Quantum Computing 2021 Update

Quantum computing review of the past 12 months, including IBM roadmaps, Zuchongzhi and quantum supremacy, photonic quantum computing, and quantum computing as a service (QCaaS).

Links to specific announcements, developments and websites included in the video are as follows:

QUANTUM PIONEERS:

Honeywell Quantum Computing & Cambridge Quantum Computing to combine (press release, June 8 2021):

Honeywell’s claim to have build the most powerful quantum computer (press release, June 2020):

IBM:

ZUCHONGZHI & QUANTUM SUPREMACY:

XANADU & PSIQUANTUM:

THE EXPANDING QUANTUM CLOUD / QCaaS:

IBM announces first quantum computer available over the Internet (press release, May 2016):

More videos on computing and related topics can be found at:

Chapters:
00:00 Introduction
00:44 Quantum Basics
02:18 Quantum Pioneers
03:19 IBM
06:00 Zuchongzhi
08:10 Xanadu & PsiQuantum
10:36 The Expanding Quantum Cloud (QCaaS)

[osxoep]

A few things on quantum computing works for anyone looking to go a bit more in depth:

- Qubits aren't exactly 1, 0, or both. It's more accurate to say they're 1, 0, or a linear combination of 0 and 1. For example a qubit can be in the state |x> = a|0> + b |1> where |a|^2 + |b|^2 = 1. We write quantum states with this |> notation.
- When qubits are measured, all we see is a 0 or 1 for each qubit. The quantum information stays inside the quantum computer.
- Other models of quantum computers include Ion Traps, Neutral Atoms, and Nitrogen Vacancy Centers.
- We understand some algorithms that give us exponential speedup vs classical algorithms. The problem is our current devices are noisy - they have errors.
- We are trying to make qubits with fewer errors and also make more qubits. Once we reach a certain level of qubit error, we are able to combine many qubits together to perform error correction. (this is called the quantum threshold theorem)
- In the meantime, some research groups are looking at algorithms that don't require a lot of error correction and can run on near term quantum computers.

If anyone has questions, I can try answer in the comments. Source: I work for a quantum computing company.

Bonus: superposition and entanglement isn't enough for "quantum supremacy", you need additional types of operations to get the speedup (Gottesman–Knill theorem). I think most of the hardware companies mentioned have implemented or are working at implementing the additional operation so no need to worry :)

[martinsmith]

I look forward to Chris' Sunday video. It looks like light is the realistic way forward, at the moment, as it will keep hardware costs down and eventually the size of the QC in a reasonable space

[eljuano]

"..well, sir, the good thing is, we've successfully sent the world's first email via spooky action at a distance. The bad news is, the receiving Q-machine has printed out 54, 060, 221, 018 versions of what it probably said."

[slimplynth]

Anyone else think Chris would've been brilliant on Tomorrow's World? My favourite TV program as a kid 😊

[Rationalific]

As far as I can tell, the biggest breakthrough seems to be the designing of quantum computers that can operate at room temperature. This is all quite interesting. I'd still like to really get my head around the real-world applications, though.

[andrew]

Photonic chips are super exciting because that has the capabilty of a full quantum computer w/o the huge power requirement due to supercooling and may allow for small quantum cards or boxes to be made for workstation machines for better on-site quantum computers and development.

Also the fact that the software will be open-source will allow a lot of innovation to happen very quickly!

[perrymcclusky]

If it wasn’t for this channel, I wouldn’t have a clue what quantum computing was. Personally, I find photonic quantum computer technology the most intriguing. I always look forward to these annual updates. Looking forward to your next video!

[CompleteAnimation]

I would love to hear your thoughts about Tesla's new Dojo architecture in a future video.

[sirnigelthornberry]

Oh! Another weekly video! Best way to start my Sunday is to watch Explaining Computers!

[PS_Tube]

Who are these people disliking this video which brings qbits and pieces of quantum computing to understanding of laymen ? Without a doubt, another informative video Chris.

[techman]

"Penny Lane"! 'Strawberry Fields"! I guess in ten years quantum computing will be "A Day In The Life" of all of us!! :)

[stephensu]

zuchongzhi, names after the ancient mathematician who lived in China (429–500 AD), here is how his name written 祖沖之

[ScutoidStudios]

I appreciate the stereo sound on your intro, transition sounds, and outro, so good with headphones!

[Klffsj]

I absolutely love that there's a quantum computing company named Xanadu. It's totally in reference to the 2000's French TV show/anime Code Lyoko, which featured a sci-fi quantum supercomputer as the central premise for the show.

In the show, kids travel to an virtual world (named Lyoko) being simulated by a quantum supercomputer to fight an evil AI named Xana, who works to destroy the real world. In the original concept for the show (named Garage Kids), the virtual world itself was named Xanadu (which makes sense, considering that Xanadu means "a place of magnificence and beauty").

[benzykaram]

The amount of clarity on Chris' channel is unparalleled. Kudos sir.

[AMDRADEONRUBY]

Nice Christopher is back as always making my weeks Better I love watching your stuff you should considering making them available in Podcast version too

[grantjohnston]

I really is unbelievably unbelievable how Canada not only developed the Quantum computer in Toronto, Google brain, they also developed NORAD system and technologies, the five eyes systems and technologies, Leopard 2 tanks with Canadian technologies as the most PRECISE killing machine on earth, invisibility suit and blankets technologies, massive cyber technologies well beyond any other nation, Or even small group of Nations.
While NORAD, And the five eyes systems and technologies are going on 50 years old now !
And still cutting edge technologies today !!

Unbelievably unbelievable is an understatement !

[AlfiesFuntime]

Every Sunday, you make me happy with a new video

[nunyobiznez]

Great video. Quantum computing is such a fascinating topic. Hopefully, we will get more videos on this subject in the future.

[cupchanger]

Exciting and scary at the same time. Now that quantum computing is past the theory stage, it’s time to start rethinking our security. Traditional password protection will be less secure than using a single number as a password on a traditional computer.