Will Quantum Computers Substitute Classical Computers?

In this post, I want to propose a novel way of introducing quantum computers to non-experts.

Do not panic, though; I hate crackpot theories too!

It's just basic quantum mechanics.

Suppose you want to know the result of performing the double-slit experiment with electrons, but for some reason, you cannot use them.

Perhaps you lack the necessary equipment to produce and control electrons.

Since you have already studied quantum mechanics, you know that in this case, photons behave similarly to electrons.

Thus, you perform the experiment with photons and get the expected result: an interference pattern.

Now, suppose another lab does not have photons, but only classical particles.

The result of the experiment does not show the interference pattern typical of quantum particles.

Knowing that electrons do not behave classically, the director of the second laboratory decides to add additional walls with slits between the classical source and the screen.

After studying the situation carefully, they finally succeed in replicating the interference pattern.

If the problem is to simulate the behavior of electrons passing through a wall with slits, it is clear that you have an advantage over the other lab.

Whenever there is a need to simulate the passage of electrons through two or more slits, you just have to insert walls with the appropriate number of slits, launch the photons, and the electron-like pattern will appear on the screen.

The other lab with only classical particles, however, must carefully analyze the situation and insert many walls to reproduce the electron's behavior.

The conclusion is obvious: you have the advantage because your device can simulate a quantum problem using a quantum system that behaves exactly the same way.

The other lab, on the other hand, only has classical systems, and solving the problem with classical particles is extremely difficult.

This is the essential difference between a classical and a quantum computer: the quantum computer can simulate a quantum system "easily", while it is difficult (or perhaps impossible) for classical systems to do so.

Finally, suppose you want to simulate the behavior of classical particles passing through an n-slit experiment.

Would you use the classical or the quantum system/computer described above?

Of course, you would use the classical computer.

In this case, the classical computer is faster and more precise!

Since we will always be interested in classical problems, classical computers will always be needed.

In some cases, we may be interested in hybrid computers—systems that combine classical and quantum parts to work in tandem to solve problems.

Classical and quantum parts will be devoted to solving the parts of the problem where they are most efficient.

Want to dive deeper? My eBook is a great place to start → https://www.ozatp.com/qaf

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Will Quantum Computers Substitute Classical Computers?

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