Quantum Computing - History

Over the decades, the area of quantum computing and computer science has been improving day by day. Quantum computings development began with its theoretical foundations from 1900 to 1980, when early insights into quantum mechanics set the stage for what was to come.

Quantum Algorithms 1994-2000

The following years, from 1994 to 2000, were marked by the creation of key quantum algorithms, such as Shor’s and Grover’s algorithms, which showcased the unique advantages of quantum computing. This algorithm demonstrated that quantum computers could solve problems exponentially faster than classical computers by using quantum superposition and entanglement. Shor’s Algorithm showed that certain types of problems, which were currently considered computationally infeasible, could be tackled more efficiently with quantum techniques.

Following Shor’s breakthrough, Lov Grover introduced Grover’s Algorithm in 1996, which provided a quadratic speedup for searching unsorted databases. Grover’s Algorithm illustrated the potential of quantum computing to accelerate search processes and solve problems that involve searching through large amounts of data.

Addressing Implementation Challenges

However, classical computing began demonstrating various drawbacks in terms of volume and complexity of quantum simulations, therefore exploration of other alternatives became necessary. By the end of the nineteen hundreds, physicists had laid the theoretical designs of quantum computers, demonstrating ways in which quantum states could be exploited for advanced computations. Since that time, such a combination of theory and innovation brought considerable progress in development and formed the background of the new age in computers.

Google and NASA Achieve Quantum Supremacy 2019

Google AI and NASA have claimed that in the year 2019, they had reached quantum supremacy with a 54-bit-qubit device, executing a computation that is beyond the bounds of possibility of any classical computer.

Advances in Qubit Technology by IBM 2020

In 2020, IBM introduced its Quantum Hummingbird processor, featuring 65 qubits, further advancing the field towards practical quantum computing. The same year, researchers at the University of Science and Technology of China demonstrated a 76-qubit quantum processor, showcasing progress in increasing qubit counts and system capabilities.

Next-Generation Breakthroughs and Emerging Possibilities

Recent developments include innovations in quantum error correction and the exploration of different qubit technologies. In 2024, Quantinuums 56-qubit H2-1 quantum computer set a new performance benchmark, surpassing previous records and achieving significant improvements in energy efficiency. These advancements highlight the rapid progress in quantum computing and the ongoing efforts to address the challenges associated with scaling and stabilizing quantum systems. The field continues to evolve with applications anticipated in cybersecurity, data analysis, optimization, and simulation, though fully functional quantum computers remain a work in progress.