The Ultimate Truths and Myths About Quantum Computing.

1. Quantum Computing Will Replace Traditional Computing.

Myth: The end of conventional computing is imminent due to quantum computing.

Truth: Quantum computing likely won’t completely replace traditional computers.

Recently, rumors of Google’s “Quantum Supremacy” began to circulate online. This prompted several futurists to declare that quantum computers will soon displace traditional computing. 

Indeed, it seems logical to assume that once new technology is in place, the computing machines of the previous generation will inevitably become obsolete. But in practice, as of today, the quantum processor developed by Google, Sycamore, only includes 53 qubits and can only carry out a very small number of tasks.

2. Quantum Computing Is Like Traditional Computing, Just Faster.

Myth: Quantum computing may execute programs that resemble those used by conventional computers.

Truth: Unlike conventional computers, quantum computers cannot execute the same programming commands.

The fundamental cause for this discrepancy in the scope of applications between quantum computing and “traditional computing” is that various sets of algorithms are required for quantum computing to run each application. 

It would be a dream for scientists and programmers if quantum computers were able to create applications from the ground up. Unfortunately, quantum computing machines can only serve to resolve computing problems dedicated specifically to quantum computing.

3. Quantum Computing Vs Cybersecurity.

Myth: Quantum computing makes cybersecurity useless.

Truth: In the event of a quantum attack, quantum computing can compromise Internet security.

It is still a myth, as the Public Key Cryptography (PKC) algorithms used today are resistant to security assaults conducted by common PCs.

However, researchers warn that the situation might change in the future. It will take a long time before quantum computers can defeat even the most resistant PKC algorithms, but then, our whole communication and data are at risk as a result.

Algorithms for quantum cryptography offer enhanced cybersecurity even in a significant quantum assault. However, it is only a theory. Comparatively, one of the uses for quantum computing is improved cybersecurity using quantum machines.

4. Quantum Consciousness.

Myth: Quantum computers can develop awareness and evolve into a “Quantum Mind.”

Truth: There is no evidence to support the existence of quantum consciousness or mind.

It’s heavily disputed whether or not one of the benefits of quantum computing can be quantum consciousness. The discussion started from comparing human brain to quantum computers.

It is known that single molecules interacting at synaptic clefts while transmitting electric signals through the brain undergo quantum laws of physics. It essentially means that the rules of quantum mechanics govern our thinking.

The degree of disparity in complexity between a brain and any machine is huge. However, both humans and, recently, AI have demonstrated design skills. Therefore, even if it would be theoretically feasible, it might imply that a computer can develop awareness or a mind of its own and become sentient.

A recent report claimed that Facebook had discontinued its AI robot project because during the project two robots spoke to one another in a language humans were unfamiliar with. 

While Quantum Mind is one of the popular hypotheses related to quantum computing, we still have a long way to go until we fully comprehend quantum physics and computing. However, none of the theories about the quantum mind were grounded in science.

5. Commercialization of Quantum Computing.

Myth: In 15 years, quantum computing will be commercially available.

Truth: It won’t be easy, even with quantum computing, to completely replace classical computing.

Since quantum computing has been widely acknowledged as a viable type of computing for the past 15 years, little has changed: quantum computing is insanely expensive.

For calculations to be completed quickly, a lot of heat must be produced. Quantum computers must be kept in storage at temperatures of -273C (or -460F) which is close to the minimal possible temperature also know as the absolute zero.

As a result, the prices of commercial quantum computers are astronomical. For instance, the real price of D-Wave One machine by D-Wave Systems including 50 qubits is $10 million. D-Wave’s 2000 qubit quantum computer costs $15 million. For every extra qubit in processing power, you need to add $10,000 extra.

As a consequence, at most, data centers will utilize quantum computing for research and advanced computational modeling. 

And what about households? Traditional computers continue to be powerful, therefore, the future belongs to hybrid machines. The only way to raise the profile of quantum computing in the business world is through hybrid devices, combining stationary traditional computers with quantum computers operating in the cloud.

6. Using Quantum Computing To Simulate Reality.

Myth: Quantum computers could serve to simulate actual events.

Truth: Only some of the possible real-world scenarios can be encoded into quantum computers.

Theoretically, the superposition of the qubits in quantum computers allows them to simulate the real-world scenarios, especially in the areas which involve probabilistic events such as financial, weather, and agriculture models. Therefore, many people are hopeful that quantum computers could simulate the future in general.

According to the reality of quantum computing, a 300-qubit quantum computer can accurately anticipate various financial outcomes over the next few years. However, it does not seem feasible to achieve the complete prediction of the future of the world as it is simply too complex to be simulated.