Paper: GS – III, Subject: Science and Technology, Topic: Fourth Industrial Revolution Technologies, Issue: Quantum Computing: Promise and Challenges.
Context:
Recently, discussions on quantum computing gained attention as experts highlighted that the biggest challenge is not building larger quantum computers but reducing “noise” or errors in them. This comes as India advances its National Quantum Mission (NQM) to become a global leader in quantum technologies.
Key Takeaways:
Explanation:
Why Quantum Computers Are Powerful?
- Classical computers solve problems one possibility at a time.
- Quantum computers can examine many possibilities simultaneously because of superposition and entanglement.
- This is similar to searching every room of a building at once instead of checking one room after another.
- They can solve certain complex problems much faster than today’s supercomputers.
Potential Applications:
- Designing new medicines and advanced materials.
- Improving weather and climate modelling.
- Optimising transport, supply chains and traffic management.
- Strengthening cyber security through quantum communication.
- Supporting scientific research and artificial intelligence.
Why They Are Not Yet Common:
- Qubits are extremely fragile. Even tiny vibrations, heat or light can disturb them and make them lose information. This is called decoherence.
- Therefore, quantum computers operate at temperatures close to absolute zero (-273°C) using special cooling systems.
- Present-day quantum computers make far more errors than classical computers, limiting their practical use.
The Way Forward:
- Scientists are developing quantum error correction, where many physical qubits work together like a team checking each other’s answers in an examination to create one reliable logical qubit.
- Companies such as Google and IBM have demonstrated progress in reducing errors, but commercially useful quantum computers are still under development.
- India should invest in research, skilled manpower, indigenous hardware and international collaboration under the National Quantum Mission.
Conclusion:
Quantum computing has the potential to transform science, industry and national security. However, reducing errors is the key to unlocking its true power. With sustained investment and innovation, India can emerge as a major player in the global quantum revolution.
Source: (The Hindu)
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