The large quantum computer: What do NASA and Google with their new 'toy

The large quantum computer : What do NASA and Google with their new ' toy

Text comEste year, NASA , in collaboration with Google , acquired the world's largest in order " to solve the greatest challenges of computer " quantum computer. But what they plan to do with this powerful and revolutionary device ?

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The Quantum Artificial Intelligence Laboratory , located at the Ames Research Center of NASA in California, has the quantum computer of the Canadian company D -Wave Systems. George Dvorsky , a contributing editor of the website io9 has spoken with Rupak Biswas , one of the main drivers of the project, big plans for quantum computing , such as the management of large data repositories , developing encryption schemes difficult ' hack , coordination of robotic vehicles in space, air traffic control or weather forecasting .

" Indeed , quantum systems have the potential , at least in theory , to irrevocably change the outcome of computation ," recalls the author of the article. "Unlike traditional silicon-based computers [ ... ], these systems use the effects of quantum mechanics [ ... ] , allowing them to instantly find all possible solutions to a particular problem," Dvorsky wrote .

" Quantum computing has generated much interest recently , especially about how you can use the D -Wave quantum computer to solve interesting problems," Biswas said , adding that the machine became operational in September this year.
Quantum applications

Currently, the team is studying Biswas three very basic applications, including one that would serve as an agenda for astronauts in orbit. The expert explained that NASA astronauts face " energy optimization problems that a quantum system could solve."

The scientist said they are also looking to schedule the poor coordination of work on supercomputers , and the third task for the moment is to develop an application that helps explore large amounts of data from Kepler and other space telescopes to identify exoplanets . Biswas said that these applications would offer solutions to smaller problems, but that in the future could be extrapolated to solve large problems .
Big problems

When asked what the problems are referred , Biswas began by noting that they are working to find the best way to store scientific data from NASA on Earth , because they have the world 's largest repository of observational data of all kinds.

NASA is also very involved in the development of next generation systems, air traffic control , not only for commercial flights , but also for cargo flights and unmanned . Today, many of these control tasks are performed centrally, but in later stages , it will require more distributed control and hence optimization of system that the quantum computer could solve .

The NASA expert says that quantum computers would also be very useful to coordinate the work of the rovers operating on other planets , such as Mars Curiosity . Biswas saying that these systems would help rovers scanning, for example , various types of rocks .

Interestingly , quantum computers could also be used to develop learning algorithms so that they can play an important role in the development of artificial intelligence .

With these great objectives on the table, Biswas predicts that quantum computers in the future will behave as processors connected to classical computers . " Which is extraordinary," says the author of the article. "It will be like giving steroids to your personal computer ,