Quantum science is weird. Unlike much of science, there isn’t much intuition that helps understand some of the trickier concepts; even though the quantum theory is the most robust scientific theory of the universe, it presents many challenges in interpreting and understanding. Some of the properties of the Quantum world, such as entanglement, have been called strange. But yet, it is these strange properties which could lead to new industries such as Quantum Computing and Quantum Security.
Superposition: It’s not logical
This is a strange concept that is difficult to grasp, given that we live in a world of data and 1s and 0s or binary states. A superposition is not simply a new form of the encoding scheme. It is a departure from conventional ways of looking at data.
Binary code is a system of representing information using only two digits, typically 0 and 1. Computers use this system to store and process data. The reason for using only two digits is that computers are based on electronic switches in one of two states: on or off. These states can be represented by the digits 1 and 0, respectively.
Each digit in a binary number represents a power of 2, starting with the rightmost digit representing 2^0 (which is 1), the next digit representing 2^1 (which is 2), the next representing 2^2 (which is 4), and so on. Combining these digits can represent any decimal number in binary form. Coding schemes don’t just have to be base 2. They could be base 16, as in the case of hexadecimal.
Superposition is the property of a quantum system, such as a qubit, to exist in multiple states simultaneously. In the case of a qubit, it can exist in a superposition of both 0 and 1 states simultaneously. This differs from a classical system, where a bit can only live in one of two states.
Quantum Computers make use of the qubit as the fundamental unit of information. In a quantum computer, qubits are used as the building blocks of quantum circuits to perform computations. These circuits comprise a series of quantum gates manipulating the qubits, much like classical gates manipulating classical bits.
Superposition and entanglement (which we will discuss later) are two of the essential concepts in quantum mechanics, and they are the foundation of quantum computing and quantum communication.
Entanglement: Spooky Action
Einstein was sceptical about the concept of entanglement and famously referred to it as “spooky action at a distance.” He did not deny that entanglement existed, but he did not accept its implications for the fundamental nature of reality.
Back In 1935, Einstein, along with Boris Podolsky and Nathan Rosen, published a paper describing what is now known as the EPR paradox, which argued that entanglement could not be a real physical phenomenon because it would require faster-than-light communication, which violates the theory of relativity.
However, subsequent experiments have confirmed the reality of entanglement and its ability to transmit information instantaneously over vast distances. While Einstein’s objections were based on his philosophical views about the nature of reality, entanglement is now widely accepted as a key feature of the quantum world.
- When two particles become entangled, their properties become linked together in a way that seems to defy classical physics. For example, if one particle is considered “spin up”, the other will “spin down”. Particles are linked.
- You might think you could use this concept to send information faster than the speed of light. But that limit still remains and information cannot be sent faster than the speed of light.
- Any distance can separate the entangled particles, but their properties will remain linked. This is sometimes referred to as “spooky action at a distance.“
- When you measure one of the entangled particles, the other particle’s state is instantly determined, even if it is on the other side of the universe.
- Entanglement is a strange and counter-intuitive concept that challenges our understanding of the universe. Still, it has enormous potential for quantum cryptography and computation advancements.
Quantum Applications
Researchers and developers of quantum computers continue to increase the number of qubits that quantum computers sport. Several hundred qubits systems have been created such as IBM’s 433 qubit system, but the number is fast approaching a thousand. But the aim is for millions. There are numerous possible use cases for quantum systems.
Companies such as Strangeworks, IBM, Google and Microsoft are busy exploiting these strange properties of quantum behaviour for applications which range from Efficient Distribution to Drug Discovery to Finding New Materials.
