Modern computers are powerful machines, but they operate based on the laws of classical physics. Why restrict ourselves to classical laws? The world of quantum physics, accessed in many experiments today offers a completely different set of laws and opportunities. This includes complex computing problems which cannot be performed efficiently on classical supercomputers, such as structural calculations for materials and molecules. In physics, this could be applied to the design of advanced superconductors, while in chemistry it provides a new path to the development of industrial catalysts.
This is how the world’s top experts explain the importance of quantum
by the editors, 23 January 2020
ETH Zurich co-hosted a session with Microsoft and IBM Research: Demystifying Quantum
From left to right: Chris Luebkeman (ETH Zurich), Heike Riel (IBM Research), Julie Love (Microsoft), Jonathan Home (ETH Zurich) Image: ETH Zurich/Andreas Eggenberger
The session was moderated by Chris Luebkeman, Advisor to the President and Executive Board of ETH Zurich.
Discussion Leaders:
· Heike Riel, IBM Fellow, Department Head Science & Technology, IBM Research
· Julie Love, Senior Director, Quantum Computing, Microsoft
· Jonathan Home, Professor of Experimental Quantum Information, ETH Zurich
· Heike Riel, IBM Fellow, Department Head Science & Technology, IBM Research
· Julie Love, Senior Director, Quantum Computing, Microsoft
· Jonathan Home, Professor of Experimental Quantum Information, ETH Zurich
The Panelists discussed key questions on the future of quantum computing:
Why should we care?
"It really has the potential to change the world…"
If this technology were available tomorrow, what do we need to push quantum forward?
“…We need broad investment. We need people working at all of these levels of the stack.”
What problem will be solved with quantum computing?
“Quantum chemistry, including fixation of nitrogen, and machine learning.”
What should we be worried/thinking about?
“Certainly cryptography.”
“Essentially RSA (a cryptosystem used for secure data transmission) is weak to quantum computers... but we need to be implementing those methods long before the device comes online.”
“It is really exciting to work in quantum, and everyone should learn about it!”
Additional resources:
Anyone can use IBM's quantum computer for free - try the "IBM Quantum Experience", and here is a video of an IBM scientist explaining quantum computing to a 8 year old, a teenager and an adult.
Here is an article about the work Microsoft is doing with customers today.
