Qubits are Bits ~ get over it

Computer science rule #1: Code abstracts all things.

For those not familiar with 'quantum computing', it is the expansion of classical computing using quantum theory. Classical computers are the only computers the vast majority of humanity is familiar with. Below quantum's epic complexities is a simple truth: classical computers work with bits (1s and 0s), while quantum computers work with qubits. A qubit can be imagined as a globe, where the north pole is 0 and the south pole is 1 (or vice versa). Its state can be any position on or potentially in that sphere.

As it stands today, modeling qubits with bits is considered mathematically hard. Like any interesting physical phenomenon, quantum systems are explosive. Simulating a system of interacting qubits with a system of interacting bits currently results in impractical slowdown. Computers are logical, conservative machines and don't much fancy infinite possibilities (or so we've assumed). Nonetheless, a classical computer can crunch quantum math, and therefore there is no known physical law withholding off-the-shelf technology from going quantum.

A bit can be '0'. A bit can be '1'. A qubit can be a mixture of that duality so let's represent it with a '2'. With the flexibility offered by a third, superposition bit, can we model quantum systems efficiently? We can already model them inefficiently.

Regardless, the quantum information scientists concerned with these matters firmly hold the near-unanimous position that your phone or laptop are not welcome at the quantum party. Instead, they tell us we have to wait anywhere between a decade and 50 years for scalable quantum computers that 'authentically' model quantum systems at the physical level - with cool things like trapped ions.

Should humans figure out how to get bits to speak qubit, the benefits are... interesting: True shared data privacy that doesn't rely on a pickable lock for protection is one thing we'll get. Or how about improved hardware energy efficiency - literally using fewer electrons to run calculations. "Doing more with less" comes to mind.

Write your local Qscientist to reconsider the lowly classical computer as a candidate for quantum status today!

*Research conducted on behalf of noospheer ~ open source, distributed data integration and collaboration software.