Question

1. Although quantum information has been around for a long time, we are starting to see more about it in the media

Answer 1

1)Quantum computing is the area of study focused on developing computer technology based on the principles of quantum theory, which explains the nature and behavior of energy and matter on the quantum (atomic and subatomic) level. Development of a quantum computer, if practical, would mark a leap forward in computing capability far greater than that from the abacus to a modern day supercomputer, with performance gains in the billion-fold realm and beyond. The quantum computer, following the laws of quantum physics, would gain enormous processing power through the ability to be in multiple states, and to perform tasks using all possible permutations simultaneously.

2)To understand quantum computing, it is useful to first think about conventional computing. We take modern digital computers and their ability to perform a multitude of different applications for granted. Our desktop PCs, laptops and smart phones can run spreadsheets, stream live video, allow us to chat with people on the other side of the world, and immerse us in realistic 3D environments. But at their core, all digital computers have something in common. They all perform simple arithmetic operations. Their power comes from the immense speed at which they are able to do this. Computers perform billions of operations per second. These operations are performed so quickly that they allow us to run very complex high level applications

3)Small-scale quantum computing devices built on a variety of underlying physical implementations exist in the laboratory, where they have been evolving for over a decade, and have demonstrated the fundamental characteristics necessary for building systems. The challenge lies in extending these systems to be large enough, fast enough, and accurate enough to solve problems that are intractable for classical systems, such as the factoring of large numbers and the exact simulation of other quantum mechanical systems. The architecture of such a computer will be key to its performance. Structurally, when built, a "quantum computer" will in fact be a hybrid device, with quantum computing units serving as coprocessors to classical systems. The program, much control circuitry, and substantial pre- and postprocessing functions will reside on the classical side of the system. The organization of the quantum system itself, the algorithmic workloads for which it is designed, its speed and capabilities in meeting those goals, its interfaces to the classical control logic, and the design of the classical control systems are all the responsibility of quantum computer architects.