Computers are about to hit a wall. For decades, mankind has advanced modern computing technology by packing ever more complexity — and thus computational power — into ever smaller chips and devices. The hulking machines that took up multiple rooms in the 1950s and '60s were much less powerful than the original Apple Macintoshes in the '80s, which in turn were far less powerful than today's iPhones. But that astounding run may be finally hitting its physical limits, as computing's building blocks struggle to shrink further.
So to keep its historical pace of advancement, technology may need a radical overhaul. Enter quantum computing.
By applying the behavior of subatomic particles, i.e. quantum mechanics, to the problem of computing, we might one day create devices that can solve far more complex equations much faster than today's most advanced computers. Quantum computers could eventually be used to run artificial intelligence systems; to design new materials, chemicals, and medicines at the molecular level; to model extremely complex systems, like the Earth's climate, in far greater detail; to both run encryption and crack encryption; and even render extraordinarily realistic video games.
But how do we get there?
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