Getting closer to the first quantum computer

It is undeniably to say that our computers today are already in high quality and can do well in calculations and algorithms. Nevertheless, the forward step of development in computer has never stopped. The race for the first quantum computer is as essential as the race for the first nuke back to 20th century, since the appearance of this kind of computer will totally affect the politics and business realm.

The quantum computer has once be seen as a fantasy---like a travel through wormhole or a zero-calorie chocolate. However, the study for the quantum computer has already made breakthrough achievements. According to the scientists, our first quantum computer might be born in 15 to 20 years. If that goal can be realized, then at that time we can get a millions of times powerful machine than today's super computers. It can solve the hardest calculation problem today, and make accurate predictions as well. We have to keep in mind that this machine is very weird, or even "bizarre", since it made calculation by using the spin of atoms which are known as "qubits". Our super computers today will make calculations by reading every page, one at a time. Although it's very fast, the process  is still serial. In contrast, the quantum computer could read every page and make calculations at the same time----just like splitting the task into millions of parallel universe, and putting them back together in a second.

Moreover, the quantum computer would be involved into military and security use once it be created. This computer is so powerful that it can easily unlock the computer security system of a department. For instance, the negotiation to keep Iran from the nuclear is critical for U.S nowadays. However, by using the quantum computer, the American machines can easily decipher the codes and shut down all of the Iranian nuclear systems in a second. So that's why there are so many countries pouring so much money into that research. Obviously, the quantum computer can also be used in education and business, and it will definitely cause a shock in computer science and software markets---Microsoft, Google, IBM all put much fund into that research.

There is a still a problem for find a best way to build up the quantum computer system, since the "art" of qubits of quantum computer is a huge challenge.  Our software today is still "linear" based on algorithm. So if quantum computer could do all of those algorithms and calculations in a same time, it will be a great progress. However, even the greatest mathematician still doesn't know how to do everything in a same time. So this progress might still take times. But once it is done, our life might change---the AI robot based on quantum computer system might be smarter than a whole department of people!!!



Reference:
1. http://www.newsweek.com/2015/05/15/quantum-computers-will-make-your-laptop-look-abacus-327676.html?utm_source=internal&utm_campaign=incontent&utm_medium=related1

Picture:
1. http://www.newsweek.com/quantum-computing-breakthrough-paves-way-ultra-powerful-machines-440444