A groundbreaking quantum computer chip claims to solve problems in minutes that would take classical computers 10 septillion years. Delve into the fascinating transition from classical to quantum computing, learning how qubits and superposition play pivotal roles. Experts clarify the hype versus reality of quantum advancements, outlining specific situations where they excel while highlighting current limitations. This insightful discussion also touches on the implications for cryptography and the evolving landscape of quantum technology.
Quantum computers utilize qubits and superposition, allowing for complex calculations beyond traditional computational limits, but their practical applications remain limited.
Recent claims about Google's quantum computer's speed highlight the need for skepticism, as they pertain to specific tasks not indicative of overall performance.
Deep dives
Understanding Quantum Computers
Quantum computers operate on principles distinct from classical computers, leveraging the laws of quantum mechanics to perform computations. Classical computers process data as bits, which represent either a zero or one; however, quantum computers use qubits that can represent both values simultaneously due to superposition. This capability significantly enhances the complexity and potential power of calculations, allowing for operations that exceed the number of atoms in the universe even with a limited number of bits. The differences in construction, such as utilizing superconductors at very low temperatures, further facilitate these unique computational abilities.
The Hype Behind Quantum Claims
Recent claims regarding Google's quantum computer, which suggest that it can perform calculations in five minutes that would take classical computers 10 septillion years, have been met with skepticism. Experts clarify that while these numbers may sound impressive, they apply to very specific tasks not representative of general computing capabilities. In fact, quantum computers are not universally faster; for many tasks, a classical computer could outperform a quantum one. The current focus of quantum computers is on specialized computations like random circuit sampling, which, while interesting, do not have significant practical applications at this stage.
Google claim their latest quantum computer chip is able to process something in five minutes it would take a normal computer 10 septillion years to figure out.
As this is a massive amount longer than the entire history of the known universe, that seems to suggest the chip is extremely powerful.
But when you understand what’s going on, the claim doesn’t seem quite so impressive. Dr Peter Leek, a quantum computer scientist from Oxford University, explains the key context.
Presenter: Charlotte McDonald
Producer: Tom Colls
Production co-ordinator: Brenda Brown
Sound mix: Andrew Garratt
Editor: Richard Vadon
Get the Snipd podcast app
Unlock the knowledge in podcasts with the podcast player of the future.
AI-powered podcast player
Listen to all your favourite podcasts with AI-powered features
Discover highlights
Listen to the best highlights from the podcasts you love and dive into the full episode
Save any moment
Hear something you like? Tap your headphones to save it with AI-generated key takeaways
Share & Export
Send highlights to Twitter, WhatsApp or export them to Notion, Readwise & more
AI-powered podcast player
Listen to all your favourite podcasts with AI-powered features
Discover highlights
Listen to the best highlights from the podcasts you love and dive into the full episode