Quantum computers promise to be able to solve previously unsolvable problems efficiently. But how is this supposed to work? This question can be explained by looking at the differences between quantum processors and conventional computers: Quantum computers use the laws of quantum mechanics and work with qubits, whereas conventional computers work with bits. The advantage of qubits is that they can not only assume the values 0 or 1, but also allow any combination of both due to the superposition of quantum states. This makes quantum computers considerably more powerful and enables them to solve tasks in real time that are not even possible with today's supercomputers.

Advances in hardware

Quantum computing is a very interesting field due to its many potential applications, which already has a long scientific tradition in quantum physics in Germany. Germany has been an international leader in basic research in this field for many years. Major institutes and research facilities such as the Fraunhofer Institute for Applied Optics and Precision Engineering IOF are dedicated to the development of various quantum technologies. For example, new architectures and technologies such as superconducting qubits are being researched. In this technology, quantum bits are to be realized by resistance-free flowing currents in superconducting circuits. The advantage of these currents is that they are relatively robust against external interference and can therefore retain their quantum properties over a longer period of time.

The application development

Despite all the expectations and research, quantum computers have not yet arrived in everyday use. However, there are already a growing number of applications that are suitable for use on quantum computers in industry, particularly in the field of materials science and optimization. Quantum algorithms are used here to help solve complex optimization tasks. Some companies use them, for example, to develop applications for use in the energy sector and in logistics - especially in adaptive supply chains.

To make such applications a reality, special algorithms are used to calculate systematic quality assurance. Because of the way the qubits react to these algorithms, many more variables can be evaluated simultaneously than by a supercomputer. For this reason, the development of algorithms specifically optimized for use on quantum computers is an important area of quantum computing research. These algorithms can be significantly faster and more efficient than classical algorithms for certain applications.

In addition to the development of algorithms, the quantum computing community is also working on the development of standards for programming, the exchange of algorithms and the benchmarking of quantum computers in order to improve interoperability and comparability.

Transformation potential for the industry

As quantum computers are able to calculate a large number of solutions in parallel, they have the potential to perform data analysis many times faster. This potential of quantum technology will come into play particularly in the field of machine learning or artificial intelligence and will profoundly change the application possibilities in practice. Despite the advanced computing power of conventional computer systems, many artificial intelligence tasks still take a considerable amount of time, whereas quantum computers can recognize patterns and correlations very quickly and efficiently. Image analysis and image interpretation with quantum neural networks are particularly interesting and have already been well tested. Industry in particular can use this technology to improve quality assurance and optimization in production, for example, or to increase efficiency in logistics and the supply chain. This would also make it possible to optimally calculate the use of resources.

Quantum sensor technology

Quantum computing has the potential to revolutionize companies and strengthen their competitive position.

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However, quantum technology is not only pushing the boundaries of what is possible in the field of data analysis and processing, but also in the field of sensor applications. Quantum sensors can generally measure all physical quantities such as time, pressure, temperature, electrical currents and acceleration with an accuracy that cannot be achieved with current technology sensors.
There are already groundbreaking new developments from Germany, for example from quantum sensor pioneer Quantum Technologies. "Until now, highly sensitive measurements of magnetic fields required large setups and had high power consumption. There were also repeated problems with the measurements: microwave radiation was required to measure the fields and components heated themselves as a result," explains Dr. Robert Staacke from Quantum Technologies. "We were able to solve these problems with our new compact, purely optical and cooling-free quantum magnetometer, which is just as suitable for industrial use in mechanical and plant engineering as it is in medical technology or high-voltage engineering."

The more companies that can benefit from quantum sensor technology through innovative technology like this, the faster quantum technology will be able to establish itself. Applications currently being researched in the electronics sector, for example, include the visualization of individual bits in electronic storage media. In medical diagnostics, for example, the aim is to use quantum sensor technology to gain an insight into the tiny magnetic fields of the heart and brain. In the automotive sector, major manufacturers have been working for some time on producing quantum sensors for controlling autonomous vehicles or building powerful batteries for electric cars.

Optimization of traffic flows

The author: Christian Reinwald is Head of Product Management and Marketing at Reichelt Elektronik in Sande.

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Quantum computing is also particularly suitable for optimizing traffic flows in road traffic. A quantum computer can perform complex calculations and thus calculate routes for vehicles and aircraft faster and more efficiently in real time. Industry can use this technology to optimize supply chains or reduce traffic congestion in cities, for example. Parcel deliverers could use it to plan their routes optimally. When traffic flows are optimized, not only industry but also every individual benefits from greater reliability in road and rail traffic in real time.

Simulation of chemical reactions

Another trend in quantum computing is the simulation of chemical reactions. A quantum computer can simulate the interactions of atoms and molecules and thus accelerate the development of new materials and medicines. Industry can use this quantum chemistry or materials research to optimize the development of materials for the automotive or aviation industries, for example. In future, quantum computing may be able to simulate new molecules, materials and their properties, such as new solvents for recovering carbon dioxide.

Hand in hand

These examples show that current trends in quantum computing offer many potential applications in industry - and that the technology has the potential to transform the way companies work and differentiate themselves from their competitors. But does that make them the saviors of the future?

The long-term goal of developing a universal quantum computer that calculates difficult computational problems exponentially faster than a classical computer is definitely still in the future. However, a suitable architecture for calculating practical challenges can be realized by fundamentally improving both the hardware and the software. It is also realistic to assume that quantum computers will not replace conventional computers for the time being, but rather supplement them in applications to help out where the need goes beyond current technology. Germany is playing a pioneering role here with many research approaches and work.