Why Quantum Computing May be Overhyped but AI isn't: Interview with the NSA
Oct 18, 2023
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Gilbert Herrera, Director of Research at NSA discusses the limited current applications of quantum computing, the revolutionary progress of AI, challenges in AI technology, and the need to address errors and hallucinations in AI models.
Quantum computing shows promise in areas such as physics experiments and chemical/material analysis, despite challenges in managing errors and scalability.
AI holds promise but faces challenges in terms of error rates, hallucination, and ensuring reliable outcomes.
Deep dives
Understanding Qubits and Quantum Computing
In this podcast episode, Gilbert Herrera, Director of Research at the National Security Agency, explains the concept of qubits and how they are the fundamental building blocks of quantum computing. Unlike classical bits that represent either a 0 or a 1, qubits can be in superposition, simultaneously representing multiple states. This property allows for complex computations and the manipulation of data in a superposition. However, the challenge lies in managing errors, as qubits are prone to errors due to their high error rates. Despite this, quantum computing shows promise in areas such as physics experiments and chemical/material analysis.
Applications of Quantum Sensing and Quantum Communications
Aside from quantum computing, the podcast explores the applications of quantum sensing and quantum communications. Quantum sensing involves utilizing quantum mechanics to make precise measurements, such as atomic clocks or gravimetric sensors. On the other hand, quantum communications aims to share entangled quantum information over long distances, although currently limited to laboratory experiments. Quantum key distribution, a commercial application of quantum communications, allows for secure key sharing. While these technologies have potential in various fields, there are still challenges to overcome in terms of scalability, error rates, and practical implementation.
Exploring the Revolutionary Potential of Quantum Computing
The podcast delves into the potential revolutionary impact of quantum computing. While efforts have been made to find algorithms that could harness the power of quantum computers, such as Shor's algorithm for factoring large numbers, currently there are limited known algorithms that would bring exponential speedup in solving complex problems. However, there are exciting application areas like simulation of physical and chemical processes, which could lead to advancements in fields like pharmacology and energy production. Despite the challenges in error rates and scalability, quantum computing has the potential to create significant advancements in various industries.
AI: A Real Technology with Limitations
The podcast also touches on the topic of artificial intelligence (AI). While there is a lot of hype around AI and its potential, there are also limitations and problems to consider. AI is already being used in various applications, such as language translation and cybersecurity, but challenges like error rates and hallucination persist. The concern lies in the reliability and accuracy of AI systems, as they can produce confident but incorrect results. Explainability and error detection are areas of research being explored to mitigate these issues. Overall, AI holds promise, but there is still a long way to go in terms of error correction and ensuring reliable outcomes.
Dmitri Alperovitch interviews Gilbert Herrera, Director of Research at the National Security Agency (NSA) and a member of the U.S. National Quantum Initiative Advisory Committee. They discussed the current state of quantum computing, why its current applications outside of breaking certain types of public key cryptography are highly limited, why we may not see a useful quantum computer for many years and why AI will deliver faster and more revolutionary progress to our daily lives than quantum computers. They also dived into the present challenges of the AI technology and why we need to develop a theoretical basis for addressing errors and hallucinations in AI models.
If you are interested in understanding quantum computing, quantum sensing and quantum communication and the real-world applications of these technologies, this is the episode you do not want to miss!
Preorder link for Dmitri's upcoming book "World on the Brink: How America Can Beat China in the Race for the Twenty-First Century": https://www.amazon.com/dp/B0CF1TKHY2
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