Talking out of my butt but I am on board with IBM on this one. Grandiose claims with no evidence.

Quantum, eh? We are stuck with silicon for another decade.

Wow, I really don't understand any of this, I even tried reading the source article that was linked! I just don't understand it! Well, I understand that Google thinks they've developed the first quantum computer that is calculating something that silicon based computers practically can't do, but beyond that I know nothing!

I thought you could only keep a current quantum computer running for a microsecond (still enough for loads and loads of computations), so 200 seconds would be huge. But then again, I don't keep myself updated on quantum computers at all.

Robbo9999:

Wow, I really don't understand any of this, I even tried reading the source article that was linked! I just don't understand it! Well, I understand that Google thinks they've developed the first quantum computer that is calculating something that silicon based computers practically can't do, but beyond that I know nothing!

In the computer world everything is binary, either 0 or 1 in its state, you know these as binary bits, the downside is that there is a finite amount of data can be processed. Quantum computers make use of Qubits, these can be in the state of 0, 1, or both at the same time, and it is that last state that opens up a new binary dimension. That last state gives quantum computers in- and un-imaginable processing power. It is the holy grail of computing for the next few decades but is incredibly complicated to fabricate. With qubits, the number of possibilities that are represented grows exponentially. Two qubits can exist simultaneously as the four possible two-bit numbers (00, 01, now also have 10, and 11). With three qubits, you can represent all of the possible combinations of a three-bit number (000, 010, 011, 100, 101, 110 and 101) all at the same time. String together 40 qubits and you have the binary representation for every number up to and beyond a trillion. As such you can then perform operations on every one of those different numbers ... all at the same time. So what you have is massively parallel processing tackling that calculation. So what with a current (super)computer would take years, a future quantum computer can do in seconds. Check this video for a bit more on the topic, qubits are fascinating. Also, and I was thinking about it a while ago: let me add that quantum computing/qubits can be very dangerous. For example, if it would take 10 years for a supercomputer to crack a strongly encrypted database (just a random example that comes to mind), a quantum computer could tackle that 'problem' in a few seconds or minutes. As such the entire financial system based on encryption could be in potential danger. Then again with quantum computing you an also generate infinitely difficult algorithms. [youtube=efJBkSj9koo]

Crysis anybody

Google does not give many details - to be expected since there is a big race between IT giants to achieve first this technological breakthrough - but is it "real" quantum or just an emulator (quantum “logic” imitation)??? Also even if quantum computers will come to life some day this does not mean that they will replace "classic" silicon based computers (quantum computing is based on gold chips). Sure they will have a place in scientific research, whether prediction patterns, cryptography, nano tech new materials creation but for servers, applications for office and home, entertainment and multimedia silicon based "classic" computers will still be the most efficient and cost effective solution. So these "quantum" computers will not replace but work together with "classic" computers. Also I die of curiosity (I am a physics engineer working in quantum optics field) to know how they solved the "noise" problem as specified in this article if this is "real" quantum on not logic imitation: https://www.quantamagazine.org/gil-kalais-argument-against-quantum-computers-20180207/ Quantum optics and quantum physics in general already gave us a very useful application from non linear optics theory: The Scanner/Copy machine so I think that quantum computing is next but let this be for real and not some marketing stunt... D-wave is an example of quantum emulator and not "real" quantum computing. Oh and there is also this problem: https://i.imgur.com/ouTUACg.jpg

Hilbert Hagedoorn:

Also, and I was thinking about it a while ago: let me add that quantum computing/qubits can be very dangerous. For example, if it would take 10 years for a supercomputer to crack a strongly encrypted database (just a random example that comes to mind), a quantum computer could tackle that 'problem' in a few seconds or minutes. As such the entire financial system based on encryption could be in potential danger. Then again with quantum computing you an also generate infinitely difficult algorithms.

Very nicely perceived boss. That's exactly why quantum communications are among the first and foremost on the frontlines of quantum science. There's many programs for this, in particular I'm aware of the Austrian scientists collaborating with the Chinese universities, and this already launched in 2016: https://www.oeaw.ac.at/en/oeaw/press/public-relations-and-communications/pressefotos/first-quantum-satellite-successfully-launched/ And this is not the only program, I would bet my money on it, the US (DARPA) and many other countries / governments too search for quantum encrypted communication, if only to make their own comm as hard to decipher as others can, keeping balance. Especially in military environments, I'm fairly sure, there are already some computers / quantum chips which are faster / stronger / more qbits than google here claims to have as a new success.

Quantum computers, in a nutshell: [youtube=Ac7G7xOG2Ag]

Hilbert Hagedoorn:

In the computer world everything is binary, either 0 or 1 in its state, you know these as binary bits, the downside is that there is a finite amount of data can be processed. Quantum computers make use of Qubits, these can be in the state of 0, 1, or both at the same time, and it is that last state that opens up a new binary dimension. That last state gives quantum computers in- and un-imaginable processing power. It is the holy grail of computing for the next few decades but is incredibly complicated to fabricate. With qubits, the number of possibilities that are represented grows exponentially. Two qubits can exist simultaneously as the four possible two-bit numbers (00, 01, now also have 10, and 11). With three qubits, you can represent all of the possible combinations of a three-bit number (000, 010, 011, 100, 101, 110 and 101) all at the same time. String together 40 qubits and you have the binary representation for every number up to and beyond a trillion. As such you can then perform operations on every one of those different numbers ... all at the same time. So what you have is massively parallel processing tackling that calculation. So what with a current (super)computer would take years, a future quantum computer can do in seconds. Check this video for a bit more on the topic, qubits are fascinating. Also, and I was thinking about it a while ago: let me add that quantum computing/qubits can be very dangerous. For example, if it would take 10 years for a supercomputer to crack a strongly encrypted database (just a random example that comes to mind), a quantum computer could tackle that 'problem' in a few seconds or minutes. As such the entire financial system based on encryption could be in potential danger. Then again with quantum computing you an also generate infinitely difficult algorithms. [youtube=efJBkSj9koo]

Thanks for that additional info. I think I can see more now how it works. But I'm still struggling how it can work together if a qubit can exist as all possible combinations at the same time, if that's the case then how do you know and influence what is really stored there if it can be all of them at the same time - does not compute, ha!

Microsofts Quantum computer https://media3.giphy.com/media/CC6eT3HQgliQ8/giphy.gif Googles claim of a Quantum computer https://media1.giphy.com/media/13ly0q83SZc0zm/giphy.gif

wavetrex:

Quantum computers, in a nutshell: [youtube=Ac7G7xOG2Ag]

Ha, I see what you did there!

Hilbert Hagedoorn:

In the computer world everything is binary, either 0 or 1 in its state, you know these as binary bits, the downside is that there is a finite amount of data can be processed. Quantum computers make use of Qubits, these can be in the state of 0, 1, or both at the same time, and it is that last state that opens up a new binary dimension. That last state gives quantum computers in- and un-imaginable processing power. It is the holy grail of computing for the next few decades but is incredibly complicated to fabricate. With qubits, the number of possibilities that are represented grows exponentially. Two qubits can exist simultaneously as the four possible two-bit numbers (00, 01, now also have 10, and 11). With three qubits, you can represent all of the possible combinations of a three-bit number (000, 010, 011, 100, 101, 110 and 101) all at the same time. String together 40 qubits and you have the binary representation for every number up to and beyond a trillion. As such you can then perform operations on every one of those different numbers ... all at the same time. So what you have is massively parallel processing tackling that calculation. So what with a current (super)computer would take years, a future quantum computer can do in seconds. Check this video for a bit more on the topic, qubits are fascinating. Also, and I was thinking about it a while ago: let me add that quantum computing/qubits can be very dangerous. For example, if it would take 10 years for a supercomputer to crack a strongly encrypted database (just a random example that comes to mind), a quantum computer could tackle that 'problem' in a few seconds or minutes. As such the entire financial system based on encryption could be in potential danger. Then again with quantum computing you an also generate infinitely difficult algorithms.

and I thought you were just the pretty face of Guru3D!

Hilbert Hagedoorn:

Also, and I was thinking about it a while ago: let me add that quantum computing/qubits can be very dangerous. For example, if it would take 10 years for a supercomputer to crack a strongly encrypted database (just a random example that comes to mind), a quantum computer could tackle that 'problem' in a few seconds or minutes. As such the entire financial system based on encryption could be in potential danger.

Yes very dangerous... and even more so because the large government and other shady organizations are currently predicting this will happen so that's why they are archiving all current secure encrypted communications and data from major pipes in/out of countries in secret rooms in the entry points funneled to major secret storage facilities, in the hope that soon enough they will be able to crack open all this data for their own use against anyone they want.

Robbo9999:

Thanks for that additional info. I think I can see more now how it works. But I'm still struggling how it can work together if a qubit can exist as all possible combinations at the same time, if that's the case then how do you know and influence what is really stored there if it can be all of them at the same time - does not compute, ha!

As I guess, it works via quantum entanglement. Two particles being entangled, as in the same quantum state, and the moment you measure or interact with one you change it, but you know which state the other had that was not changed... all very hypothetical. So in theory, I guess it all needs a full set of duplicates of quantum particles to work. One that's "saving" the data, and one you can actually interact with. But that said, I'm fairly sure somebody else can explain this better. In more detail too. After all I'm not a physicist.

barbacot:

Also even if quantum computers will come to life some day this does not mean that they will replace "classic" silicon based computers (quantum computing is based on gold chips). Sure they will have a place in scientific research, whether prediction patterns, cryptography, nano tech new materials creation but for servers, applications for office and home, entertainment and multimedia silicon based "classic" computers will still be the most efficient and cost effective solution. So these "quantum" computers will not replace but work together with "classic" computers.

I'm not so sure about that... reminds me of the famous IBM prediction for computers when each one was the size of a large room ... "I think there is a world market for maybe five computers." Thomas Watson, president of IBM, 1943

Hmm Interesting. Of course with all new technologies there are spin of technologies. I taste a time machine spin off here. 4 Dimensions and all. My guess is people from the future will travel back in time to take our JOBS>

As with any new technology you have to verify your claims but i take the view that this is a google marketing ploy to get an advantage over the competition at least in the short term until someone else proves that it can be done and then you provide your results so until that happens be a skeptic

Even if Google's claims are kind of far fetched, this is still very cool that a Quantum processor exists. Not that it's going to be ready any time soon, but can't wait to see development of this.

vestibule:

Hmm Interesting. Of course with all new technologies there are spin of technologies. I taste a time machine spin off here. 4 Dimensions and all. My guess is people from the future will travel back in time to take our JOBS>

https://i.imgflip.com/1xdxip.jpg Coincidentally, they concluded quantum physics experiments which "reversed" the flow of natural things, as in heat going from something cold to something hot, making the hot thing hotter and the cold colder, implicating that the "arrow of time", and the natural order of cause -> effect could be turned otherwise around, or at least, looked at that way, and all...