Now Try This

An article from the Economist briefly summarizes the processes of high-speed quantum computing: Superposition breaks down bits into qubits – a conventional computer can work in one of 16 states at a time while the quantum computer can work with all 16 at once. Entanglement allows the quantum computer to combine qubits, exponentially increasing the number of states working on a large data set. As such, the computer responds with probabilities rather than definitive answers. IBM has invited researchers to apply to use a 5-qubit processor free of charge during a testing period by submitting projects. The company anticipates 50-qubit computers to be available before 2027, and “By giving users access to the IBM Quantum Experience, it will help businesses and organizations begin to understand the technology’s potential, for universities to grow their teaching programs in quantum computing and related subjects, and for students to become aware of promising new career paths,” reports the IBM release. Founding members of the IBM Research Frontiers Institute include Samsung, JSR and Honda. Project director Jerry Chow concludes that the best way to develop the computers and people who can use them is “to give people ‘hands-on’ time with a real machine.” The test period will also give IBM a better understanding of algorithms being explored and how its own computer responds. – YaleGlobal