Quantum computing is a bleeding-edge field of technology that harnesses the complex laws of quantum mechanics to process information in a completely different way to traditional computing. Quantum computing stocks are those which direct a significant portion of their business into the research and development of this technology.
There are three key principles to consider when it comes to understanding quantum computing’s potential.
First, unlike classical computers, which use bits as the basic unit of information (each bit representing either a 0 or a 1) quantum computers use quantum bits, or qubits, which can represent 0, 1 or both at the same time through a property called superposition.
This means that a quantum computer can process a massive number of possibilities simultaneously, which could exponentially speed-up certain types of computing problems — therefore offering a significant commercial advantage.
Second, quantum computing works because of quantum entanglement, a phenomenon where the state of one qubit is directly related to the state of another, even if they are physically separated.
This link allows quantum computers to co-ordinate multiple qubits in complex calculations that current computers would find incredibly time consuming or even impossible.
Third is the principle of quantum interference, which enables quantum algorithms to increase the probability of correct outcomes while cancelling out the wrong ones. Together, these three principles may allow for a new age of compute.
For example, in cryptography, quantum computers could break current encryption methods by factoring large numbers much more efficiently than classical computers. In medicine, quantum systems could simulate complex molecular interactions at the atomic level, speeding up novel drug discovery and improving the chances of success in clinical trials.
In finance and logistics, quantum algorithms might optimise systems with too many variables for current computers to assess accurately, like supply chain routes or investing algorithms. Arguably, almost every sector will be affected to some degree.
However, it’s still early days. Current machines are primarily noisy intermediate-scale quantum (NISQ) devices. These systems are more like science experiments than usable tech, as they are prone to mistakes, sensitive to environmental interference and limited in the number of qubits they can use. They must also be kept at near-absolute-zero temperatures and shielded from electromagnetic noise. And then there’s the quantum error correction issue to consider, which is essential for scaling up.
Despite these challenges, progress continues. It’s worth noting that the World Wide Web was only launched in 1989. Progress and adoption in tech can be very slow, then fast. Governments, corporations and universities across the world are all investing heavily in quantum research, and while mainstream, large-scale quantum computing may still be years (or even decades) away, many experts believe it could eventually change the world.