Latest inventions in science and technology
Quantum Computing
- Background: Advancements in Quantum Error Correction (QEC) technology by companies like Google, along with India’s National Quantum Mission (NQM), have renewed focus on quantum computing.
- Recent developments are facilitating the transition from Noisy Intermediate-Scale Quantum (NISQ) computers to fault-tolerant quantum computers.
- These computers have the potential to transform fields such as cryptography, climate modeling, materials science, drug discovery, and artificial intelligence.
About Quantum Computing
- Quantum computing is a new technology that utilizes the principles of quantum mechanics to solve problems that are extremely difficult for classical computers.
- It can perform complex calculations—which would take today’s supercomputers thousands of years—in a matter of minutes or hours.
Comparison: Classical Bit vs. Qubit
- Classical computers use bits, which store a value of either 0 or 1.
- Quantum computers use qubits (quantum bits); due to the phenomenon of superposition, these can exist as 0, 1, or both values simultaneously.
Key Principles of Quantum Computing
Superposition
- A qubit can exist in multiple states simultaneously until it is measured.
- This is often compared to a spinning coin, which embodies both heads and tails until it comes to a stop.
Entanglement
- Two or more qubits can become linked such that a change in one immediately affects the other, even if they are far apart.
- This enables quantum computers to process information extremely rapidly.
Interference.
- Quantum computers use interference to eliminate incorrect answers and reinforce the correct solution.
Massive Parallelism
- By combining superposition and entanglement, quantum computers can explore multiple potential solutions simultaneously.
- This significantly boosts speed for complex tasks such as searching and optimization.
Types of Qubits
- Superconducting qubits: Created using Josephson junctions and cooled to near absolute zero (Example: Google’s Sycamore processor).
- Quantum dot qubits: Created using tiny semiconductor materials such as silicon or germanium.
- Trapped-ion qubits: Created by trapping charged atoms (ions) using electromagnetic fields.
- Photonic qubits: Use photons (particles of light) to carry quantum information.
- Nuclear Magnetic Resonance (NMR) qubits: Utilize atomic nuclei; used in the first quantum computer demonstration in 1998.
2025 Nobel Prize in Physics
- Awarded to John Clarke, Michel H. Devoret, and John M. Martinis.
- They were honored for discovering macroscopic quantum tunneling and energy quantization in electrical circuits.
- Their research laid the foundation for superconducting quantum circuits, which are crucial for future quantum computers and sensors.
Quantum Key Distribution (QKD)
- QKD is a highly secure method for sharing encryption keys using photons.
- If anyone attempts to intercept the key, the quantum state changes, allowing for the immediate detection of the intrusion.
- This ensures highly secure communication against intrusions.
India’s Quantum Strategy
National Quantum Mission (NQM)
- Approved in April 2023.
- Objective: To make India a global leader in quantum technology by 2031.
- Goals
- Developing intermediate-scale quantum computers.
- Developing indigenous quantum hardware and software.
- Targets
- Developing quantum computers with 50–1,000 qubits.
- Establishing a 2,000 km satellite-based quantum communication and QKD network.
- Advancing quantum sensing, metrology, quantum materials, and quantum devices.
- Implementation
- Four thematic hubs have been established.
- Supports deep-tech startups through financial models such as Optionally Convertible Debentures (OCD).
- Progress
- India has successfully established a 1,000 km indigenous quantum communication network.
- With the support of the Department of Science and Technology and QNu Labs, it has achieved half of the 2,000 km target.
