Quantum Computing

Subject – Science and Tech

Context – First quantum computer to pack 100 qubits enters crowded race

Concept –

IBM’s newest quantum-computing chip, revealed on 15 November, established a milestone of sorts: it packs in 127 quantum bits (qubits), making it the first such device to reach 3 digits.
The ‘Eagle’ chip is a step towards IBM’s goal of creating a 433-qubit quantum processor next year, followed by one with 1,121 qubits named Condor by 2023.

Quantum Technology

Quantum Technology is based on the principles of Quantum mechanics that was developed in the early 20th century to describe nature at the scale of atoms and elementary particles.
The first phase of this revolutionary technology has provided the foundations of our understanding of the physical world, including the interaction of light and matter, and led to ubiquitous inventions such as lasers and semiconductor transistors.
A second revolution is currently underway with the goal of putting properties of quantum mechanics in the realms of computing.

Properties of Quantum Computing

Superposition – It is the ability of a quantum system to be in multiple states simultaneously.
Entanglement– It means the two members of a pair (Qubits) exist in a single quantum state. Changing the state of one of the qubits will instantaneously change the state of the other one in a predictable way. This happens even if they are separated by very long distances.
- Einstein called spooky ‘action at a distance’.
Interference – Quantum interference states that elementary particles (Qubits) can not only be in more than one place at any given time (through superposition), but that an individual particle, such as a photon (light particles) can cross its own trajectory and interfere with the direction of its path.

Potential Applications For Quantum Computing

National Mission on Quantum Technology and Applications (NMQTA)

Union Budget 2020-21 proposed to spend Rs 8,000 crore on the newly launched NMQTA.
In 2018, the Department of Science & Technology unveiled a programme called Quantum-Enabled Science & Technology (QuEST) and committed to investing Rs. 80 crore over the next three years to accelerate research.
The mission seeks to develop quantum computing linked technologies amidst the second quantum revolution and make India the world’s third-biggest nation in the sector after the US and China.