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Development of quantum computing: Opportunities and Limitations

This essay explores how far the development of quantum computing has come and still has to go. It discusses its applications in advancements in cryptography, drug discovery, climate modeling, and artificial intelligence. It also discusses challenges of scalability, cost, and ethical concerns. The essay is written in an academic tone. It is ideal for students, researchers, and tech enthusiasts with an interest in a comprehensive understanding of this world changing field. The essay is properly cited using the APA referencing style. Get a glimpse into the ways in which quantum computing could rewrite entire industries while working to overcome substantial barriers to its adoption.

February 11, 2025

* The sample essays are for browsing purposes only and are not to be submitted as original work to avoid issues with plagiarism.

Development of Quantum Computing: Opportunities and Limitations

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Introduction

Quantum computing is a relatively new interdisciplinary field of science where

computation standards and rules of quantum mechanics are integrated. Quantum computers

are entirely different from normal computers which utilize bits as the fundamental

information units (0 and 1). Quantum computers work with quantum bits or qubits that are in

two different states at once. Superposition is a peculiar feature that allows the quantum

computer to perform numerous calculations much faster than the usual computers.

Unfortunately, there are certain challenges associated with this technology. This report aims

to analyse the possibilities of quantum computing, as well as the major challenges.

Opportunities of Quantum Computing

Quantum computing can bring change to industries by providing solutions to

problems that classical computers cannot solve. One of its most prospective application fields

is cryptography. By efficiently factoring large numbers, quantum computers can break the

traditional encryption methods which would take millions of years for the classical

computers. On the same note, quantum cryptography has potential to develop highly secure

encryption making communication safe.

In medicine, quantum computing can enhance drug discovery, and also enhance the

formulation of custom treatments. Through mimicking molecular structure pathways in

quantum level investigation, the researchers are in a position to discover new drugs in a

shorter period as compared to the conventional methodologies (Bayerstadler et al. 2021). This

capability might result in the possibility of solving some diseases and reducing the

development cost. In addition, advanced computing by quantum computers can help supply

chain, bring better algorithms in the field of machine learning, and get better financial

models. This would mean that firms could quickly evaluate a large big data set in an effort to

make optimal managerial and resource decisions.

Another field that could likely stand to gain a lot is that of climate science.

Superposition and entanglement algorithms make quantum computers capable of creating

time-dependent models of various systems, for example, climates and carbon footprints, with

great precision. It could also give better approaches to dealing with climate change issues.

Finally, quantum technologies can also transform Artificial Intelligence, where models can be

trained much faster, and where AI would demonstrate higher accuracy in various

applications, such as image identification and natural language processing.

Challenges of Applied Quantum Computing

Quantum computing has many challenges. A major limitation is qubit instability.

Quantum systems are fragile and, therefore vulnerable to such factors as temperature, and

electromagnetic radiation. These disturbances, known as "noise," cause errors in quantum

computations, limiting the reliability of current quantum computers. Current research focuses

on the error correction methods, but these are compounded by the need for extra qubit which

amplifies the complexity of building quantum systems.

The second major drawback is on the aspect of scalability. It is hard to create and

sustain a large-scale quantum computer. Present quantum systems contain a maximum of a

few hundred qubits, while to meet application requirements thousands or millions of qubits

are needed (Awan et al. 2022). Many engineering and technological barriers affect the

scalability of quantum hardware and may take years, at least decades, to solve.

Another barrier is the cost. The hardware must use sophisticated materials, and it

operates at conditions close to absolute zero. This makes quantum computing very costly and

its access to be limited to government, large firms and organizations. If the reduction of costs

cannot be made, it may be quite some time before people attain ubiquitous quantum

computing.

Quantum computers also raise security and ethical issues. The computer’s capacity is

threatening to everything because it disrupts the existing encryption systems putting the

nation's security and sensitive data unsafe. These issues therefore need to be tackled in order

to avoid abuse of this technology. In addition, there is also a shortage of talent in the field of

quantum computing which is another kind of limitation. There is a scarcity of professionals in

several fields such as quantum mechanics, computer science, and others within the same

domain. Education in the context of quantum needs to grow to cover the next generation of

quantum specialists.

Balancing Opportunities and Limitations

The development of quantum computing is a double-edged sword, it brings both

opportunities and challenges. Quantum research looks set to have a huge impact.

Governments and many private organizations are pouring money into the research.

Organizations like IBM, Google and Microsoft are investing into quantum technologies. In

addition, the governments themselves, such as the United States, China and the European

Union are taking a lead in quantum research.

To address the opportunities and limitations, collaboration between stakeholders is

required. There are technical challenges that need to be overcome such as improved error

correction and the development of scalable systems (De Leon et al. 2021). Policymakers need

to create regulations to address the concerns of security without hampering innovation. In

addition, education and training investments are needed to develop a skilled workforce to

drive quantum advancement.

Conclusion

The advent of quantum computing marks an epochal change in our capabilities to do

things. The applications are wide ranging from revolutionizing practice in cryptography to

helping accelerate drug discovery, and to revolutionizing practice in climate science.

Although the technical barriers and costs are high, and there are ethical considerations, the

diffusion of this technology must be addressed. If scientists want to pursue the path toward

practical quantum computing, they'll have to work together with the governments and

industries. Wherever quantum computing reaches its limitations through continuous research

and investment, the possibilities of quantum computing will become greater than those

limitations. This will bring a future where the most complex problems can be solved easily.

While quantum computing is still in its infancy, it is sure to have a significant impact on the

technological landscape in the coming years.

References

Awan, U., Hannola, L., Tandon, A., Goyal, R. K., & Dhir, A. (2022). Quantum computing

challenges in the software industry. A fuzzy AHP-based approach. Information and

Software Technology, 147, 106896.

Bayerstadler, A., Becquin, G., Binder, J., Botter, T., Ehm, H., Ehmer, T., ... & Winter, F.

(2021). Industry quantum computing applications. EPJ Quantum Technology, 8(1),

25.

De Leon, N. P., Itoh, K. M., Kim, D., Mehta, K. K., Northup, T. E., Paik, H., ... & Steuerman,

D. W. (2021). Materials challenges and opportunities for quantum computing

hardware. Science, 372(6539), eabb2823.

February 11, 2025

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Academic level:

Graduate

Type of paper:

Report

Discipline:

Engineering

Citation:

APA

Pages:

3 (1050 words)

Spacing:

Double