Quantum computer is a type of computer that uses the principles of quantum mechanics to perform computations. Quantum mechanics exploits the unique properties of subatomic particles, such as superposition and entanglement, to perform calculations with speeds and capabilities far surpassing those of classical computers in certain tasks.
The following are some of the characteristics and basic principles of a quantum computer:
Qubit: The basic unit in a quantum computer is called a qubit (quantum bit). Qubits have the ability to exist in several states simultaneously, known as superpositions. Unlike classical bits which can only have a value of 0 or 1, qubits can hold values of 0, 1, or a linear combination of the two.
Superposition: In superposition, qubits can hold values 0 and 1 simultaneously. This allows quantum computers to perform parallel computations on many values simultaneously, providing potentially higher processing speeds than classical computers.
Entanglement: Entanglement is a phenomenon in which qubits are so tightly connected that the state of one qubit depends on the state of the other. With entanglement, quantum computers can process interrelated information at incredible speeds.
Quantum Gates: Quantum gates or quantum operations are mathematical operations that are applied to qubits to carry out the manipulation and transformation of information. These quantum gates are similar to logic gates in classical computers, but operate at the quantum level and manipulate states of superposition and entanglement.
Crash (Decoherence): Crash is a phenomenon in which the quantum state of a qubit becomes degraded and loses its quantum properties as a result of interaction with the external environment. Decoherence is a major challenge in the development of quantum computers because it can reduce the reliability and stability of its operations.
Quantum computers are still in the stage of active development and research. However, they hold promise for the potential to solve difficult and complex problems, such as complex molecular modeling, complex optimization and artificial intelligence.
The following are some examples of quantum computers that have been developed:
IBM Q System One: IBM Q System One is an example of a quantum computer developed by IBM. This is a quantum computer model embedded in a special environment designed to maintain its quantum state. IBM Q System One uses superconducting qubit technology and provides access via the IBM Quantum Experience platform.
Google Quantum Computer (Sycamore): Google has developed a quantum computer known as "Sycamore". This quantum computer uses superconducting qubit technology and has reached 53 qubits as of 2019. Sycamore has achieved "quantum supremacy", i.e. performs computations that are faster than classical computers in certain specialized tasks.
IonQ Quantum Computer: IonQ is a company that developed a trapped qubit ion-based quantum computer. Their quantum computer uses qubits trapped in ions and has reached about 32 qubits. IonQ provides access to their quantum computers via the IonQ Quantum Cloud Services platform.
Honeywell Quantum Computer: Honeywell Quantum Solutions is a division of Honeywell focused on developing quantum computers. Their quantum computer uses qubits trapped in ions and has reached 10 qubits in 2020. Honeywell Quantum Solutions provides access to their quantum computer via the Honeywell Quantum Cloud Services platform.
Rigetti Quantum Computer: Rigetti Computing is a company that develops quantum computers based on superconducting qubits. They have developed a quantum computer with several tens of qubits and provided a Rigetti Quantum Cloud Services platform that allows access to their quantum computer via the cloud.
It should be noted that the quantum computer is currently still in the stage of intensive development and research. The number of qubits and the computational capabilities of quantum computers continue to increase along with technological developments.
