Course Title; Emerging Technology

Hope Enterprise University College

Department of Management- Section 1

Group 4- Quantum Computing

Group members

1. Amanuel Guta

2. Gelila Tamrat

3. Hikmatelah Muhidin

4. Hana Getachew

5. Hanan Legesse

6. Hana Tesfaye

7. Hilina Weldgebreal

8. Kidist Zewdu

9. Yonas Tenna

Submitted to: Mr. Ashenafi Worku

Submission date: 3/4/24

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Introduction…………………………………….…………………………………………………………………………………………2
How does it work……………………………………………………………………………………………………………………….3
Pros and cons of Quantum computing……………………………………………………………………………………….4
Quantum computing VS Classical computers……………………………………..………………………………………6
Cryptography and quantum computing……………………………………………………………………………………..6
Current status of quantum computing……………………………………………………………………………………….7
Summary……………………………………………………………………………………………………………………………………7

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Introduction

Quantum computers aren't super computers. They aren't bigger, faster versions of what we
use now. They're something totally different. They're kept at temperatures colder than space

Before we indulge in the concepts of this exciting quantum computing let’s see what a
computer is. Computer is a digital electronic device for storing and processing data, typically in
binary form, according to instructions given to it in a variable program.

-The binary system is a way of representing data using 0s and 1s used in digital computations.
This system is used by computers to represent all the data it works with. Computers represent
all information in bits. The bit is the most basic unit of information in computing and digital
communications. bits are made out of pieces of silicon and you have tens of thousands to
millions of them in your computer[1].

In order to represent numbers with just 0s and 1s, computers use the binary number system.
Here’s what it looks like when a computer counts to ten: 0001, 0010, 0011, 0100, 0101, 0110,
0111, 1000, 10001, 1010[1].

Figure 1. Quantum computer[6]

Quantum computing is an area of computer science that uses the principles of quantum theory.
Quantum mechanics is the study of processes which occur at the atomic scale. Qubits aren't
like bits. They aren't a one or a zero. They're more complex. Think of this like a wave: A qubit
could be really likely to be zero which means a lower energy wave. Or it could be really likely to
be one which means a higher energy wave and each qubit has a probability of being each[3].

-Quantum bits, or qubits, are represented by quantum particles. The manipulation of qubits by
control devices is at the core of a quantum computer's processing power. Qubits in quantum
computers are analogous to bits in classical computers. At its core, a classical machine's
processor does all its work by manipulating bits. Similarly, the quantum processor does all its
work by processing qubits[5].

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 Classical computers that use bits which are like switches that can be a 0 or a 1.This way of
computation has served us well. So well, in fact, that almost all modern computers work this
way. However, this approach doesn't solve all the problems that we have today -- problems
that can blow up exponentially and would take a classical computers decades or more to solve.

Types of difficult problems include encryption, optimization, chemistry simulation and machine
learning.

How Quantum computer works? Quantum computers typically operate at extremely low
temperatures, close to absolute zero — about -459Faranheit(-272.778 celsius) - to maintain the
delicate quantum states of their qubits[1].

Let’s see about the five foundational topics in quantum computers: superposition, gates,
measurement, interference and entanglement.

Quantum computing relies on some rather confounding phenomena from quantum mechanics.
In the quantum world, particles can exist in a state of superposition, which means that they can
be in multiple states at the same time[8].

Superposition

A quantum computer does not use the simple 0 and 1 bits .Instead, it uses qubits. Qubits can be
a 0, a 1, or any linear combination of the two. Superposition is the ability of a quantum system
to be in multiple states at the same time until it is measured[2].

It gives still end up being either a 0 or a 1, but which one you get depends on a probability
which is set by the direction of the arrow. If the arrow is pointing more upwards you are more
likely to get back a 0 than a 1, and if it is pointing downwards you are more likely to get a 1 than
a 0[2].

Figure 2. Superposition in quantum computing [6]

Gates Similar to classical computers, we use -- we string together qubits using a construct called
gates that can alter the states of qubits into circuits[1].

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For example, we can have a qubit that's at the state of 0.Then we can use Hadamard gate, or H
gate for short, to put it in a superposition between 0 and 1[1].

And, of course, you can have multiple qubits with multiple gates in a circuit. For the circuit will
be useful, at some point that you need to read about its outputs.

Which brings us to our next topic, measurement.

When a qubit is measured, it loses its superposition and collapses into just a simple 0 or 1. That
means an arrow pointing this way does not measure a 0.5, instead, it has a 50% chance of
measuring a 0 and 50% chance of measuring a 1[1].

It is this in-between state that sometimes people say that a qubit can be a 0 and a 1 at the same
time. It also means that just a small number of qubits can represent a large amount of
information[2].

So for our next topic, interference,

Why is it that quantum computers can outperform classical ones?

As said earlier, a quantum state is a linear combination of the 0 state and the 1 state.

So, an operation applied to this can be seen as applying to the 0 state and the 1 state, doing
two calculations at once.

-It is this parallel computation that gives quantum its unique advantage[5].

However, when a qubit is measured, it loses its superposition and collapses into 0 or 1.That
means we can only get a single answer instead of all the answers from this parallel computation.
And to make sure the single answer we get is a correct one, quantum gates need to be
arranged in a way so that it would amplify the correct answer and cancel all the incorrect ones.
A process called interference[1].

Now this leads us to our last topic, entanglement. Qubits can become “entangled” with each
other, meaning their states are linked. Measuring one qubit instantaneously affects the other
entangled qubits, even if they are physically separated .When qubits are entangled, their states
become strongly correlated. That is, changing the state of just one qubit would change the state
of another. This property allows for faster computing speeds[4].

Advantages of Quantum computing

So why are quantum computers such a big deal? What can they do that normal computers can’t?

Certain tasks could be reduced from thousands of years on a classical computer to minutes on a
quantum one! Powerful simulation abilities – Quantum computers can naturally simulate

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quantum systems, allowing for advancements in chemistry, material science, and molecular
modeling[2].

-Molecular modelling encompasses all methods, theoretical and computational, used to model
or mimic the behaviour of molecules[7].

 Quantum computers have the potential to revolutionize computation by making certain

types of classically intractable problems solvable. While no quantum computer is yet
sophisticated enough to carry out calculations that a classical computer can't, great
progress is under way[4].
 Faster processing speeds – By leveraging superposition and parallelism, some quantum
algorithms run exponentially faster than their classical counterparts. Certain tasks could
be reduced from thousands of years on a classical computer to minutes on a quantum
one[4]!
 Powerful simulation abilities – Quantum computers can naturally simulate quantum
systems, allowing for advancements in chemistry, material science, and molecular
modeling. Simulating molecules has long been impossible on classical machines.[4]
 Enhanced cryptography – Quantum computing poses risks to current encryption
schemes but also allows for new forms of quantum-secured encryption that would be
unbreakable even to quantum computers[4].
 Machine learning (ML) is the process of analyzing vast quantities of data to help
computers make better predictions and decisions[4].
 Artificial intelligence – Quantum machine learning algorithms could lead to AI with
capabilities far beyond what is currently possible. The processing power of quantum
computers combined with quantum neural networks could take machine learning to
amazing new heights[4].

Limitations of Quantum computing

 Technical Challenges: Building and maintaining a quantum computer is an intricate task.

Quantum bits, or qubits, are highly susceptible to environmental factors that can cause
errors. Maintaining the delicate quantum state required for computation, known as
quantum coherence, is a significant technical challenge[3].
 Error Correction Difficulties: Quantum computers are prone to errors, and developing
effective error correction mechanisms is an ongoing challenge. The delicate nature of
quantum states makes it challenging to implement error correction without
compromising the computational advantages of quantum computing[3].
 Limited Use for Classical Problems: While quantum computers excel in certain problem
domains, they may not provide significant advantages for classical computing problems.

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 Transitioning from classical to quantum algorithms for everyday computing tasks may
not be practical or beneficial[3].
 Security Implications: While quantum computing has the potential to break existing
cryptographic methods, it also offers the potential for quantum-safe cryptography. The
transition to new cryptographic standards is, however, a complex and time-consuming
process, leaving a period of vulnerability during the transition[3].
 Cost and Accessibility: Building and maintaining quantum computers is a resource-
intensive process. The technology is currently in the early stages of development, and
the cost of building and operating quantum computers remains high. Accessibility to this
technology may be limited in the near term[3].

Figure 3. Quantum computing Vs. Classical computing[1]

Quantum computing and cryptography

Cryptography is the process of hiding or coding information so that only the person a message
was intended for can read it[2].

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Post-quantum cryptography, also known as quantum-proof cryptography, aims to create
encryption methods that cannot be broken by algorithms, or calculations, that run on future
quantum computers. Today's encryption methods will not necessarily remain secure if and
when quantum computers become a reality[5].

Quantum cryptography uses the laws of quantum physics to transmit private information in a
way that makes undetected eavesdropping impossible[5].

In conclusion, quantum computing represents a paradigm shift with the potential to reshape
the computational landscape. While the advantages are groundbreaking, the challenges are
substantial. As researchers and engineers continue to tackle the technical hurdles, the era of
practical quantum computing may be on the horizon, ushering in a new era of possibilities and
challenges for the world of information technology.

Current status of Quantum computing

The current field of quantum computers isn't quite ready for prime time: McKinsey has
estimated that 5,000 quantum computers will be operational by 2030 but that the hardware
and software necessary for handling the most complex problems won't be available until 2035
or later[4].

Summary

Classical computers that use bits which are like switches that can be a 0 or a 1.However, this
approach doesn't solve all the problems that we have.

Superposition-A quantum computer does not use the simple 0 and 1 bits. Instead, it uses qubits.
Qubits can be a 0, a 1, or any linear combination of the two.

Measurement-When a qubit is measured, it loses its superposition and collapses into just a
simple 0 or 1. That means an arrow pointing this way does not measure a 0.5,instead, it has a
50% chance of measuring a 0 and 50% chance of measuring a 1.

It is this in-between state that sometimes people say that a qubit can be a 0 and a 1at the same
time. It also means that just a small number of qubits can represent a large amount of
information.

Interference- why is it that quantum computers can outperform classical ones?

As mentioned earlier, a quantum state is a linear combination of the 0 state and the 1 state.

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So, an operation applied to this can be seen as applying to the 0 state and the 1 state, doing
two calculations at once. It is this parallel computation that gives quantum its unique advantage.

However, as you may recall, when a qubit is measured, it loses its superposition and collapses
into 0 or 1.That means we can only get a single answer instead of all the answers from this
parallel computation. And to make sure the single answer we get is a correct one, quantum
gates need to be arranged in a way so that it would amplify the correct answer and cancel all
the incorrect ones. A process called interference.

Now this leads us to our last topic,

Entanglement, when qubits are entangled, their states become strongly correlated. That is,
changing the state of just one qubit would change the state of another. if we change just the
state of one, the other one would also change.

So with the combined power of superposition, interference and entanglement, quantum

computers can solve things that classical computers simply cannot do today.

It can lead to better drug -- better drug discovery -- or enhance the stock portfolio or even
artificial intelligence.

Now we just need to wait for the quantum hardware to catch up.

Reference

[1]https://www.techtarget.com

[2]https://www.khanacademy.org

[3]https://www.linkedin.com

[4]https://aws.amazon.com

[5]https://mitsloan.mit.edu

[6]https://researchgate.com

[7]https://www.sciencedirect.com

[8]https://www.epiqc.cs.unichicago.edu