Applications of quantum computing extend over diverse fields, promising innovative solutions, particularly in tackling computational challenges.
Quantum computers can solve some of the real-world problems that current-day computers are struggling with. Due to the limited capabilities of traditional computers, several roadblocks exist that hinder some crucial scientific discoveries. As such, quantum computers are bridging the existing gap as they are capable of answering the long-standing questions, particularly in the field of modern science.
With wider capabilities, quantum computing technology holds great potential for a wide range of applications, including national defense, drug discovery, and secure information sharing, among others.
The Uniqueness of Quantum Computers:
Here, quantum computers offer a promising technology that uses the concepts of quantum mechanics, including quantum parallelism, entanglement, and superposition. These principles, when applied for computational purposes, can perform better and extend beyond the capabilities of current traditional computers.
Because traditional computers process information through binary bits that exist in only two states, i.e., 0s and 1s. Meaning the computer can process and store information within the combination of these two states alone. In contrast, qubits are the basis for quantum computers that can exist in multiple states simultaneously. With numerous states, the options are more extensive, resulting in increased capabilities. With this exceptional ability, quantum computers offer more opportunities that are impossible for traditional computers to deliver. Another important capability of quantum computers is that they can process data at an extremely high speed. Which would otherwise take many years for traditional computers to accomplish.
A Look into Current and Future Applications of Quantum Computing:
With research in the field of quantum computing progressing rapidly, several areas are undergoing significant improvements. Some of the prominent ones include the field of medicine & healthcare, security, computing, and environment.
Medicine and Healthcare:
In the fields of medicine and healthcare, the applications of quantum computing are having a significant impact. Particularly in the fields such as drug development, macular degeneration, and cancer treatment.
Drug Development:
There is an increasing interest in the pharmaceutical sector for the use of quantum simulation in drug development. However, it may take a longer-term route for adoption across future applications. Quantum simulation can aid researchers in understanding diseases caused by misfolded proteins, including conditions such as Parkinson’s, Alzheimer’s, and Huntington’s disease. With a greater understanding of the causes of these conditions, it widens the opportunities for better treatment.
Macular Degeneration:
Applications of quantum computing even extend to preventing macular degeneration in the future. Researchers working on quantum computing were able to successfully develop a light microscope. That can help ophthalmologists to image and track the patient’s eye physiology. Assisting professionals in detecting macular degeneration precisely, even before symptoms appear. Such a medical breakthrough would benefit the elderly population, as macular degeneration is one of the potential reasons for blindness among people aged 50 and above. With fewer resources for treatment, the only solution for this condition is to catch it early.
Cancer Treatment:
Applications of quantum computing even extend to cancer care. It is common to see cancer patients go through an overwhelming ordeal. As the chemo drugs make an impact even on the healthy cells during the process of destroying cancer cells. To address this particular health challenge, researchers working on quantum computer technology were able to successfully develop a new sensor with the capability to replace the current treatment methodology.
It can detect the light that is coming from a single photon, which is detailed to the point. Access to such minute detail widens the scope of health practitioners, making them more capable, with the capabilities to monitor the amount of dose being administered to the patient. Such a scope enables health practitioners to analyze the correct doses required for each patient. It is like customizing the treatment to the requirements of each patient, in contrast to traditional and standard doses for a disease. Choosing the correct dose helps in protecting the healthy cells and lessening the discomfort to the patient.
Security:
Organizations must ensure the security of their services, particularly when handling information that is vulnerable to cybersecurity threats. Such provisions help individuals and businesses to secure their infrastructure while safeguarding them from financial losses. Below are some areas where researchers are developing secure solutions, widening the applications of quantum computing.
Safe Transmission of Highly Secure Information :
Although people are using digital communication methodologies, such as the internet, for various activities, ranging from simple tasks like communication to complex functions like transferring money. The reality is that there are risks for compromising the data, leading to security breaches, in turn losing money to fraudsters. As such, researchers in the quantum computing field are partnering with relevant organizations to secure information sharing. For example, the Institute of Quantum Computing (IQC) is partnering with Honeywell and the Canadian Space Agency to develop a satellite to ensure highly secure information transmission. Such secure solutions can be implemented by organizations such as financial institutions, companies in the telecom sector, or government organisations, who prefer to deliver secure communications.
Identify Fake Money:
Fake money is a significant concern, as it can cause potential financial harm to individuals and the national economy. Fraudsters are even mastering the art of replicating polymer currency, which is typically very difficult to replicate. As an alternative solution, quantum computing researchers succeeded in developing a quantum 2D structure that is invisible to the human eye. It only gets detected by light with a specific polarization direction and a correct wavelength. With this 2D structure measuring less than a micrometer in thickness, the government can print it directly onto banknotes. Such a hidden structure ensures security, as it is very difficult to identify its presence, making it difficult for fraudsters to replicate. Another advantage of this new product is that it can be produced in mass quantities, allowing it to integrate into a wide range of applications without being limited to banknotes alone. Thus, applications of quantum computing are turning out to be an affordable solution due to ease of production.
High-End Computing:
There are many areas of science that classical or present-day computers are unable to solve due to their limitation in computational capabilities. These limitations are hindering the progress of scientific research. To overcome such obstacles, researchers are developing quantum computers capable of answering complex questions and solving the present-day challenges that remain unsolved. These new findings will enable the application of quantum computing to various fields, including medicine, materials science, biology, and chemistry. Such a scope might lead to the development of practical solutions, such as high-performing airplanes, and provide better medical care by developing precise medicines tailored to each patient.
Solve Environmental Issues:
With increasing pollution, some regions are particularly facing immense health challenges as they struggle to tackle environmental concerns effectively. As such, applications of quantum computing are expanding and yielding effective solutions.
Provide Clean Water:
Providing clean water is essential as it is vital to lessen and address various health concerns. As such, quantum researchers are developing new functionalized quantum dots that are made of 2D materials. It can detect highly toxic heavy metal pollutants, particularly four metals: mercury, lead, cadmium, and arsenic.
These quantum dots, with their zero-dimensional nature, exhibit exceptional properties, making them more promising for applications across chemical sensing agents that utilize fluorescence.