that can exist in multiple states simultaneously, allowing for exponential increases in data processing capabilities.

What is the current stage of quantum computing development according to Dario Gil?

Dario Gil, head of research at IBM, states that they are at a stage where quantum systems can perform certain calculations that would take the world's largest supercomputers a significant amount of time. Moreover, the technology is expected to expand such that even a million or a billion of those supercomputers combined could not match the calculations of future quantum machines.

How does the concept of a quantum bit, or 'qubit', contribute to the power of quantum computing?

A qubit, or quantum bit, can hold and process more information than a classical bit because it can exist in multiple states at once, not just on or off. This allows quantum computers to process a vast amount of data exponentially faster than classical computers.

What is the role of coherence in quantum computing?

Coherence in quantum computing refers to the ability of qubits to vibrate in unison. Achieving and maintaining coherence is crucial because it allows for the control of qubits with an electromagnetic field. However, coherence is challenging to maintain and is fleeting in similar machines, leading to errors.

What is the significance of the temperature in quantum computing systems?

Quantum computers require extremely low temperatures, near absolute zero, to function properly. This 'deep freeze' eliminates electrical resistance and isolates the qubits from outside vibrations, which is necessary for their control and operation.

What are the main challenges facing the development of quantum computing?

The main challenges include mitigating errors that occur due to the fleeting nature of coherence, extending the coherence time, and scaling up to larger machines while maintaining the integrity of the quantum states.

What is the goal for quantum computing development by the end of the decade according to Hartmut Neven?

Hartmut Neven, the founder of Google's quantum lab, aims to integrate all the pieces of quantum computing technology by the end of the decade, suggesting that no more fundamental breakthroughs are needed, but rather incremental improvements to build larger systems.

Why is quantum computing considered a potential game-changer in various scientific fields?

Quantum computing could provide answers to problems in physics, chemistry, engineering, and medicine that are currently considered impossible for classical computers to solve due to their complexity. It offers a different way to represent and process information, which is essential for tackling these complex problems.

How is quantum computing being applied in the medical field, specifically at the Cleveland Clinic?

At the Cleveland Clinic, quantum computing is being trialed to model the behavior of proteins, which are crucial for understanding diseases such as cancer and autoimmunity. The ability to model protein behavior in real time could revolutionize healthcare by providing insights into disease mechanisms and potential treatments.

What is the potential impact of quantum computing on encryption and cybersecurity?

Quantum computing is expected to have a significant impact on encryption and cybersecurity. It is anticipated that quantum computers will one day be able to break existing codes that secure national secrets and credit card information, prompting the development of new encryption standards.

What is the current capacity of IBM's Quantum System 2 and its potential for expansion?

IBM's Quantum System 2 has three times the number of qubits as its predecessor. Dario Gil has expressed confidence that the system has the potential to expand to thousands, and eventually tens or even hundreds of thousands of qubits, significantly increasing its computational power.