Techdigitalweb – After millions of years of evolution, humans have almost achieved the peak of technological innovation. Such technological advancement is achieved through the creation of quantum technology.
So, what is quantum technology? How can quantum technology affect our everyday life? What are the applications of this technology?
To answer that question requires a lot of time and words. So, take a seat and grab some popcorn. We will walk you through this topic to answer all of those questions.
What is quantum technology?
This includes quantum entanglement and quantum superposition. Quantum entanglement refers to a phenomenon in which two atoms are connected. The property of one atom will change if you alter the other atom. Practically, quantum entanglement can be used to detect even a slight change in the atom. This is used in many fields of technology such as data transfer and communication interference detection.
The other theory, quantum superposition, refers to a phenomenon in which sub-atomic particles exist in a simultaneous state. For some, this might sound ridiculous. But, it is real. The most common way to illustrate this phenomenon is Schrodinger’s cat experiment.
A cat is put inside a sealed box. The box contains a flask of poison, a Geiger counter, and radioactive material. The flask will break if the Geiger counter detects a certain level of radiation. Radiation will be detected if the radioactive material decays.
If the flask breaks, it will release the poison which resulted in the death of the cat. Radioactive measurement is a statistical process, which can either happen or not. Therefore, before confirming the cat’s condition by opening the box, the cat is both alive and dead at the same time.
Practically, quantum superposition is applied in quantum computing. Which, if applied, are widely regarded as having faster computing capability than the currently existing supercomputer.
After hearing this explanation, you might still feel confused about what quantum technology is. But in reality, you don’t have to understand the concept to feel the benefits of quantum technology products.
Quantum technology products and application
Quantum technology has been applied in various products. Some of which you might feel very familiar with. Chances are you currently using one right now. A smartphone is one of the most widely known quantum technology applications. Smartphones use one of the quantum technology inventions called semiconductors to function.
Other than that, more advanced technology such as GPS atomic clocks, lasers, and solar cells are only some of the most common quantum technology products. More advanced quantum technology product is developed in one of the most widely known domains of quantum technology called quantum computing.
Quantum computing is responsible for creating the fastest and most efficient computer. A normal computer stores its data as 1 or 0 in a bit. On the other hand, quantum computers can store 1 and 0 at the same time in a data carrier called a qubit. As a result, qubit has far more storage capacity than a bit. For illustration, 300 qubits of data are enough to represent more values than the total number of all particles in the universe.
Quantum technology computers can complete even the most difficult equation in a fraction of a second. One of the real products of quantum computing is the 16 qubit processor by IBM in 2017.
Reportedly, Google has announced that they’re working on the creation of a 49-qubit processor.
Along with the creation of the quantum computer, a fast and secure network is required. For that reason, encryption key transmission is developed via quantum communication. For short, quantum communication is responsible for creating a quantum network for easier, secure, and fast communication between individuals.
So, using quantum technology, it is expected that we can feel the advantage of faster and more secure ways of communication.
What can we expect from quantum technology?
There are a lot of things that can be expected from quantum technology development. As stated before, quantum technology creates the possibility for a fast and secure network. As a result, data transmission and communication between individuals can easily be done.
Early health problem diagnosis can be accomplished using quantum sensing technology. Accurate healthcare imaging is expected to increase the effectiveness of medical treatment utilizing an accurate MRI scanner. Navigation can also be done accurately through a precise atomic clock.
For investors, quantum technology has also opened some new ways of investing through the development of quantum computing. Utilizing a quantum computer ETF (Exchange-Traded Fund), investors can invest in several companies responsible for developing quantum computing. Some of the most prominent quantum technology companies include Microsoft, IBM, Honeywell, and IonQ.
Limitation of quantum technology development
Although it sounded very promising, some limitations hinder the development of quantum technology. One common problem in quantum computing is noise. ‘Noise’ is an unwanted variation in data that can lead to computational error. The nature of qubits makes it really hard to diagnose and fix the problem.
Unlike bits in a regular computer, qubits are difficult to duplicate. As a result, a common programming technique that heavily relies on copying values and variables is impossible in quantum technology.
In terms of engineering, it is no doubt that quantum computing is superior to the current supercomputer. However, this makes the hardware to handle such power difficult to produce. Therefore, quantum processor chips, supporting hardware, and software are mostly found only in laboratories.
To sum up, quantum technology is a physics and engineering domain. This domain relies on the principles of quantum physics and mechanics. All of which can be found in the physics of subatomic particles. Technology Quantum has been implemented in everyday life in the form of smartphones, lasers, and many other devices.
Moreover, quantum technology products offer a lot of advantages than we can expect. However, more advanced quantum technology development in computing programs requires a lot of effort and time to produce. So, it will be a long time before quantum computing technology is available to the masses.
