Quantum computers are widely accepted as the next evolution of computers. If you don't know what one is or how it works, well, you need to first understand how a 'traditional computer' works.
You see, the computers we use today are binary systems, meaning that they convert everything we do on them into 1s and 0s. That is how they are able to perform calculations. A unit of information can, therefore, be either 1 or a 0 at any given point of time.
A quantum computer, however, is not based on a binary system. It works with qubits, which can exist in a state of superposition, i.e. 1, 0 or both at the same time. This simple difference is what makes a quantum computer much more capable and faster than a traditional one.
Theoretically, a quantum computer can be millions upon millions of times faster than the computers that are normally in use today. This would make them more suited for particular problems that require a lot of computing power.
Google's Quantum Supremacy
Last month, a paper by Google was circulating on the internet which claimed that it had indeed achieved quantum supremacy. But since Google didn't acknowledge anything publicly, nobody could be sure.
Today, however, the tech giant has officially claimed that its quantum computer has surpassed the performance of a traditional computer. In fact, it says that its Sycamore quantum processor, which is a 54 qubit system, was able to perform a calculation in 200 seconds which would have taken the world's best supercomputer more than 10,000 years to complete.
This is mind-blowing on a whole another level. 200 seconds vs 10,000 years seems like an insane difference. It would seem possible only if we had gotten our hands on some alien tech. Since that doesn't seem to be the case here, we must give it to the engineers and scientists at Google who have made it possible.
Although it is a herculean feat, we still have a long ways to go. Scientists would need to solve many more problems before quantum computers can be used on a variety of problems. And even more, before they become as common as traditional computers.
Image credits: Google