I would like to understand more about how quantum computing works, or is supposed to work, or is hoped to be able to work. What I’ve read so far, for non-quantum-phycists, isn’t very helpful.
“I would like to understand more about how quantum computing works, or is supposed to work, or is hoped to be able to work. What I’ve read so far, for non-quantum-phycists, isn’t very helpful.”
A normal computer breaks down all logical operations into ones and zeros. A long sequence of “power on” or power off” that eventually leads to a result. Even the fastest machines require some time to do these switches. For complex calculations, this time really adds up.
A quantum machine takes advantage of a condition where the one and zero (the on and off) exist simultaneously. Impossible in classical physics but possible under certain extreme conditions we cannot see. Even quantum physicists dont seem to exactly understand why it happens but it does.
Once there is no time needed to make the 0/1 switch, any logic command can be processed instantly. Any solvable problem can theoretically be solved instantly with a correctly programmed quantum machine.