Science News

World Quantum Day, celebrated globally on April 14th, is a significant event that aims to raise awareness and deepen understanding of quantum sciences and technology. But what exactly is the quantum phenomenon all about?

When we think of physics, we often envision Newtonian (or classical) physics: the familiar, macroscopic physics that helps us make sense of the world. Gravity causing an object to fall? That’s newtonian physics. Building a bridge or a skyscraper? That’s newtonian physics (and a lot of engineering). It’s a reliable framework for understanding the visible world, but when we venture into the realm of the smallest particles, Newtonian physics… falters and leaves us with an intriguing puzzle to solve.

So what now? Did physicists just give up? Of course not. Instead, physicists came up with a whole new field within physics just to study small particles. They called it quantum mechanics.

One of the fundamental differences between quantum mechanics and Newtonian physics is that quantum mechanics involves much more about probability. Consider, for example, the electrons in an atom. As the electrons move about the atom’s nucleus, you can measure its position or velocity—but not all of both. The more you measure about one, the less you can measure about the other—a principle known as the Heisenberg Uncertainty Principle. Therefore, instead of directly measuring both, physicists use a probability function to predict where an electron might be or how fast it might be moving.

So, what does quantum mechanics have to do with computers? Quantum computers harness the principles of quantum mechanics to perform computations in a fundamentally different way than classical computers.

At their core, classical computers utilize bits as the basic unit of information, representing either a 0 or a 1. These bits can be arranged and manipulated in sequences to perform calculations.

Unlike classical computers that use bits as the basic unit of information, quantum computers operate on a different level with qubits. Qubits, or quantum bits, can represent not just 0 or 1 like classical bits but also a superposition of both states simultaneously. This is where the magic of quantum mechanics comes into play-thanks to probability, a qubit can exist in multiple states at once, opening up a whole new world of possibilities for computation.

Quantum computers also leverage another quantum phenomenon called entanglement. When qubits become entangled, the state of one qubit becomes dependent on the state of another, regardless of the distance between them. This interconnectedness allows quantum computers to perform parallel computations on a massive scale, potentially solving specific problems much faster than classical computers.

In addition to its potential for scientific and technological advancements, quantum computing holds significant promise in cybersecurity. Traditional encryption methods could be rendered obsolete by the superior computational power of quantum computers. Still, quantum encryption techniques offer a solution by leveraging the principles of quantum mechanics to secure communication channels. NASA recognizes the importance of secure communication in space missions and is pioneering efforts to integrate quantum technologies into its infrastructure. Quantum communication systems hold the potential to revolutionize space-based communication by enabling the secure transmission of data over vast distances. By harnessing the principles of quantum mechanics, NASA aims to establish ultra-secure communication links between spacecraft, ground stations, and other space-based assets, safeguarding critical information from interception or tampering. This innovative approach enhances the security of space missions and paves the way for groundbreaking discoveries and collaborations in exploring the cosmos. As NASA continues to explore the frontiers of quantum technology, the prospect of secure and resilient communication networks in space becomes increasingly attainable, heralding a new era of exploration and discovery beyond Earth’s boundaries.

However, harnessing the power of quantum computing is more complex than flipping a switch. Quantum systems are incredibly delicate and susceptible to environmental interference, a phenomenon known as decoherence. Maintaining the coherence of qubits over time is one of the biggest challenges in quantum computing research.

The study of quantum mechanics has revealed a realm of physics that defies classical intuition, challenging our understanding of reality at its most fundamental level. Quantum computers, born from these principles, offer a tantalizing glimpse into a future where computation transcends the limitations of classical hardware. With the potential to solve problems previously thought impossible and unlock new frontiers in science, technology, and beyond, quantum computing stands as a testament to the profound implications of quantum mechanics in shaping the future of our world. As research and development in this field continue to advance, the journey into the quantum realm promises to be one of the most exhilarating and transformative endeavors of the 21st century.

Sources:

What Is Quantum Computing?
https://scienceexchange.caltech.edu/topics/quantum-science-explained/quantum-computing-computers

Quantum 101 Comic
https://www.nasa.gov/directorates/somd/space-communications-navigation-program/quantum-101-comic/

World Quantum Day April 14, 2024 – National Quantum Initiative
https://www.quantum.gov/world-quantum-day