What is Quantum Computing?

Quantum Computing utilises the principles of quantum mechanics to process information in ways classical computers cannot. Unlike classical bits, quantum bits or qubits can exist in multiple states simultaneously, enabling parallel computation. This enable Quantum Computers to solve complex problems exponentially faster, from simulating molecular interactions for drug discovery to optimising logistics.

Quantum Computing holds the potential to revolutionise industries by tackling challenges beyond the reach of classical computing. As we unravel its mysteries, the transformative impact of Quantum Computing on technology and innovation becomes increasingly apparent.

Father of Quantum Computing: Richard Feynman

Legacy: Sparked the quantum computing revolution with visionary ideas that changed computational physics forever.

Advantages of Quantum Computing

1) Rapid calculations at unprecedented speeds

Quantum Computers can perform calculations exponentially faster than classical computers. They harness the principles of quantum mechanics to process information in parallel, allowing for rapid execution of complex algorithms. This capability enables Quantum Computers to tackle problems currently infeasible for classical computers due to their computational limitations.

2) Efficient data storage and retrieval capabilities

Quantum Computing offers efficient data storage and retrieval capabilities through quantum memory systems. Quantum bits, or qubits, can store and manipulate vast amounts of data in quantum states, allowing for high-density data storage and faster access times than classical storage systems. This enables Quantum Computers to handle large datasets more effectively, facilitating data-intensive tasks such as machine learning and data analysis.

3) Mastery in resolving intricate problems

Quantum Computing solves intricate problems involving complex mathematical calculations, optimisation, and simulation. Quantum algorithms utilises the unique properties of quantum mechanics to find optimal solutions to optimisation problems, simulate quantum systems with high accuracy, and solve cryptographic challenges efficiently. This mastery over intricate problems opens new avenues for scientific research, engineering, and innovation.

4) Accelerated computational speeds

Quantum Computers offer accelerated computational speeds, enabling organisations to perform computations at unprecedented rates. This speed advantage translates into faster decision-making, reduced time-to-market for products and services, and increased productivity across various industries. Quantum Computers can solve computational tasks in minutes or hours that would take classical computers days, weeks, or even years to complete.

5) Revolutionising Google searches

Quantum Computing has the potential to revolutionise search algorithms and information retrieval systems, including Google searches. Quantum algorithms can process large amounts of data more efficiently, providing users with more accurate and relevant search results. This could enhance user experiences, improve search engine performance, and enable new functionalities such as personalised recommendations and predictive search.

6) Pioneering new technological frontiers

Quantum Computing is paving the way for the development of new technological frontiers and innovations. It enables researchers and engineers to explore previously uncharted territories in materials science, drug discovery, artificial intelligence, and quantum communication. Quantum Computers are strong machines that help us discover new things and go beyond what we currently know and can do.

7) Elevated privacy standards

Quantum Computing offers elevated privacy standards through advanced encryption and cryptographic techniques. Quantum cryptography uses the rules of quantum mechanics to create safe ways to send messages that are very hard for others to spy on or hack into. This enhances privacy and data security in digital communication networks, safeguarding sensitive information from unauthorised access and interception.

8) Conducting complex simulations with ease

Quantum Computing facilitates the simulation of complex systems and phenomena with ease. Quantum simulators can accurately model quantum systems, chemical reactions, biological processes, and physical phenomena that are challenging to simulate using classical computers. This capability enables researchers to gain insights into complex systems, predict their behaviour, and optimise their performance for real-world applications.

Types of Quantum Processors

Technology	Used By	How It Works
Superconducting qubits	IBM, Google, Rigetti	Uses superconducting circuits cooled to near absolute zero
Trapped ions	IonQ, Quantinuum	Uses individual ions suspended in electromagnetic fields
Photonic qubits	Xanadu, PsiQuantum	Uses photons (light particles) to represent qubits
Neutral atoms	Pasqal	Uses atoms trapped and manipulated by lasers

Real-World Examples

1. IBM Quantum Eagle Processor

127 qubits, superconducting technology
Cloud-accessible via IBM Quantum Experience
Used for research in optimization and chemistry

2. Google Sycamore Processor

53 qubits
Achieved quantum supremacy in 2019 by solving a problem in 200 seconds that would take classical computers ~10,000 years

3. IonQ Quantum Processor

Uses trapped-ion qubits
High fidelity and long coherence time
Integrated with Amazon Braket, Azure Quantum

Visual Layout of a Quantum Processor

You can think of a quantum processor as:

A small chip (just like a CPU)
Surrounded by massive cooling systems (e.g., dilution refrigerators)
Controlled using microwave signals or laser pulses

Beginner-Friendly Books:-

“Quantum Computing for Everyone” – Chris Bernhardt

Explains quantum computing concepts using basic linear algebra

Great for non-technical readers

“Quantum Computation and Quantum Information: 10th Anniversary Edition” – Michael A. Nielsen & Isaac L. Chuang

Considered the “Bible” of quantum computing

Starts from basics, gets deep (used in many university courses)

“Dancing with Qubits” – Robert S. Sutor

IBM executive’s perspective

Very readable for beginners with some technical interest

“Quantum Computing for the Very Curious” – Andy Matuschak & Michael Nielsen

Free, interactive online book: country

Excellent spaced repetition style

Intermediate Level (Some math & coding exposure)

“Quantum Mechanics: The Theoretical Minimum” – Leonard Susskind & Art Friedman

Prepares you for quantum computing by understanding the physics

Clear and mathematically insightful

“Programming Quantum Computers” – Eric R. Johnston, Nic Harrigan, & Mercedes Gimeno-Segovia

Hands-on book using Qiskit (IBM) and Cirq (Google)

Includes code examples in Python

“Learn Quantum Computing with Python and Q#” – Sarah Kaiser & Christopher Granade

Practical guide to Microsoft’s Q# and QDK

Good blend of theory and hands-on

Advanced/Academic Level

“Quantum Computation and Quantum Information” – Nielsen & Chuang

Worth mentioning again — it’s still used in graduate-level quantum courses

“Quantum Computer Science: An Introduction” – David Mermin

Focuses more on logic and computation

Less about physics, more about algorithms

“Classical and Quantum Computation” – Alexei Kitaev, Alexander Shen, Mikhail Vyalyi

Mathematically intense

For readers with strong CS and math foundation

Top Applications of Quantum Computing

1. Drug Discovery and Molecular Simulationg

Use: Simulating molecules at the quantum level to understand their behavior and interactions.
Impact: Speeds up the development of new medicines (e.g., for cancer, Alzheimer’s).
Example: Simulating caffeine or penicillin molecules accurately using quantum algorithms.

2. Cryptography and Cybersecurity

Use: Breaking traditional encryption (e.g., RSA) and developing quantum-safe encryption.
Impact: Forces evolution of cybersecurity standards.
Example: Shor’s Algorithm can factor large numbers exponentially faster, threatening RSA encryption.

3. Logistics and Supply Chain Optimization

Use: Solving complex routing and resource allocation problems (combinatorics).
Impact: Optimizes delivery routes, warehouse layouts, airline scheduling.
Example: DHL and Volkswagen are exploring quantum algorithms for better vehicle routing.

4. Finance and Risk Analysis

Use: Portfolio optimization, fraud detection, and financial modeling.
Impact: Enhances decision-making in stock trading, risk management.
Example: JP Morgan and Goldman Sachs are exploring quantum algorithms for asset pricing and derivatives modeling.

5. Artificial Intelligence and Machine Learning

Use: Accelerating model training and handling high-dimensional data.
Impact: Improves natural language processing, recommendation systems, image recognition.
Example: Quantum support vector machines or quantum neural networks are in development.

6. Climate Modeling and Environmental Science

Use: Simulating complex climate systems, chemical reactions, and emissions modeling.
Impact: Helps fight climate change through more accurate forecasting and material discovery.
Example: Quantum simulations for CO₂ capture or better battery materials.

7. Energy Optimization and Material Science

Use: Discovering new materials (e.g., superconductors), improving energy storage.
Impact: Enables more efficient solar panels, batteries, and smart grids.
Example: Quantum simulation of lithium-air battery materials.

8. Physics and High-Energy Research

Use: Solving problems in quantum field theory and particle physics.
Impact: Helps in fundamental research like string theory, black holes, and quantum gravity.
Example: Simulating particle interactions at the quantum level.

Classical vs. Quantum Computing

Aspect	Classical Computing	Quantum Computing
Basic Unit of Data	Bit (0 or 1)	Qubit (can be 0, 1, or both simultaneously – superposition)
Data Processing	Sequential or parallel using binary logic	Uses quantum phenomena like superposition and entanglement
Computation Model	Boolean logic gates (AND, OR, NOT)	Quantum gates (Hadamard, CNOT, Pauli, etc.)
Speed for Complex Problems	Slower for large-scale, complex problems	Can be exponentially faster for certain problems
Memory Storage	Fixed, based on binary values	Uses quantum states that can hold multiple combinations
Error Handling	Mature and stable with conventional error correction	Quantum error correction is still evolving and challenging
Best Suited For	General computing tasks (emails, browsing, games, etc.)	Specialized tasks (factorization, optimization, simulations)
Examples of Use	Word processing, internet, databases	Drug discovery, AI, cryptography, materials science
Commercial Availability	Widely available (PCs, phones, servers)	Still in early stages; limited access via cloud (IBM, Google)

Top Quantum Computing Companies (2025)

1. IBM Quantum (USA)

Focus: Superconducting qubit hardware, Qiskit platform (open-source SDK)
Notable Achievements:
- IBM Quantum Experience (cloud quantum computers)
- 127-qubit “Eagle” & 433-qubit “Osprey” processors

2. Google Quantum AI (USA)

Focus: Superconducting circuits
Notable Achievements:
- Claimed quantum supremacy in 2019 with “Sycamore”
- Advancing scalable, fault-tolerant quantum processors

3. Microsoft Azure Quantum (USA)

Focus: Topological qubits (long-term), quantum software tools (Q#)
Notable Features:
- Cloud-based quantum platform integrating hardware from partners (IonQ, Quantinuum)

4. D-Wave Systems (Canada)

Focus: Quantum annealing (for optimization problems)
Notable Users: Volkswagen, Lockheed Martin, NASA
Products: Leap quantum cloud service, Advantage processor

5. Rigetti Computing (USA)

Focus: Superconducting qubits and hybrid classical-quantum computing
Products: Forest SDK, Aspen quantum processors

What is the IBM Quantum Computer?

The IBM Quantum Computer is a cutting-edge computer developed by IBM that uses quantum mechanics to solve problems far too complex for traditional computers. It’s part of IBM’s mission to build scalable, fault-tolerant quantum systems that scientists, developers, and businesses can use today through the IBM Quantum Experience platform.

Developed By:

IBM Quantum — A division of IBM Research

How It Works:

IBM’s quantum computers use superconducting qubits, cooled to temperatures near absolute zero.
Computations are done using quantum gates on these qubits via precisely controlled microwave pulses.

Key IBM Quantum Processors

Processor Name	Qubits	Year	Notes
Falcon	27	2019	Early stable design
Hummingbird	65	2020	Increased connectivity
Eagle	127	2021	First over 100 qubits
Osprey	433	2022	Most powerful available publicly
Condor (Planned)	1,121	2024	Aiming for error-corrected systems
Heron	133	2023	Low-error next-gen processor

IBM Quantum Experience (Cloud Platform)

You can access IBM’s quantum computers online:

Try real quantum programming using Qiskit (Python-based)
Run algorithms on real quantum hardware via ibm.com

Applications IBM is Exploring

Chemistry: Simulating molecules (e.g., lithium hydride)
Optimization: Traffic, finance, logistics
Machine Learning: Quantum-enhanced data classification
Cryptography: Testing quantum-safe algorithms

Example Use Case

Simulating Molecules

IBM used its quantum computer to simulate the behavior of beryllium hydride, which is impossible for classical computers beyond a few atoms.

Quantum Tools by IBM

Qiskit: Open-source quantum programming SDK
IBM Quantum Lab: Browser-based interface to write and run quantum programs
Quantum Composer: Drag-and-drop interface for quantum circuits

Want to See One?

An IBM Quantum Computer looks like a golden chandelier!
It includes:

A small quantum chip
Enclosed in a dilution refrigerator
Layers of wiring and shielding to maintain qubit stability

What is a Qubit?

A qubit (short for quantum bit) is the basic unit of information in quantum computing, similar to a bit in classical computing — but much more powerful.

What is Quantum Computing?

Quantum computing is a new kind of computing that uses the principles of quantum mechanics to process information. Unlike traditional (classical) computers that use bits (0 or 1), quantum computers use qubits, which can be 0, 1, or both at the same time thanks to a property called superposition.

Key Features of Quantum Computing

Feature	Description
Qubit	A quantum bit that can be in a state of 0, 1, or both (superposition)
Superposition	Enables qubits to hold multiple values at once
Entanglement	Qubits become linked, so the state of one affects the other instantly
Interference	Used to cancel out wrong answers and amplify correct ones in calculations

Simple Example of Quantum Computing

Example: Searching a Name in a Phonebook

Let’s say you have a phonebook with 1 million names.

Classical Computer: It would go name by name — it might take up to 500,000 tries on average.
Quantum Computer (using Grover’s Algorithm): Can find the name in about 1,000 tries or less — much faster.

Why? Because it can check multiple possibilities at once using superposition.

Real-World Example: Drug Discovery

Problem: Simulating a complex molecule like caffeine or penicillin.
Classical Computer: Would take millions of years to simulate all atomic interactions.
Quantum Computer: Can simulate it in hours or days, making drug discovery faster and cheaper.