But What Is Quantum Computing, Anyway?
A simple approach accessible to the widest possible audience.
Every time Google or IBM makes a breakthrough in quantum computing, you read a bunch of articles about how this emerging industry is going to change the world of the future. You watch videos telling you that the Bitcoin system will soon be in danger, just like the rest of the banking system, due to the incredible computational capabilities of quantum computers.
You may have understood that quantum computing is based on the principles of quantum physics, but you're still struggling to understand how this technology will multiply the computing capacity of computers.
That's why I've decided to launch this newsletter dedicated to AI and Quantum Computing. To explain what these technologies are, but also how they complement each other in many ways, and above all how they will change our future.
Here, I'd like to introduce you to quantum computing. This is the essential starting point for the new adventure that this newsletter represents for me.
Solve a problem in minutes that would take 10,000 years for one of today's most advanced computers: that's the promise of quantum computing and the few players dealing with the subject. Quantum computing is a fast-growing technology with the potential to enhance artificial intelligence tools, drug development, and financial calculations. The USA and China currently dominate the quantum computing sector, and Europe once again seems to be lagging in this technology of the future.
What is quantum computing?
Quantum computing is a critical scientific advance for the coming decades. It is based on a set of physical theories whose first conclusions date back to the end of the 19th century, and which seek to explain the behavior of atoms and particles. At this scale, the classical laws of physics cease to apply, and we move on to quantum rules.
By way of example, here are two of the seven principles associated with this theory, which defy common sense. A quantum object can pass through an obstacle, just as if you were passing through a wall. Two separate particles can form a linked system. When one moves, so does the other, regardless of the distance between them. This is the principle of “entanglement”.
Quantum computing, the technological revolution
Quantum computing is a multidisciplinary field comprising aspects of computer science, physics, and mathematics. By exploiting the fundamental principles of quantum mechanics, quantum computers can solve extremely complex problems much faster than conventional machines. They excel in tasks such as deep learning, artificial intelligence, and cryptographic problem-solving. With its computing power, quantum computing opens up a whole new world of possibilities.
How does a quantum computer work?
The operation of a quantum computer is based on the principle of superposition, in which a particle can be at both point A and point B at the same time. Whereas today's computers are based on “bits” - information stored in binary form, represented by 1 or 0 - a quantum computer works with “qubits” (quantum bits). The latter has the particularity of being able to be both 1 and 0 at the same time.
What are the advantages of quantum computers over conventional computers?
Through its various applications, quantum computing promises to revolutionize communications security, the optimization of complex problems, molecular simulation, advanced artificial intelligence, and the discovery of innovative materials. Thanks to its computing power, a quantum computer could be used to develop drugs, produce fertilizer,s and eliminate carbon dioxide, among other applications.
Quantum cryptography and cybersecurity
Quantum computing offers unique opportunities to create more resilient cybersecurity systems thanks to quantum cryptography. Quantum key distribution offers a breakthrough in communications security. Unlike conventional methods, where keys are exchanged digitally and could be intercepted by attackers, quantum keys are generated and shared in an intrinsically secure way thanks to the properties of quantum physics. An advance made possible by the property of the superposition of states mentioned above.
As a result, quantum key distribution offers unrivaled security, guaranteeing the confidentiality and integrity of exchanged data in a world that is increasingly connected and vulnerable to cyber threats. Hackers could use quantum computing to hijack encryption systems, which is why researchers are trying to develop hack-proof technologies.
Quantum computing and chemical reaction modeling
Quantum computing can improve the modeling of molecules, materials, and complex chemical reactions, through the precise simulation of molecular interactions. This breakthrough opens up new opportunities:
New drug discovery: predicting how molecules interact with biological targets, accelerating drug development by identifying the most promising compounds.
Artificial photosynthesis: helping to design systems for converting solar energy into chemical fuels, by simulating the complex processes involved in artificial photosynthesis.
Advanced materials: predict the properties of materials at the atomic scale, facilitating the development of new materials with specific characteristics.
Chemical catalysis: shedding light on how catalysts work, accelerating the discovery of new catalysts for important chemical reactions.
Quantum Computing and Artificial Intelligence (AI)
Quantum computing and artificial intelligence are two complementary fields of technology with the potential to revolutionize the world of computation and problem-solving:
Optimization: speed up the computations needed to solve complex optimization problems. This could be beneficial for machine learning-based artificial intelligence tools for route planning, resource management, etc.
Big data and deep learning: quantum computers can accelerate the analysis of massive data used in deep learning and artificial intelligence, contributing to faster progress in these fields.
Algorithm research: quantum machines can be used to research and develop new, more efficient algorithms for artificial intelligence tasks, leading to improvements in speed and accuracy.
Final Thoughts
I hope that this initial introduction to quantum computing has given you a clearer idea of what we're talking about. From this first newsletter post onwards, I'll try to help you see things more clearly over time, keeping you up to date with the latest technological advances in the field, while introducing you from time to time to investment opportunities in quantum computing, as I did at the end of 2024 here:
Investing in This Industry Today Is Equivalent to Buying Bitcoin at $500 in 2013.
This opportunity is probably The Next Big Thing.
I'll also be sharing my thoughts and ideas on the future impact of AI and Quantum Computing on our world.
Great article, Sylvain! 🙌 You do an excellent job explaining how quantum computing will revolutionize fields like AI and security. The concept of qubits is truly fascinating. I can't wait to learn more and follow your upcoming newsletters! 🚀