Discussion board responses

Discussion: Lucius Riggins - Quantum Computing - IFSM 495 6381 Trends and Practical Applications in Information Systems Management (2208) Introduction

In 2017, author Dan Brown released a novel titled Origin. In the book, Dan Brown's protagonist Robert Langdon has a friend named Edmond Kirsch, who's a computer scientist and futurist that builds the world's first quantum computer called E-Wave. In the book, E-Wave is the most powerful computer on the planet, capable of extraordinary calculations and other feats that are only true in the mind of the famous author. After reading that book, I was fascinated by the concept of quantum computing. I thought that it was complete fiction. After doing some research, I learned that D-Wave (not E- WAVE) is a real live, up and running, quantum computer, created by D- Wave Systems, INC in 2011. Now that I can separate fact from fiction let's talk a little bit about what quantum computing is and how it works.

A Few Technical Details

Dario Gil, Vice President of Science and Research at IBM, explains that classical computer use bits, represented in 1's and 0's (1 = on and 0's = off) while quantum computers use qubits (Gil, 2017). These types of bits can exist as a one or a zero or both at the same time. This is known as superposition (Gil, 2017). What this means is that while a

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two-bit, classical computer has to process the four states of information (00,10,01, and 11) one process at a time, a quantum computer can process this information in one action (Quantum Computer in a Nutshell, 2014). This is because two qubits contain information about four states, while 2 bits only provide information about one state. In a nutshell, quantum computers are much faster, and one day would be able to "process more data, then there are atoms in the observable universe known universe(Quantum Computer in a Nutshell, 2014) ."

What I Learned

I enjoyed researching the topic of quantum computing. For me, the subject borders the realm of science fiction, a subject that I love. I am also interested in how quantum computing can help us with space travel and help lower greenhouse gases. For instance, NASA uses D- Wave Systems quantum computing machines to find better and safer methods of space travel, air traffic controls, and missions involving sending robots to far-off places in space. Climate change is real, and quantum computing can help us lower our carbon emissions. Dellinger,(2019) explains that simulating complex molecules requires more power with every atom. Because quantum computers are so fast and accurate, they can process and project data models about climate change that would take a traditional computer 13 billion years to accomplish. What this achieves is helping us understand how carbon dioxide would react to different methods for capturing and processing it. This allows scientists to reasonably decide what to do with the carbon emissions that we produce using complex simulations. The trend around quantum computing suggests that the technology will be centered around cyber-warfare instead of commercial use. Some

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estimate that within a few years, nation-states like China and the U.S. will have quantum computers capable of decrypting current encryption paradigms. ("Top 5 Trends in Quantum Technologies to Look for in 2020 | QuantumXC", 2020). Another trend in quantum computing is how the technology will protect our personal information as 5G comes online. 5G is expected to increase the number of connected devices, which will cause a tremendous increase in the amount of personal information moving around the internet ("Top 5 Trends in Quantum Technologies to Look for in 2020 | QuantumXC", 2020). To help better protect our data, experts suggest that we will start to see QKD encryptions (Quantum Key Distribution). Quantum key distribution is a secure communication that uses a cryptographic protocol that involves quantum mechanics.

Several of you have posted a topic where a quantum computer is starting to become a reality. Consider how the quantum computer will enhance autonomous vehicles, smart cities, and the pro' and cons in cybersecurity. Here are your thought-provoking questions.

1. How will Quantum computing impact cybersecurity? 2. What can Quantum computing do for smart cities? 3. Do you think that we will all one day own a quantum computer? 4. How will quantum computers enhance autonomous vehicle

technology?

References:

Dellinger, A. (2019). Can the world's most powerful computers solve climate change?. Mic. Retrieved 27 September 2020, from https://www.mic.com/p/how-quantum-computing-could-help-solve- climate-change-19494456.

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Gil, D. (2017). Quantum Computing Explained with a Deck of Cards - IEEE Rebooting Computing. Rebootingcomputing.ieee.org. Retrieved 27 September 2020, from https://rebootingcomputing.ieee.org/archived-articles-and- videos/technology-spotlight/quantum-computing-explained-with-a- deck-of-cards.

PD Knowledge. (2014). Quantum Computer in a Nutshell [Video]. https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=0dXNmbiGPS4.

Top 5 Trends in Quantum Technologies to Look for in 2020 | QuantumXC. Quantumxc.com. (2020). Retrieved 27 September 2020, from https://quantumxc.com/top-5-trends-in-quantum-technologies- to-look-for-in-2020/

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