Quantum Computing

Quantum computing is a form of computing that harnesses the collective properties of quantum states, such as superposition and entanglement, to perform calculations that would be much more difficult for traditional computers.

Quantum computers use quantum bits (qubits) instead of classical bits to process information. Unlike classical bits which can only be in a state of 0 or 1, qubits can exist in multiple states simultaneously due to a phenomenon called superposition. This allows quantum computers to process vast amounts of data in parallel.

When multiple qubits become entangled, their quantum states become interconnected, creating computational possibilities that grow exponentially with each additional qubit. This makes quantum computers particularly powerful for specific tasks like cryptography, drug discovery, and complex optimisation problems that classical computers struggle to solve efficiently.

Examples

• Breaking complex encryption
• Molecular modelling for drug development
• Weather forecasting and climate modelling
• Financial portfolio optimisation
• Quantum chemistry simulations