Quantum computing is a field at the intersection of computer science, computer engineering, physics, and mathematics that utilizes principles of quantum mechanics, such as superposition and entanglement, to tackle specific complex problems more efficiently than classical computers. Classical computers use bits—represented by voltage levels—to encode information as binary states (0 or 1), which are processed by the computer’s hardware. Quantum computers mimic classical computing in the sense that they use a form of bits to send information. These quantum bits are called qubits, and can exist in a superposition of 0 and 1. Qubits represent probability amplitudes, encoding the likelihood of being measured as 0 or 1 instead of having a fixed value, like classic bits do. Also, these qubits can be entangled, which means that the state of one qubit can be used to correlate the state of other qubits. This allows quantum computers to process information in different ways than classic computers, enabling parallel computations that can exponentially speed up specific tasks like factoring large numbers and simulating systems in nature.
Google’s Willow is a Quantum computer chip with 105 qubits. This chip recently completed a calculation for a problem called random circuit sampling in 5 minutes that would’ve taken a regular computer 10 septillion years! The difference between Willow and other quantum computer chips is that Willow reduces the errors in its performance exponentially as the amount of qubits in its chip scales up. This is a massive breakthrough in the quantum computing field, as mistakes are extremely common. Calculation error is so common in quantum computers because the superposition states of qubits can be disrupted by stray particles or other environmental factors. However, Google has found a way to make Willow exponentially reduce its errors with each additional qubit, allowing Willow to be extremely accurate and fast with an extremely high rate of replicability.
These features of Willow have brought new light upon several problems not previously able to be solved promptly. An example of these problems would be natural quantum system simulation. Natural quantum systems are on the atomic or subatomic scale, and the particles in the system are governed by the principles of quantum mechanics. Willow would be able to model and simulate complex chemical reactions and the behavior of individual molecules. This ability could be used in fields like medicine to develop new drugs. Also, quantum computing could be used to optimize solutions for automation problems in various industries, like civil engineering when trying to decide the best way to design a road feature to optimize traffic flow. Finally, quantum computing can be used in financial modeling to analyze complex markets with many running variables.
In all, Willow’s ability to reduce error while scaling qubits has opened up a vast array of possibilities in countless fields. Willow has the ability to complete complex tasks at a fraction of the time a classic computer would and is going to lead to numerous advancements. As technology continues to develop, and error is reduced in quantum computing, the rapid incline in our level of technology will only keep rising.
