Quantum computers: a three-step leap from the laboratory to changing the world

Quantum computers have been one of the hottest stars in the technology circle in recent years. They are like a supercomputer from the future, with unimaginable capabilities beyond those of classical computers. But like any emerging technology, the development of quantum computers is not achieved overnight, but requires a long period of exploration and research. Scientists divide the development of quantum computing into three stages.

Phase 1:

A newbie, a trial run

In the first stage of quantum computing, our main goal is to prove that quantum computers are not science fiction, but a real technology. To this end, scientists have designed some difficult problems that are difficult for classical computers to solve, such as "Gaussian boson sampling" and "random circuit sampling." These difficult problems are like the "Martial Arts Conference" of quantum computers. Only by defeating them can we prove that they are more powerful than classical computers.

After a fierce competition, Google's "Planeta" quantum computer took the lead and successfully solved the "random circuit sampling" problem. Subsequently, the University of Science and Technology of China also launched the "Jiuzhang" and "Zu Chongzhi" series of quantum computers, which successively solved the "Gaussian boson sampling" problem. These achievements marked the beginning of a new era for quantum computing and excited the world.

Phase 2:

Focus on solving problems and solve them one by one

Having solved the challenge of the "Wulin Conference", quantum computers did not stop, but continued to move towards a broader goal. In the second stage, our task is to develop a dedicated quantum simulator specifically to solve major scientific problems in a specific field and solve a practical scientific problem.

For example, in the field of chemistry, quantum computers can simulate complex chemical reactions, helping us design more effective catalysts and new materials; in the field of drug research and development, quantum computers can simulate the interaction between drugs and proteins, helping us find drugs to treat diseases faster; in the field of materials science, quantum computers can simulate the microstructure of materials, helping us design new materials that are stronger and lighter.

These dedicated quantum simulators are like the "special forces" of quantum computers, with powerful capabilities for specific problems. Their emergence will promote major breakthroughs in scientific research and bring about many unimaginable innovative applications.

During this period, my country's quantum computing research has made significant progress. The team led by Academician Pan Jianwei of the University of Science and Technology of China recently successfully built an ultracold atom quantum simulator "Tianyuan" to solve the fermion Hubbard model, and verified the antiferromagnetic phase transition in the system for the first time with simulation capabilities that surpass those of classical computers. The relevant research results were published online in the international academic journal Nature on July 10.

Phase 3:

The ultimate goal is to sweep away all enemies

After the accumulation of the first two stages, quantum computers have finally reached their ultimate goal: universal fault-tolerant quantum computers. This "ultimate warrior" will have endless computing power, can solve any problem that can be solved by computers at present, and will not be affected by factors such as environmental noise.

If we have such a quantum computer, we can easily crack the most complex codes currently, design a perfect protein structure, and even simulate the operation of the entire universe. This will completely change the way people produce and live, and open a new chapter in the development of science and technology.

Source: Chongqing Radio Science Popularization Experience Center

Audit expert: Zhang Qiyi

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