Quantum computing is like Forrest Gumps box of chocolates: You never know what youre gonna get. Quantum phenomena the behavior of matter and energy at the atomic and subatomic levels are not definite, one thing or another. They are opaque clouds of possibility or, more precisely, probabilities. When someone observes a quantum system, it loses its quantum-ness and collapses into a definite state.
Quantum phenomena are mysterious and often counterintuitive. This makes quantum computing difficult to understand. People naturally reach for the familiar to attempt to explain the unfamiliar, and for quantum computing this usually means using traditional binary computing as a metaphor. But explaining quantum computing this way leads to major conceptual confusion, because at a base level the two are entirely different animals.
This problem highlights the often mistaken belief that common metaphors are more useful than exotic ones when explaining new technologies. Sometimes the opposite approach is more useful. The freshness of the metaphor should match the novelty of the discovery.
The uniqueness of quantum computers calls for an unusual metaphor. As a communications researcher who studies technology, I believe that quantum computers can be better understood as kaleidoscopes.
The gap between understanding classical and quantum computers is a wide chasm. Classical computers store and process information via transistors, which are electronic devices that take binary, deterministic states: one or zero, yes or no. Quantum computers, in contrast, handle information probabilistically at the atomic and subatomic levels.
Classical computers use the flow of electricity to sequentially open and close gates to record or manipulate information. Information flows through circuits, triggering actions through a series of switches that record information as ones and zeros. Using binary math, bits are the foundation of all things digital, from the apps on your phone to the account records at your bank and the Wi-Fi signals bouncing around your home.
In contrast, quantum computers use changes in the quantum states of atoms, ions, electrons or photons. Quantum computers link, or entangle, multiple quantum particles so that changes to one affect all the others. They then introduce interference patterns, like multiple stones tossed into a pond at the same time. Some waves combine to create higher peaks, while some waves and troughs combine to cancel each other out. Carefully calibrated interference patterns guide the quantum computer toward the solution of a problem.
The term bit is a metaphor. The word suggests that during calculations, a computer can break up large values into tiny ones bits of information which electronic devices such as transistors can more easily process.
Using metaphors like this has a cost, though. They are not perfect. Metaphors are incomplete comparisons that transfer knowledge from something people know well to something they are working to understand. The bit metaphor ignores that the binary method does not deal with many types of different bits at once, as common sense might suggest. Instead, all bits are the same.
The smallest unit of a quantum computer is called the quantum bit, or qubit. But transferring the bit metaphor to quantum computing is even less adequate than using it for classical computing. Transferring a metaphor from one use to another blunts its effect.
The prevalent explanation of quantum computing is that while classical computers can store or process only a zero or one in a transistor or other computational unit, quantum computers supposedly store and handle both zero and one and other values in between at the same time through the process of superposition.
Superposition, however, does not store one or zero or any other number simultaneously. There is only an expectation that the values might be zero or one at the end of the computation. This quantum probability is the polar opposite of the binary method of storing information.
Driven by quantum sciences uncertainty principle, the probability that a qubit stores a one or zero is like Schroedingers cat, which can be either dead or alive, depending on when you observe it. But the two different values do not exist simultaneously during superposition. They exist only as probabilities, and an observer cannot determine when or how frequently those values existed before the observation ended the superposition.
Leaving behind these challenges to using traditional binary computing metaphors means embracing new metaphors to explain quantum computing.
The kaleidoscope metaphor is particularly apt to explain quantum processes. Kaleidoscopes can create infinitely diverse yet orderly patterns using a limited number of colored glass beads, mirror-dividing walls and light. Rotating the kaleidoscope enhances the effect, generating an infinitely variable spectacle of fleeting colors and shapes.
The shapes not only change but cant be reversed. If you turn the kaleidoscope in the opposite direction, the imagery will generally remain the same, but the exact composition of each shape or even their structures will vary as the beads randomly mingle with each other. In other words, while the beads, light and mirrors could replicate some patterns shown before, these are never absolutely the same.
Using the kaleidoscope metaphor, the solution a quantum computer provides the final pattern depends on when you stop the computing process. Quantum computing isnt about guessing the state of any given particle but using mathematical models of how the interaction among many particles in various states creates patterns, called quantum correlations.
Each final pattern is the answer to a problem posed to the quantum computer, and what you get in a quantum computing operation is a probability that a certain configuration will result.
Metaphors make the unknown manageable, approachable and discoverable. Approximating the meaning of a surprising object or phenomenon by extending an existing metaphor is a method that is as old as calling the edge of an ax its bit and its flat end its butt. The two metaphors take something we understand from everyday life very well, applying it to a technology that needs a specialized explanation of what it does. Calling the cutting edge of an ax a bit suggestively indicates what it does, adding the nuance that it changes the object it is applied to. When an ax shapes or splits a piece of wood, it takes a bite from it.
Metaphors, however, do much more than provide convenient labels and explanations of new processes. The words people use to describe new concepts change over time, expanding and taking on a life of their own.
When encountering dramatically different ideas, technologies or scientific phenomena, its important to use fresh and striking terms as windows to open the mind and increase understanding. Scientists and engineers seeking to explain new concepts would do well to seek out originality and master metaphors in other words, to think about words the way poets do.
Read the original here:
Quantum computers are like kaleidoscopes why unusual metaphors help illustrate science and technology - The Conversation Indonesia
- Mathematician breaks down how to defend against quantum ... - Phys.Org [Last Updated On: February 28th, 2017] [Originally Added On: February 28th, 2017]
- Here Is Everything You Need to Know About Quantum Computers - Interesting Engineering [Last Updated On: March 18th, 2017] [Originally Added On: March 18th, 2017]
- Quantum Computing Market Forecast 2017-2022 | Market ... [Last Updated On: March 18th, 2017] [Originally Added On: March 18th, 2017]
- What is Quantum Computing? Webopedia Definition [Last Updated On: March 18th, 2017] [Originally Added On: March 18th, 2017]
- Quantum computing is about to disrupt the government contracts market - Bloomberg Government (blog) [Last Updated On: April 22nd, 2017] [Originally Added On: April 22nd, 2017]
- Scientists: We Have Detected the Existence of a Fundamentally New State of Matter - Futurism [Last Updated On: April 22nd, 2017] [Originally Added On: April 22nd, 2017]
- What Sorts Of Problems Are Quantum Computers Good For? - Forbes [Last Updated On: April 22nd, 2017] [Originally Added On: April 22nd, 2017]
- quantum computing - WIRED UK [Last Updated On: April 22nd, 2017] [Originally Added On: April 22nd, 2017]
- Inside Microsoft's 'soup to nuts' quantum computing ramp-up - Computerworld Australia [Last Updated On: April 29th, 2017] [Originally Added On: April 29th, 2017]
- Molecular magnets closer to application in quantum computing - Next Big Future [Last Updated On: May 15th, 2017] [Originally Added On: May 15th, 2017]
- The Bizarre Quantum Test That Could Keep Your Data Secure - WIRED [Last Updated On: May 18th, 2017] [Originally Added On: May 18th, 2017]
- IBM boosts power of quantum computing processors as it lays ... - www.computing.co.uk [Last Updated On: May 22nd, 2017] [Originally Added On: May 22nd, 2017]
- IBM makes leap in quantum computing power - ITworld [Last Updated On: May 22nd, 2017] [Originally Added On: May 22nd, 2017]
- Toward mass-producible quantum computers | MIT News - MIT News [Last Updated On: June 2nd, 2017] [Originally Added On: June 2nd, 2017]
- Purdue, Microsoft Partner On Quantum Computing Research | WBAA - WBAA [Last Updated On: June 2nd, 2017] [Originally Added On: June 2nd, 2017]
- Tektronix AWG Pulls Test into Era of Quantum Computing - Electronic Design [Last Updated On: June 2nd, 2017] [Originally Added On: June 2nd, 2017]
- Google to Achieve "Supremacy" in Quantum Computing by the End of 2017 - Big Think [Last Updated On: July 1st, 2017] [Originally Added On: July 1st, 2017]
- Quantum Computing Becomes More Accessible - Scientific American [Last Updated On: July 1st, 2017] [Originally Added On: July 1st, 2017]
- Qudits: The Real Future of Quantum Computing? - IEEE Spectrum - IEEE Spectrum [Last Updated On: July 1st, 2017] [Originally Added On: July 1st, 2017]
- Alkermes and IBM's quantum computing. Who'll be the big winner? Malcolm Berko - Durham Herald Sun [Last Updated On: July 6th, 2017] [Originally Added On: July 6th, 2017]
- Quantum Computers Made Even More Powerful with New microchip generating 'Qudits' - TrendinTech [Last Updated On: July 8th, 2017] [Originally Added On: July 8th, 2017]
- Quantum Computing Record Broken - Wall Street Pit [Last Updated On: July 8th, 2017] [Originally Added On: July 8th, 2017]
- Technique for measuring and controlling electron state is a ... - UCLA Newsroom [Last Updated On: July 9th, 2017] [Originally Added On: July 9th, 2017]
- Quantum cheques could be a forgery-free way to move money - New Scientist [Last Updated On: July 10th, 2017] [Originally Added On: July 10th, 2017]
- Quantum-computer node uses two different ion species - physicsworld.com [Last Updated On: July 10th, 2017] [Originally Added On: July 10th, 2017]
- Quantum Computers vs Bitcoin How Worried Should We Be? - The Merkle [Last Updated On: July 10th, 2017] [Originally Added On: July 10th, 2017]
- Why you might trust a quantum computer with secretseven over ... - Phys.Org [Last Updated On: July 12th, 2017] [Originally Added On: July 12th, 2017]
- Physicists Take Big Step Towards Quantum Computing and ... - Universe Today [Last Updated On: August 1st, 2017] [Originally Added On: August 1st, 2017]
- Quantum Computing Market Worth 495.3 Million USD by 2023 | 08 ... - Markets Insider [Last Updated On: August 10th, 2017] [Originally Added On: August 10th, 2017]
- China uses a quantum satellite to transmit potentially unhackable data - CNBC [Last Updated On: August 10th, 2017] [Originally Added On: August 10th, 2017]
- Blind quantum computing for everyone - Phys.org - Phys.Org [Last Updated On: August 12th, 2017] [Originally Added On: August 12th, 2017]
- Quantum Computing Is Real, and D-Wave Just Open ... - WIRED [Last Updated On: August 12th, 2017] [Originally Added On: August 12th, 2017]
- Machine learning tackles quantum error correction - Phys.Org [Last Updated On: August 15th, 2017] [Originally Added On: August 15th, 2017]
- Quantum Internet Is 13 Years Away. Wait, What's Quantum Internet? - WIRED [Last Updated On: August 15th, 2017] [Originally Added On: August 15th, 2017]
- Physicists Have Made Exotic Quantum States From Light - Futurism [Last Updated On: August 16th, 2017] [Originally Added On: August 16th, 2017]
- $495.3 Million Quantum Computing Market 2017 by Revenue Source, Application, Industry, and Geography - Global ... - PR Newswire (press release) [Last Updated On: August 18th, 2017] [Originally Added On: August 18th, 2017]
- How quantum mechanics can change computing - The Conversation US [Last Updated On: August 23rd, 2017] [Originally Added On: August 23rd, 2017]
- Introducing Australia's first quantum computing hardware company - Computerworld Australia [Last Updated On: August 23rd, 2017] [Originally Added On: August 23rd, 2017]
- IEEE Approves Standards Project for Quantum Computing ... - insideHPC [Last Updated On: August 23rd, 2017] [Originally Added On: August 23rd, 2017]
- Commonwealth Bank investing in Australia's first quantum computer company - Which-50 (blog) [Last Updated On: August 25th, 2017] [Originally Added On: August 25th, 2017]
- How quantum mechanics can change computing - San Francisco ... - San Francisco Chronicle [Last Updated On: August 25th, 2017] [Originally Added On: August 25th, 2017]
- Quantum Computing Is Coming at Us Fast, So Here's Everything You Need to Know - ScienceAlert [Last Updated On: August 27th, 2017] [Originally Added On: August 27th, 2017]
- Quantum computing event explores the implications for business - Cambridge Network [Last Updated On: August 30th, 2017] [Originally Added On: August 30th, 2017]
- Microsoft's Aussie quantum computing lab set to scale up next-gen ... - ARNnet [Last Updated On: September 7th, 2017] [Originally Added On: September 7th, 2017]
- An Entirely New Type of Quantum Computing Has Just Been Invented - Futurism [Last Updated On: September 7th, 2017] [Originally Added On: September 7th, 2017]
- Microsoft just upped its multi-million bet on quantum computing - ZDNet [Last Updated On: September 7th, 2017] [Originally Added On: September 7th, 2017]
- Here's what quantum computing is and why it matters [Last Updated On: October 6th, 2017] [Originally Added On: October 6th, 2017]
- What will you actually use quantum computing for? | ZDNet [Last Updated On: October 11th, 2017] [Originally Added On: October 11th, 2017]
- Quantum Computing | Intel Newsroom [Last Updated On: October 13th, 2017] [Originally Added On: October 13th, 2017]
- Intel Takes First Steps To Universal Quantum Computing [Last Updated On: October 13th, 2017] [Originally Added On: October 13th, 2017]
- Qudits: The Real Future of Quantum Computing? - IEEE Spectrum [Last Updated On: October 13th, 2017] [Originally Added On: October 13th, 2017]
- quantum computing - engadget.com [Last Updated On: October 13th, 2017] [Originally Added On: October 13th, 2017]
- Quantum computing - news.microsoft.com [Last Updated On: November 1st, 2017] [Originally Added On: November 1st, 2017]
- IBM's processor pushes quantum computing ... - engadget.com [Last Updated On: November 16th, 2017] [Originally Added On: November 16th, 2017]
- Yale Professors Race Google and IBM to the First Quantum ... [Last Updated On: November 16th, 2017] [Originally Added On: November 16th, 2017]
- Quantum Computing Is the Next Big Security Risk | WIRED [Last Updated On: December 8th, 2017] [Originally Added On: December 8th, 2017]
- Microsoft offers developers a preview of its quantum ... [Last Updated On: December 12th, 2017] [Originally Added On: December 12th, 2017]
- New silicon structure opens the gate to quantum computers [Last Updated On: December 14th, 2017] [Originally Added On: December 14th, 2017]
- Quantum Computing Explained | What is Quantum Computing? [Last Updated On: December 21st, 2017] [Originally Added On: December 21st, 2017]
- What is Quantum Computing? | SAP News Center [Last Updated On: December 23rd, 2017] [Originally Added On: December 23rd, 2017]
- Is Quantum Computing an Existential Threat to Blockchain ... [Last Updated On: December 25th, 2017] [Originally Added On: December 25th, 2017]
- IBM puts its quantum computer to work in relaxing, nerdy ASMR ... [Last Updated On: January 8th, 2018] [Originally Added On: January 8th, 2018]
- Quantum computing is going to change the world. Here's what ... [Last Updated On: January 8th, 2018] [Originally Added On: January 8th, 2018]
- The Era of Quantum Computing Is Here. Outlook: Cloudy ... [Last Updated On: January 26th, 2018] [Originally Added On: January 26th, 2018]
- What is quantum computing? - Definition from WhatIs.com [Last Updated On: February 5th, 2018] [Originally Added On: February 5th, 2018]
- Senate bills would make quantum computing a priority [Last Updated On: June 10th, 2018] [Originally Added On: June 10th, 2018]
- Two Quantum Computing Bills Are Coming To Congress [Last Updated On: July 5th, 2018] [Originally Added On: July 5th, 2018]
- Quantum Computing Market Research Report- Forecast 2022 | MRFR [Last Updated On: August 1st, 2018] [Originally Added On: August 1st, 2018]
- What Is Quantum Computing? The Complete WIRED Guide | WIRED [Last Updated On: August 22nd, 2018] [Originally Added On: August 22nd, 2018]
- Quantum Computing | USRA [Last Updated On: August 30th, 2018] [Originally Added On: August 30th, 2018]
- The quantum computing race the US cant afford to lose [Last Updated On: September 3rd, 2018] [Originally Added On: September 3rd, 2018]
- The reality of quantum computing could be just three years ... [Last Updated On: September 12th, 2018] [Originally Added On: September 12th, 2018]
- US takes first step toward a quantum computing workforce ... [Last Updated On: September 17th, 2018] [Originally Added On: September 17th, 2018]
- China bet big on quantum computing. Now the ... - money.cnn.com [Last Updated On: September 17th, 2018] [Originally Added On: September 17th, 2018]
- China bet big on quantum computing. Now the US races to ... [Last Updated On: October 26th, 2018] [Originally Added On: October 26th, 2018]
- A new type of quantum computer has smashed every record ... [Last Updated On: December 21st, 2018] [Originally Added On: December 21st, 2018]
- IBM unveils its first commercial quantum computer [Last Updated On: January 9th, 2019] [Originally Added On: January 9th, 2019]
- IBM thinks outside of the lab, puts quantum computer in a box [Last Updated On: January 11th, 2019] [Originally Added On: January 11th, 2019]
- Quantum Computing | The MIT Press [Last Updated On: January 11th, 2019] [Originally Added On: January 11th, 2019]
- CES 2019: IBM's Q System One Is the Rock Star Quantum ... [Last Updated On: January 13th, 2019] [Originally Added On: January 13th, 2019]