Where real science is posted and discussed.
I would ask people to leave out pseudoscience. Such as bigfoot, alien abduction, and the like.
I will start with this:
Where real science is posted and discussed.
I would ask people to leave out pseudoscience. Such as bigfoot, alien abduction, and the like.
I will start with this:
I’m happy to see such a thread finally being created.
Can engineering also be allowed since it is basically science applied? @Aallin_Gicquet
I’m very excited for this thread. You can understand when you read my bio
I present the Quantum Computer. Literally the beast of computing.
Quantum computing is a revolutionary approach to computation that harnesses the principles of quantum mechanics, like superposition and entanglement, to solve complex problems that are intractable for classical computers. Unlike classical computers that use bits (0s or 1s), quantum computers use qubits capable of representing both 0 and 1 simultaneously. This enables quantum computers to perform calculations exponentially faster, with potential applications in fields such as drug discovery, materials science, financial modeling, and cybersecurity.
How it Works
Classical vs. Quantum Bits:
Classical computers use bits, which are either 0 or 1. Quantum computers use qubits, which can be 0, 1, or a combination of both at the same time, a phenomenon known as superposition.
Superposition:
This allows a qubit to represent multiple possibilities simultaneously, dramatically increasing the computational power.
Entanglement:
Another key quantum phenomenon where qubits become interconnected, so the state of one qubit is directly linked to the state of another, regardless of distance. This enables highly parallel and efficient computations.
Potential Applications
Quantum computers are expected to solve complex problems that are impossible for classical computers, including:
Drug and Materials Discovery: Simulating molecules to design new drugs and materials.
Optimization: Finding optimal solutions for logistical challenges, such as in supply chains and financial portfolios.
Machine Learning: Accelerating and improving certain machine learning algorithms.
Cryptography: Potentially breaking current encryption methods, necessitating the development of “quantum-safe” encryption.
Current Status
Early Stages:
Quantum computing is a rapidly evolving field, with hardware and software still under development.
Industry Investment:
Many organizations are already investing in quantum research and are starting to explore how to leverage the technology for future business problems.
All fields of science is welcomed.. I see this thread as a way to discuss and show how science is advancing and expanding the light of knowledge in realistic ways. Without the comedy of the pseudoscience or wandering off into fantasy land of conspiracy theories.
So the latest innovation of using a laser is most welcomed.
I thought I had shared this video, but can’t find it… so here it comes, an interesting explanation on how do tides really work
Bonus:
Hi, I googled
“Quantum computers need extremely cold environments, close to [absolute zero] to stabilize delicate quantum bits (qubits) by minimizing thermal noise and vibrations, which would otherwise destroy the qubits’ quantum state”
I think the fact they need as close to absolute zero as possible might prove to be costly, so what we will find is only governments and large corporation might be the only ones who have access. I suppose any process which is run on a quantum computer will be to the benefit of society so the cost might make sense.
If this technology can somehow contribute to predicting Hurricanes and tornado’s then yes the cost is definitely worth it.
From my understanding that there might somewhere down the line be a hybrid quantum/classical computer.. But that is still a might at this point.
This should do as a primer:
Currently one of the main issues, beyond the many technical challenges and the usual hype and quasi-scams, is that nobody really knows how to write quantum algorythms, what can they do, or why should we bother. IBM literally grants anyone free access to their prototypes if they just register and write a proposal of an algorythm they would like to try -and give IBM rights on the patent if it reaches so far.
So quantum computing at the moment it’s like “this is a thing. It does things, but we don’t know which ones”.
(Each now and then, news come out about “quantum computer did this or that”, but so far, it’s been ordinary computing with a quantum computer mixed in for no other reason than saying “quantum computer did this”)
This is actually a very good point.
Some further info;
Does a qubit have 4 states?
“No, a single qubit does not have four distinct states; it is a two-level quantum system that can be in a superposition of two basic states, conventionally represented as 0 and 1. While a classical bit can only be 0 or 1, a qubit can represent a combination of both 0 and 1 simultaneously, along with any phase and amplitude between them, before being measured into one of the two definite states.”
"When a qubit is measured or observed, its superposition collapses into a single, definite classical state (either 0 or 1). "
“A qubit processes information while it is in superposition, not after it collapses; processing happens through the controlled manipulation of its wave function before a measurement is performed, which forces a collapse into a definite classical state and allows for information extraction. The collapse itself is a result of the measurement process, not a computational step, and it destroys the superposition, yielding a probabilistic outcome.”
So, lets say the workload’s goal is to find the strongest possible material, The alogrythm would have to consider what the current strongest material is and what componets makes it up, what components are available and how they are made and a mathematical method of testing the possibilities.
It seems really complicated.
24 Jan 2024
If NASA says it’s too hot to fly close to the sun then why don’t they go at night?