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While we’re on the subject of quantum computing, it’s important that we discuss some of the big problems scientists and engineers face when trying to build and use this game-changing technology. There is no doubt that practical quantum computing has a long way to go.
Decoherence and Quantum Error Correction
Quantum bits, or qubits, are what quantum computers use instead of normal binary bits. However, qubits are extremely fragile and can easily be disrupted by their surroundings. For example, even cosmic rays can cause a qubit to lose its properties in a process called decoherence. Because they’re so delicate, qubits must be kept in highly controlled environments at temperatures very near absolute zero.
Quantum error correction schemes are essential for fixing errors caused by decoherence and other forms of quantum noise. But these methods are still young; they need many physical qubits to encode just one logical qubit if they want reliable operation – which makes scaling up very hard.
Technical / Material Challenges
The hardware required for creating and manipulating qubits involves extremely precise engineering at the nanoscale. Additionally, these systems often require new materials with usable quantum properties that work under everyday conditions.
Scalability
Another major obstacle is scalability; currently there aren’t many qubits in quantum computers. However, if quantum computing is going to live up to its potential then it will need thousands or even millions more than what exists now. Scaling also means increasingly complex architectures capable of sustaining fragile entanglement between an ever-increasing number of them.
Software / Algorithms
There’s also the issue of software development for this field; programming paradigms as well as algorithms themselves differ greatly from classical computers due theirs being based on different logic gates etc., thus requiring entirely separate languages/algorithms altogether so that they may be utilized properly according not only hardware but also underlying principles behind it too (e.g., superposition/entanglement).
Conclusion
Innovation and continued research are required at every step towards an operational quantum computer, as each challenge is merely a hurdle which must be overcome. In the following article we will explore potential applications of quantum computing that have generated such excitement around overcoming these obstacles.
