11 Features Issue 12 July 2024 The RGS Gazette The study of computer technology based on the ideas of quantum theory is known as quantum computing. The behaviour of matter and energy at the atomic and subatomic levels is explained by quantum theory. Quantum computers use quantum bits, or qubits, as the lowest unit of information, in contrast to classical computers, which use bits. Unlike classical bits, which are binary and can only be in one state at a time (either 0 or 1), qubits can represent and store data in a quantum state that permits them to exist simultaneously in several states (superposition). Superposition, entanglement, and quantum tunnelling are just a few of the quantum mechanical concepts that quantum computers use to process information in radically different ways. Quantum computers may investigate several solutions to a problem instantaneously because of superposition. Qubits that are entangled can be in a correlated state thanks to entanglement, which allows for largedistance dependence between qubit states. This can result in processing for some computations being completed much more quickly The primary difference between quantum and conventional computers is their fundamental information unit. Qubits, as opposed to bits, which can only be either 0 or 1, can be either 0, 1, or both simultaneously due to superposition. This greatly expands the potential processing capability of quantum computers by allowing them to execute multiple calculations at once. Another key difference is entanglement, which is specific to quantum computing. Entangled qubits have the potential to be substantially more powerful than classical bits because they can store and analyse massive amounts of data and correlations. Furthermore, quantum computers use quantum gates, which alter qubits through quantum operations, as opposed to the classical logic gates employed in conventional computing. These differences allow quantum computers to solve complex problems that traditional computers are unable to solve at the moment. For example, quantum computing has the potential to revolutionise fields such as optimisation, drug development, materials science, and cryptography by offering solutions to problems through largenumber factoring, molecular structure modelling, and largesystem optimisation faster than traditional computers. By producing siliconbased transistors or silicon quantum dots, which operate as qubits— the basic building blocks of quantum information—silicon can be employed in quantum computing. These quantum dots can capture single electrons or holes, which may subsequently be used to execute quantum operations by manipulating them with electrical voltages. The compatibility of silicon with current semiconductor manufacturing processes is a benefit of employing silicon in quantum computing. The ease of integrating quantum devices with traditional siliconbased technologies is made possible by their compatibility. Silicon has long coherence times, allowing qubits to stay in their quantum state for a long time. This is essential for executing intricate quantum computations with reduced mistakes. Silicon is a desirable material for the development of quantum computers due to its wellunderstood characteristics and the extensive infrastructure now in place for silicon fabrication. The resilience and scalability of silicon technology can be used to create hybrid devices, which combine elements of classical and quantum computing on a single chip. These efforts are focused on integrating siliconbased qubits into larger systems. Beyond silicon, researchers are experimenting with several materials and approaches for quantum computing. Advanced superconducting qubits that function at extremely low temperatures are constructed from elements such as niobium. High accuracy is available with trapped ions, which use individual ions under laser control. Topological qubits, which rely on unique particles known as anyons, offer increased stability and resilience to errors. Other techniques include the use of photonic systems, which use light particles, and quantum dots made of materials such as indium arsenide and tantalum Tantalum has negligible electrical resistance at low temperatures, it can help preserve stable quantum states for computations and is therefore employed in superconducting qubits. Due to its direct bandgap and high electron mobility, indium arsenide (InAs) is utilised in quantum dots, where it enables precise control of the electron states required for qubit manipulation. Quantum Computing in a Nutshell Arham Armaghan (Year 12) explores the application of quantum theory to computing Google quantum project (2024)
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