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Quantum Computing is Dead - Long Live Quantum Processing!

by Thomas CherickalDecember 6th, 2023

Too Long; Didn't Read

Quantum Computing is dead. We cannot fight against the fundamental laws of physics. But there are loopholes to every problem. Here's an ultra-fast introduction to Quantum Processing!

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featured image - Quantum Computing is Dead - Long Live Quantum Processing!

Content Overview

Circuit-based Gate-utilizing Quantum Computing is Flawed!
What is the Difference Between Quantum Computing and Quantum Processing?
Innovative Ideas
How Can We Find Existing Systems That Can Encode Data?
Work With Nature, Not Against It
The Interesting Half - Applications!
Conclusion

Circuit-based Gate-utilizing Quantum Computing is Flawed!

We are using archaic models for fundamentally different systems. The wired gate circuit paradigm is inherently classical and will never fully utilize the true potential of quantum computing.

Classical vs. Quantum Paradigms: The circuit-based gate model of quantum computing is indeed inspired by classical computing, where operations are performed sequentially through gates that manipulate bits. Quantum computing, however, operates on qubits, which can exist in superpositions of states and can be entangled with one another. By trying to force quantum systems into a classical "gate" framework, we are limiting the potential of quantum computing to perform tasks that are inherently quantum and for which no classical analog exists!

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Quantum Coherence and Decoherence: Quantum coherence is a fragile state that is necessary for quantum computation. The gate model requires maintaining coherence across multiple qubits through a series of operations, which becomes increasingly difficult as the number of qubits grows due to decoherence. Natural quantum processes, however, such as those used in quantum annealing, may be more resilient to decoherence because they are designed to harness and work within the natural evolution of a quantum system.
Error Correction and Fault Tolerance: The gate model requires complex error correction protocols to manage and correct for errors that occur due to quantum decoherence and other quantum noise. These protocols can be resource-intensive and may not scale well. In contrast, encoding computational problems into natural quantum processes might allow for intrinsic fault tolerance, as these processes can be naturally robust against certain types of errors.
Efficiency of Natural Quantum Processes: Natural quantum processes, such as those seen in photosynthesis or the behavior of certain materials at low temperatures, can exhibit highly efficient transfer of information. By studying and potentially mimicking these processes, we might develop quantum computing systems that are more efficient than those based on the gate model.
Quantum Supremacy and Problem Solving: The concept of quantum supremacy suggests that quantum computers can solve certain problems much faster than classical computers. However, the gate model may not be the most efficient way to achieve this for all types of problems. By leveraging natural quantum processes, we might find more direct and efficient ways to solve complex problems that are currently intractable.
Understanding Quantum Mechanics: By focusing on natural quantum processes and how they can be used for computation, we may gain deeper insights into quantum mechanics itself. This could lead to new quantum algorithms and techniques that are more aligned with the underlying principles of quantum physics.

The circuit gate model has shown us that we cannot operate quantum computers the way we operate classical computers. Getting 100 coherent stable qubits becomes too challenging a task, or one that requires incredibly expensive research-level hardware. As far as I can interpret it, we have been approaching quantum computing with a ‘computational’ perspective limited to logic gates where much more general forms and systems of computation that are inherently quantum would result in far superior systems that can generate altogether novel and different results, by simple time evolution.

I believe quantum computing is flawed - in fact, a dead end. We need to look at quantum processing instead

What is the Difference Between Quantum Computing and Quantum Processing?

Quantum Computation attempts to simulate classical computing on quantum hardware. It’s a very fundamental mismatch that becomes more and more obvious as we start looking deeper at quantum internet, quantum decoherence, and the fundamental rules of quantum mechanics.

Quantum Processing involves using existing quantum systems and matching them with systems that model the application domain, and instead of trying to do something fancy, just allow natural time evolution to work and function. If you can model the problem in an existing phenomenon, well, utilize that model to solve the problem.

D-Wave was bang on the money from the beginning.

Innovative Ideas

Quantum Neural Networks for Cognitive Computing:
- Speculative Application: Leveraging the parallel processing capabilities of quantum systems to create neural networks that mimic the human brain's functionality at a quantum level. These quantum neural networks could potentially process information and learn at unprecedented speeds.
- Real-World Process: By encoding neural network weights and biases into quantum states, we could use the natural evolution of a quantum system to perform complex pattern recognition tasks, such as real-time language translation or medical diagnosis from imaging data.
Quantum-Assisted Evolutionary Algorithms:
- Speculative Application: Using quantum superposition and entanglement to represent and evolve a vast population of solutions to optimization problems simultaneously. This could lead to finding optimal solutions for logistics, resource management, or even AI-driven design much faster than classical evolutionary algorithms.
- Real-World Process: In transportation logistics, a quantum evolutionary algorithm could encode different routing options into a quantum state and use natural quantum evolution to quickly identify the most efficient routes, considering all variables like traffic, weather, and delivery windows.
Quantum Environmental Monitoring:
- Speculative Application: Developing quantum sensors that exploit entanglement to monitor environmental changes at a global scale with extreme precision. These sensors could detect minute changes in atmospheric composition, temperature, or even the movements of endangered species.
- Real-World Process: Quantum sensors deployed across various ecosystems could provide real-time data on climate change effects, allowing for immediate responses to environmental crises or for tracking the spread of pollutants.
Quantum-Enhanced Drug Discovery:
- Speculative Application: Utilizing quantum simulation to model the interaction of drugs with complex biological systems at the quantum level. This could dramatically speed up the drug discovery process by predicting the efficacy and side effects of compounds more accurately.
- Real-World Process: Pharmaceutical companies could use quantum simulations to explore the vast space of potential drug molecules, quickly identifying candidates that are most likely to bind effectively to specific proteins or DNA sequences.
Quantum Archaeology and Paleontology:
- Speculative Application: Applying quantum imaging techniques to "see" into the past by reconstructing quantum states that have interacted with historical artifacts or fossils. This could provide new insights into the composition and structure of these materials without damaging them.
- Real-World Process: Archaeologists could use non-invasive quantum imaging to analyze the composition of pottery, bones, or even ancient texts, revealing details that are not visible through classical imaging techniques.
Quantum Forecasting for Agriculture:
- Speculative Application: Using quantum computing to process vast amounts of climate and soil data to predict weather patterns, crop yields, and pest outbreaks with high accuracy, helping farmers make informed decisions to maximize production.
- Real-World Process: Quantum computers could analyze data from satellites, drones, and IoT devices in agricultural fields to optimize planting schedules, irrigation, and fertilization, leading to more sustainable farming practices.
Quantum-Encoded Linguistics:
- Speculative Application: Encoding the nuances of human language into quantum states to capture the subtleties of dialects, idioms, and cultural context, leading to breakthroughs in natural language processing and machine translation.
- Real-World Process: This could be used in real-time translation devices that not only convert words but also convey the intended tone, emotion, and cultural references, making international communication more seamless and accurate.
Quantum Art and Design:
- Speculative Application: Harnessing quantum randomness to generate unique patterns, textures, and structures for use in art and design, creating works that are impossible to replicate with classical algorithms.
- Real-World Process: Designers and artists could collaborate with quantum systems to produce novel materials, fashion, or interactive art installations that respond to observers' presence in unpredictable ways.
Quantum-Enhanced Stochastic Forecasting:
- Novel Application: Utilizing the inherent probabilistic nature of quantum mechanics to improve stochastic forecasting models in economics, meteorology, and other fields that deal with uncertainty and complex systems.
- How It Might Work: Quantum algorithms could be designed to simulate countless possible futures by exploiting superposition, providing a probability distribution of outcomes that could offer more accurate predictions for stock market fluctuations, weather patterns, or even social trends.
Quantum Holographic Data Storage:
- Novel Application: Storing data in three-dimensional quantum states, using the principle of holography combined with quantum superposition, to create ultra-high-density storage devices.
- How It Might Work: By encoding data into the phase and amplitude of quantum states, it would be possible to store vast amounts of information in a few entangled particles. Retrieval of data would involve quantum interference patterns, allowing for compact and incredibly efficient data storage solutions.
Quantum-Induced Phase Change Materials:
- Novel Application: Developing materials whose phase (solid, liquid, gas) can be controlled at the quantum level, leading to advanced manufacturing processes and smart materials.
- How It Might Work: Quantum computers could control the quantum states of particles within a material to induce phase changes without the need for external heat or pressure. This could be used in precision manufacturing or to create materials that change their properties on demand.
Quantum-Recursive Learning Systems:
- Novel Application: Building learning systems that can recursively improve themselves by using quantum computation to explore an exponentially larger space of algorithms and parameters.
- How It Might Work: A quantum-recursive system would use quantum superposition to simultaneously evaluate a vast array of different learning approaches and parameters, quickly converging on the most effective strategies for AI development and problem-solving.
Quantum-Enabled Metamaterials:
- Novel Application: Designing metamaterials with properties that can be dynamically altered through quantum manipulation, impacting fields such as optics, acoustics, and materials science.
- How It Might Work: Quantum states in a metamaterial could be entangled in such a way that altering one state (through laser pulses or magnetic fields) changes the material's macroscopic properties, like refractive index or elasticity, leading to new ways of controlling light and sound.
Quantum Bio-Tagging and Tracking:
- Novel Application: Using quantum states to tag individual cells or molecules, allowing for the precise tracking of biological processes in real-time.
- How It Might Work: Quantum tags, perhaps in the form of specially designed quantum dots or molecules, could be attached to cells or proteins. Their quantum states could be monitored to track the movement and interactions of these biological entities with unprecedented precision, aiding in research and medical diagnostics.
Quantum-Structured Light for Communication:
- Novel Application: Exploiting structured quantum light fields for secure and high-bandwidth communication channels that are immune to interference and eavesdropping.
- How It Might Work: Quantum states of photons in structured light beams could be manipulated to carry information in a way that is inherently secure due to quantum no-cloning theorems. This could revolutionize optical communication, providing a new layer of security and data integrity.
Quantum-Assisted Chemical Synthesis:
- Novel Application: Using quantum simulations to predict and control the outcomes of chemical reactions with high precision, leading to more efficient synthesis of complex molecules.
- How It Might Work: Quantum computers could simulate the quantum-mechanical interactions of atoms and molecules during a reaction, allowing chemists to design reaction pathways that minimize unwanted byproducts and maximize yields for desired compounds.

These speculative applications combine the principles of quantum mechanics with real-world

processes, aiming to solve complex problems by encoding them into quantum states and allowing the natural quantum evolution to find solutions.

How Can We Find Existing Systems That Can Encode Data?

Given the constraints of not venturing into pure fiction and sticking to phenomena that could conceivably be realized in real life, let's explore some natural processes and phenomena that might be harnessed for computation (hypothetically) in ways analogous to how D-Wave utilizes quantum annealing:

Quantum Entanglement Networks:
- Natural Phenomenon: Quantum entanglement is a natural process where pairs or groups of particles interact in such a way that the state of each particle cannot be described independently of the state of the others.
- Speculative Application: A vast network of entangled particles could be used to create a naturally occurring computational substrate. The manipulation of one entangled particle would instantaneously affect its partner, potentially allowing for faster-than-light information processing, if such a thing could be harnessed without violating causality.
Photosynthetic Energy Transfer:
- Natural Phenomenon: Photosynthesis involves the transfer of energy through a complex network of excitons in a highly efficient manner, which some studies suggest may involve quantum coherence.
- Speculative Application: If the quantum aspects of photosynthesis could be replicated or augmented, one might develop a bio-quantum computer that uses organic molecules to perform computations through natural energy transfer processes.
Neural Correlates of Consciousness:
- Natural Phenomenon: The human brain processes information in a highly parallel and efficient manner, and there is ongoing research into the quantum nature of consciousness and thought.
- Speculative Application: If consciousness has a quantum component, it might be possible to create a quantum neural network that mimics the brain's processing capabilities, encoding data in the states of quantum systems that naturally evolve to solve complex problems.
Cosmic Microwave Background Radiation:
- Natural Phenomenon: The cosmic microwave background (CMB) is the afterglow radiation from the Big Bang and contains patterns that encode the early state of the universe.
- Speculative Application: If one could interpret the fluctuations in the CMB as a form of natural computation, it might be possible to encode data into the early universe's quantum fluctuations and read out the results from the CMB, essentially using the universe itself as a computational device.
Topological Phases of Matter:
- Natural Phenomenon: Certain materials exhibit topological phases where quantum states are protected by the material's topology and are robust against local disturbances.
- Speculative Application: These materials could be used to create topological quantum computers that naturally protect quantum information, allowing for computations that are inherently error-resistant due to the material's physical properties.
Quantum Criticality:
- Natural Phenomenon: Quantum critical points occur at phase transitions where matter is on the brink of a shift from one state to another, and quantum fluctuations dominate.
- Speculative Application: Systems at quantum criticality could be used to encode data in a highly sensitive state that evolves naturally over time, potentially allowing for the solving of optimization problems by 'tuning' the system near its critical point and letting it evolve to a lower energy state.

Work With Nature, Not Against It

We have been trying to overcome barriers.

We see many obstacles on the way to quantum supremacy.

But we have been attacking the problem the wrong way.

Don’t fight quantum phenomena. Use them!

Don’t attack existing quantum systems trying to make them conform to classical physics.

That will never happen.

Indeed, it cannot happen.

Use existing quantum phenomena to encode information and let the system run.

Find a quantum process that most closely approaches your target.

Simply recreate the system and perform the required measurements.

Don’t build a conventional computer from quantum building blocks.

Solve intractable problems by encoding them into real-world phenomena.

Observe them over time.

Creating quantum registers, memory, and circuits, does not make sense if we already have existing phenomena to study with precise sensors.

Use quantum computers for quantum models, classical computers for standard models.

I believe that we’ve been attacking this the wrong way.

The Interesting Half - Applications!

Portfolio Optimization in Finance:
- Quantum Process: Quantum annealing.
- Encoding: Financial assets and their correlations are encoded into a quantum Hamiltonian whose ground state represents the optimal portfolio.
- Evolution and Observation: The quantum system evolves to find the lowest energy state, which corresponds to the portfolio with the maximum expected return for a given level of risk.
Drug Molecule Configuration:
- Quantum Process: Quantum simulation.
- Encoding: The chemical structure of potential drugs and their interaction with biological targets are encoded into the quantum system.
- Evolution and Observation: The system evolves according to the Schrödinger equation, and the resulting molecular configuration with the lowest energy state indicates a stable and potentially effective drug molecule.
Traffic Flow Optimization:
- Quantum Process: Quantum annealing or gate-based quantum optimization algorithms.
- Encoding: Traffic conditions, routes, and constraints are mapped onto a quantum system where each possible route is represented by a quantum state.
- Evolution and Observation: The system naturally evolves to find an optimal configuration that minimizes traffic congestion, which can be observed and implemented in traffic management systems.
Supply Chain Management:
- Quantum Process: Quantum annealing.
- Encoding: Supply and demand variables, logistical constraints, and transportation costs are encoded into a quantum system.
- Evolution and Observation: The quantum system identifies the most efficient distribution of resources across the supply chain, reducing costs and improving delivery times.
Protein Folding:
- Quantum Process: Quantum simulation.
- Encoding: The amino acid sequence of a protein and the physical forces between them are encoded into a quantum system.
- Evolution and Observation: The system evolves to find the protein's lowest energy conformation, which corresponds to its functional folded state, aiding in understanding diseases and developing treatments.
Material Science Discovery:
- Quantum Process: Quantum simulation.
- Encoding: Atomic structures and bonding characteristics are encoded into a quantum system.
- Evolution and Observation: The system evolves to reveal material properties like strength, conductivity, or superconductivity, which can lead to the discovery of new materials.
Climate Modeling:
- Quantum Process: Quantum simulation.
- Encoding: Complex climate variables and equations are encoded into a quantum system.
- Evolution and Observation: The system evolves to simulate climate patterns and changes, providing more accurate predictions for weather and climate change.
Quantum-Assisted Machine Learning:
- Quantum Process: Quantum machine learning algorithms.
- Encoding: Large datasets and learning models are encoded into a quantum system.
- Evolution and Observation: The quantum system processes the data to identify patterns or optimize machine learning models much faster than classical computers.
Scheduling and Timetabling:
- Quantum Process: Quantum annealing or gate-based quantum optimization algorithms.
- Encoding: The scheduling constraints and options are encoded into a quantum system.
- Evolution and Observation: The system evolves to find an optimal schedule that avoids conflicts and meets all constraints, useful in schools, manufacturing, and event planning.
Quantum Archaeointerpretation:
- Quantum Process: Quantum pattern recognition.
- Speculation: Encoding the microscopic residues found on ancient artifacts into a quantum system to reconstruct historical events or usage patterns, potentially revealing new insights into ancient civilizations.
Quantum-Enhanced Evolutionary Biology:
- Quantum Process: Quantum genetic algorithms.
- Speculation: Simulating the quantum effects in biological evolution to understand the role of quantum phenomena in the development of life on Earth, leading to a deeper understanding of evolution and origin-of-life scenarios.
Quantum Seismology:
- Quantum Process: Quantum sensor networks.
- Speculation: Deploying a network of quantum sensors capable of detecting the subtlest shifts in the Earth's crust, potentially predicting earthquakes with greater accuracy by measuring entangled particles' responses to geological stress.
Quantum-Boosted Cognitive Science:
- Quantum Process: Quantum neural networks.
- Speculation: Modeling the human brain's neural network on a quantum level to explore consciousness and cognitive processes, possibly leading to breakthroughs in understanding mental health disorders.
Quantum Atmospheric Reclamation:
- Quantum Process: Quantum catalysis.
- Speculation: Using quantum simulations to design catalysts that could efficiently convert greenhouse gases into harmless or even useful compounds, directly combating climate change.
Quantum Linguistic Reconstruction:
- Quantum Process: Quantum natural language processing.
- Speculation: Encoding linguistic patterns and ancient scripts into a quantum system to reconstruct lost languages or decipher undeciphered texts, opening up new windows into human history.
Quantum Cosmological Modeling:
- Quantum Process: Quantum simulation of gravitational fields.
- Speculation: Simulating the quantum aspects of gravity to test theories of cosmology, such as the behavior of spacetime near singularities or the conditions of the early universe, potentially leading to new physics beyond the standard model.
Quantum Artistic Co-Creation:
- Quantum Process: Quantum-assisted generative algorithms.
- Speculation: Artists could use quantum algorithms to generate new forms of art by encoding aesthetic principles into a quantum system, resulting in creations that reflect a blend of human creativity and quantum randomness.
Quantum-Infused Metaphysics:
- Quantum Process: Quantum philosophical algorithms.
- Speculation: Encoding metaphysical and philosophical concepts into quantum systems to explore the nature of reality, existence, and consciousness from a new, computationally-augmented perspective.
Quantum Dream Analysis and Synthesis:
- Quantum Process: Quantum brainwave interpretation.
- Speculation: Mapping and interpreting the quantum states associated with brain activity during sleep to analyze dreams. Going further, it could potentially influence or guide dreams, leading to new therapeutic methods for mental health.

These speculative applications push the envelope of what might be possible with quantum computing, blending science with imagination. While they may sound like science fiction, they are rooted in the extension of quantum principles to new domains and could one day be within reach as our understanding and control of quantum systems advance.

Conclusion

I hope the discussion has at least, intrigued you and made you think deeply on a lot of levels. Especially if you’re already into quantum computing. I believe, sincerely, that quantum computation cannot succeed, by definition - whereas quantum processing is a win-win for the design and the application, since it simply arrives at the problem definition and the answer by design!

Of course, this discussion has simplified a lot of factors that are involved. I believe computers are not quantum by design. However, quantum physical processes are. If we can map the problem correctly, we might find the answer waiting for us around the first bend in the journey.

Additionally, there has so much work already been done using circuit-based quantum computing.

How can I ignore all that?

Simple.

Show me a single real-world currently possible application of quantum mechanics that is formidable enough to be introduced into the industry.

Nearly all circuit-based quantum computing has been “dependent upon further materials research and further exploration.”

Optimism is fantastic.

But dreams that never become reality remain dreams.

However, I may most probably be completely wrong.

God knows I have no academic credentials to back all this up -

But I believe in logic, thought, and abstraction.

And it leads me, inexorably, to this conclusion.

If you disagree or have questions, please feel free to comment below.