Vladimir Putin was presented with a new type of computing device – a 16-qubit quantum computer on ions – on the sidelines of the Forum of Future Technologies. However, another model, a 20-qubit one, may be presented at the end of 2023. This was announced by Dmitry Chernyshenko, Deputy Prime Minister of the Rosatom State Corporation.
A qubit is the smallest unit of information in a quantum computer. Since 2020, a roadmap in the high-tech field of "Quantum Computing" has been implemented in Russia under the supervision of Rosatom. In an interview with WWW1.ru, Dmitry Chermoshentsev, Senior Researcher at the Russian Quantum Center, said that a quantum computer will solve a whole range of tasks in many areas – from food delivery to medicine.
"There are tasks that we need to solve, but the resources of classical computers are enough. Even if we take our mobile phones, TVs, computers and combine them into one super-powerful device, these problems will still not be solved. Some of these tasks can be solved with the help of new technologies called quanta. Quantum computers will solve such complex tasks that classical devices cannot solve. For example, speed up food delivery or unload roads in the city, improve the investment recommendation system. Of course, one of the urgent tasks that a quantum computer will solve is the modeling of biological molecules - for example, a protein molecule. This is a very important task that will allow us to create new medicinal compounds and find new medicines for various diseases in the future," explains Dmitry Chermoshentsev.
According to the scientist, in the next 4-5 years it is possible to introduce quantum computers into everyday life to solve business and government tasks. It is possible that in the next 10 years, a quantum computer will have enough power to be used everywhere.
The prospect strongly depends on the type of task. We are already integrating quantum technologies into some tasks to solve small tasks that allow us to work out this technology. We expect that in the next 5-10 years, quantum computers will receive sufficient power to solve industrial problems. We need to wait a little longer for the systematic and full-scale introduction of a quantum computer into the industry – somewhere around 4-5 years.
At the same time, Dmitry Chermoshentsev explained that a proper system of regulation should go hand in hand with the development of quantum technologies. Indeed, the prospects for using quantum computers are surrounded by myths. This technology is even called the "atomic bomb" of the 21st century. However, the expert urged not to be afraid, but on the contrary – to meet knowledge and learn to use the power of quantum technologies.
The project to create a quantum computer is somewhat similar to the atomic project of the 20th century. But the reason for concern may be different: it can decrypt data. This poses a certain threat. But scientists are creating systems to protect against hacking, a system of quantum and post-quantum cryptography. There is no need to be afraid. On the contrary, we must strive for knowledge and use the power of new technologies for good.
The question of the quantum future was discussed at the Forum of Future Technologies, the central theme of which was the quantum world. Scientists from leading universities and research centers gathered at the forum to discuss the technological and quantum future of Russia. The organizers of the forum are the Roscongress Foundation with the support of the Ministry of Digital Development, Communications and Mass Media of the Russian Federation and the Russian Academy of Sciences.