First part.
Quantum computing and post-quantum.
Denmark invests 80 million euros, launching a new Nordic quantum initiative to "change the future...with the world's most powerful commercial quantum computer."
What expanded news do you have about this? Are there other quantum computers developed and functioning in the world?
And where?🫂
Hello! I would be happy to expand on the quantum initiative of Denmark and the global landscape of quantum computing.
The Nordic Quantum Initiative of Denmark:
The news you are referring to probably alludes to Denmark's investment in quantum technology, which has been a significant area of research and development in the country. While I don't have specific details about a recently "launched" Nordic initiative with that exact figure, I do know that Denmark has been at the forefront of quantum research, with milestones such as the development of nanochips capable of achieving "quantum supremacy". This means they have managed to get a quantum processor to perform a task that is practically impossible for a classical computer.
An example of these advances is a chip developed by researchers at the University of Copenhagen. Their quantum technology has advanced so much that classical computers cannot keep up. They have developed a source of photons that can be used to achieve a quantum advantage, which they consider the "fundamental cornerstone" for future quantum simulators. These simulators could be used to solve complex biochemical problems and develop new drugs.
It is important to note that quantum computing, while promising, is still in an early stage of development. Investment in this field is global and aims to overcome challenges such as scalability and decoherence (the loss of quantum coherence).
Other quantum computers developed and operational in the world:
Yes, there are several quantum computers developed and operational in the world, although most are in research and development laboratories or available through cloud services for businesses and scientists. The "quantum race" is intense, with several players competing to lead this technology.
The main powers in this field are:
* United States: Companies like IBM, Google, and Microsoft are leaders in the development of quantum computers.
* IBM has been a pioneer in the commercialization of quantum computers. In 2019, they presented the Q System One, a 20-qubit device available for research and business use, and at the end of 2022, they presented Osprey, a 433-qubit quantum processor. You can access its computational power through the cloud (IBM Quantum Experience).
* Google has also announced significant achievements in quantum supremacy with its Sycamore processor.
* Microsoft launched its Majorana One processor, powered by topological qubits, in 2025.
* China: It is a very relevant player and has become the third country, after Canada and the U.S., to deliver a practical-use quantum computer with its own technology. Origin Quantum, a Chinese company, has developed and delivered several models, including the "24-qubit Wuyuan".
* Canada: The company D-Wave Systems was the first to sell a commercial quantum computer in 2011.
* Europe: In addition to Denmark, other European countries such as Germany, France, and Finland are making significant investments in quantum research.
* Germany has several key research centers in quantum computing, including the Jülich Research Center.
* Companies like PASQAL (France) with computers based on neutral atoms, and IQM (Finland) that create quantum computers for research and business use, are examples of European dynamism.
* Other countries: Other countries such as Australia, India, and Russia are also investing in this technology and developing their own prototypes.
Where are these quantum computers located?
Most quantum computers are located in:
* University research centers: Like the University of Copenhagen (Denmark), or universities in the U.S. and China.
* Technology company laboratories: Mainly IBM, Google, and Microsoft in the U.S.
* Government or defense facilities: Given the potential of quantum computing for cybersecurity and defense, many governments invest in their own laboratories.
* Quantum clouds: Many of these computers are remotely accessible through cloud platforms, allowing researchers and companies to experiment with them without needing to own their own physical hardware. Companies like D-Wave, Multiverse Computing, and SandBox AQ offer this type of service.
In summary, quantum computing is a field in full swing, with significant global investments and ongoing advances that promise to revolutionize areas such as medicine, materials design, artificial intelligence, and cybersecurity.
How does a quantum computer work?
Great question! Understanding how a quantum computer works is key to grasping its revolutionary potential. Unlike the classical computers you know, quantum computers do not rely on the same principles.
Bits vs. Qubits: The Fundamental Difference
The first major difference lies in the basic unit of information:
* Classical computers (the ones you use daily): Operate with bits. A bit is like a switch that can be in a state of 0 (off) or 1 (on) at any given moment. Everything your computer does, from sending an email to running a video game, boils down to manipulating these 0s and 1s.
* Quantum computers: Operate with qubits (quantum bits). This is where things get interesting and a little "strange" (in a good way). Thanks to the laws of quantum mechanics, a qubit can not only be 0 or 1 but can also be 0 and 1 at the same time. This is known as quantum superposition.
The Key Quantum Principles
To understand how qubits operate, we need to dive into three phenomena of quantum mechanics:
1. Quantum Superposition
Imagine a coin spinning in the air. While it is spinning, it is neither "heads" nor "tails", but a combination of both possibilities. Only when the coin falls and you observe it does its state become defined as heads or tails.
Similarly, a qubit can exist in a state of superposition, meaning it can be 0, 1, or a combination of both states simultaneously. This gives quantum computers massively parallel processing capability. If you have, say, 2 qubits, a classical computer can only represent one of four possible states (00, 01, 10, 11) at a time. But 2 qubits in superposition can represent all four states simultaneously. As you add more qubits, processing power grows exponentially. With just a few hundred qubits, a quantum computer could surpass the computational capacity of all current supercomputers combined for certain types of problems.
2. Quantum Entanglement
This is perhaps the most counterintuitive concept of quantum computing, and Albert Einstein called it "spooky action at a distance". Entanglement occurs when two or more qubits are connected in such a way that the state of one of them instantaneously affects the state of the others, regardless of the distance separating them.
Think of two entangled coins. If you flip one and it lands "heads", you instantly know that the other (even if it is on the other side of the world) will be "tails", even before looking at it. In quantum computing, entanglement allows qubits to work together in a coordinated way, creating complex correlations that are essential for executing advanced quantum algorithms.
3. Quantum Interference
Quantum computers manipulate the probability of a qubit ending up in a particular state (0 or 1). Quantum interference is a phenomenon used to amplify the probabilities of the correct answers and minimize those of the incorrect ones. It’s like waves in a pond: they can add up (constructive interference) or cancel out (destructive interference). When designing quantum algorithms, engineers manipulate the phases of the qubits so that the correct solutions are reinforced and the incorrect ones are canceled out.
How are they Built and Operated?
Quantum computers are extremely delicate systems. Qubits are very sensitive to their environment and can easily lose their "quantum state" (decoherence) due to heat or electromagnetic noise. Therefore, they often require extreme conditions to operate:
* Ultra-cold Temperatures: Many quantum systems operate at temperatures close to absolute zero (around -273.15 °C), colder than outer space. This is to prevent thermal vibrations from disturbing the states of the qubits.
* Isolation: They are isolated from any external interference (vibrations, electromagnetic fields, etc.).
* Different qubit technologies: Several types of qubits are being researched and developed, including:
* Superconducting qubits: Use superconducting loops that are cooled to extremely low temperatures. IBM and Google are leaders in this field.
* Trapped ions: Individual atoms from which electrons are removed or added (ions) and held in place with electromagnetic fields.
* Neutral atoms: Similar to trapped ions, but without net charge, controlled by lasers.
* Quantum dots: Small semiconductor nanocrystals.
* Topological qubits: A more recent approach that promises to be more robust against decoherence. Microsoft is heavily investing here.
In summary, a quantum computer is not just a more powerful version of your PC. It is a completely different type of machine that uses the strange and powerful laws of quantum mechanics to solve problems that are beyond the capability of classical computers, opening doors to discoveries and applications that are currently unimaginable.
Is there any aspect of its operation that you would like to explore in more detail?
Will the development of the quantum computer for personal use as a PC be possible, and what would be needed for that?
The idea of having a quantum computer for personal use, like a desktop PC, is fascinating, but it currently faces monumental technological and economic challenges.
In the short and medium term (coming decades), it is highly unlikely that we will see personal quantum computers like current PCs.
Here I explain why and what would be needed for this to be hypothetically possible:
Current Challenges (Why is it not a PC?):
* Extreme Physical Requirements:
* Ultra-low Temperatures: Most current qubits (especially superconductors) need to be at temperatures close to absolute zero (milliKelvin), colder than outer space. This requires extremely large, complex, and costly cooling systems (dilution refrigerators), which occupy an entire room, not a desk.
* Noise Isolation: Qubits are incredibly fragile and "decohere" (lose their quantum state) with the slightest interference from the environment (heat, vibrations, electromagnetic fields). They need extreme isolation, which is incompatible with a domestic environment.
* Precise Control: Lasers, microwaves, and extremely high-precision electronic systems are required to control the qubits and execute quantum operations. This equipment is bulky and very expensive.
* Scalability and Reliability:
* Number of Qubits: Current quantum computers have a limited number of qubits (hundreds at most), and many of them are "noisy" or prone to errors. For significant practical applications, thousands or millions of stable and error-corrected qubits will be needed. Achieving this is a monumental challenge.
* Quantum Error Correction: Qubits are inherently prone to errors. Developing and applying robust quantum error correction codes is crucial, but it requires a large number of physical qubits to form a single reliable "logical qubit", further increasing hardware requirements.
* Cost:
* Existing quantum computer prototypes cost millions of dollars. Manufacturing the components, maintaining the extreme conditions, and developing the technology is incredibly costly. For it to be a PC, the cost would have to be drastically reduced, which is not anticipated in the near future for systems with significant capacity.
* Purpose and Applications:
* Not for "everything": A quantum computer is not a faster PC for browsing the internet, writing documents, or playing video games. Its power lies in solving very specific types of complex problems (optimization, molecular simulation, cryptography, advanced artificial intelligence) that are intractable for classical computers. For everyday tasks, a classical PC will remain superior and much more energy-efficient.
* Lack of Software/Ecosystem: Although quantum languages and algorithms (Qiskit, Q#, etc.) are being developed, the software and application ecosystem for quantum computing are in their early stages.
What would be needed for it to be possible (very futuristic and speculative scenario)?
For a quantum computer to be a personal PC, revolutionary advances would be needed on several fronts:
* Qubits at Ambient (or near) Temperature: This would be the "holy grail". If qubits could be developed that maintained their quantum coherence at much higher temperatures, the need for the current complex and costly cooling systems would be eliminated. Some lines of research, such as silicon-based qubits or topological qubits, could (potentially) advance in this direction, but we are still far from it.
* Extreme Miniaturization: Reducing the size of all components (the qubits themselves, control systems, cooling if still needed) to a scale that fits into a form factor similar to that of a PC.
* Mass Production and Cost Reduction: Manufacturing processes would need to be developed to produce millions of reliable qubits at low cost, similar to how silicon chips are produced today.
* Robust Fault Tolerance: Quantum systems with such efficient error correction that they can operate in less controlled environments and be tolerant of inherent failures.
* Development of Practical and Useful Applications for Consumers: Beyond research or industrial use, concrete applications would be needed that justify the need for a quantum computer at home. For example, a molecular simulator to design your own medication? An optimizer for your personal investments on a scale that only quantum can handle? This is highly speculative.
So, how will we access quantum computing?
The most likely model for the future, even in the long term, is that quantum computing will continue to be a resource accessed through the cloud. Companies like IBM, Google, and Microsoft already offer access to their quantum processors over the internet.
This means that you, as a user, would send your complex problems to a remote quantum server that performs the calculations and returns the results to you, without having to own or maintain the costly and delicate hardware. It's a model similar to how many companies today use supercomputers without having them physically on their premises.
In summary, the idea of a personal "quantum PC" is a concept for a very, very distant future, if it ever materializes that way. For now, and for quite a few years, quantum computing will remain in the realm of research, industry, and cloud services.
Is there any other scenario apart from the quantum computer? More different but potentially more effective?
Absolutely! In fact, quantum computing is just one of the several frontiers of computing that seek to go beyond the classical silicon transistor-based model. There are other radically different paradigms, some of which have the potential to be very effective for certain types of problems and could even complement or surpass quantum computing in certain niches.
Here are some of the most interesting ones:
* Neuromorphic Computing (brain-inspired):
* Concept: Instead of following the traditional Von Neumann architecture (separate processor and memory), neuromorphic computing seeks to emulate the structure and functioning of the human brain. Neuromorphic chips like IBM's TrueNorth or Intel's Loihi have artificial "neurons" and "synapses" that process and store information in an integrated and parallel manner.
* How does it work?: It relies on events (spiking neural networks - SNNs), where "neurons" activate and transmit "impulses" only when there is activity, resulting in much greater energy efficiency for certain types of tasks.
* Potentially more effective for:
* Artificial Intelligence and Machine Learning: Especially for processing sensory data (vision, voice), pattern recognition, continuous learning, and AI systems that need to adapt in real-time with low energy consumption.
* Edge computing: Small devices with integrated AI that operate locally without the need for constant cloud connection.
* Advantages: Extreme energy efficiency (they can be orders of magnitude more efficient than GPUs for certain AI tasks), real-time learning capability, robustness (if one "neuron" fails, the system continues to function).
* Challenges: They are still not "general-purpose" machines. Programming them for traditional tasks is difficult, and scaling to the complexity of the human brain is an immense challenge.
* Optical Computing (using light):
* Concept: Instead of using electrons and electric current to transport and process information, optical computing uses photons (particles of light).
* How does it work?: Light can travel faster than electrons and can perform operations in parallel without interfering with each other. This would allow for incredibly fast and energy-efficient computers, especially for operations involving many matrix multiplications, fundamental in AI.
* Potentially more effective for:
* Signal Processing: Ultrafast processing of radar data, communications, etc.
* Artificial Intelligence (especially neural networks): Matrix multiplications are at the heart of many deep learning algorithms, and optics can perform them analogically at the speed of light.
* Advantages: Speed, low energy consumption, less heat generation, immune to electromagnetic interference.
* Challenges: Miniaturization and manufacturing of complex and precise optical components, integration with existing electronics, and the need to convert optical signals into electrical ones for interfacing with classical systems.
* DNA Computing (biocomputing or molecular computing):
* Concept: Uses DNA molecules (deoxyribonucleic acid) and other biological molecules to perform calculations.
* How does it work?: It is based on the self-assembly and complementarity properties of DNA. You can encode information in the base sequences of DNA and then use it.
The Future Cryptographic Resistance: An Essential Link
The conversation about the future of computing inevitably leads us to the intersection with digital security, especially in the realm of crypto assets like Bitcoin and exchange platforms like Binance. It is a matter of vital importance for the future of the entire ecosystem.
The Imminent Challenge
Today, the security of Bitcoin and most cryptocurrencies is based on mathematical principles that are extremely difficult to break with the computers we currently use. These principles protect our transactions and the ownership of our digital assets.
However, advances in quantum computing introduce a new scenario. As quantum computers become more powerful in the future, there is a theoretical possibility that they could perform calculations that are currently unfeasible for classical machines. This could impact the robustness of current cryptographic systems that underpin the security of digital assets.
It is important to highlight that this is not an imminent threat today. Current quantum computers do not have the capability to perform such feats. We are talking about a future concern for which solutions are already being sought.
The Solution: Future Quantum-Resistant Cryptography
This is where the concept of post-quantum cryptography (PQC) comes into play. Far from being a type of computer, PQC refers to a set of new cryptographic methods that experts are developing. The main goal of these methods is to be resistant even to attacks from advanced quantum computers.
Research and standardization organizations worldwide are already actively working on the selection and validation of these new algorithms.
Implications for Bitcoin and Exchanges (like Binance)
The link to Bitcoin and exchange platforms is direct and essential:
* Asset Protection: To ensure that users' digital assets, such as Bitcoin, remain secure in a future where quantum computers become more powerful, blockchains will need to adopt these new quantum-resistant cryptographic algorithms. This will involve significant updates to the underlying protocols of cryptocurrencies.
* Platform Adaptation: Exchanges like Binance, which manage and safeguard billions in digital assets, will be fundamental in this transition. They will need to actively integrate and apply post-quantum cryptography in all their security systems, from the wallets that hold the funds to the transaction processes.
* Global Transition: This is not a change that can occur in isolation. It will require massive global coordination among developers, miners, service providers (including exchanges), and users to ensure a safe and efficient migration to new security standards. Strategies are being designed to make this transition as smooth as possible.
In summary: The development of quantum computing presents a future challenge for current cryptographic security. The response from the global community, including Bitcoin and major exchanges, is the development and eventual implementation of post-quantum cryptography. This will ensure that the integrity and security of crypto assets endure in the next technological era, protecting users and the ecosystem without revealing sensitive information to potential malicious actors.
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