The Illinois Quantum Information Science and Technology Center celebrated World Quantum Day last Saturday with a public event at the Electrical and Computer Engineering Building, highlighting the power and potential of quantum physics.
The topics discussed ranged from the history of quantum science to its future in computing and cybersecurity. The main event was a lecture by Nicole Yunger Halpern, a theoretical physicist at the National Institute of Standards and Technology and adjunct professor at the University of Maryland. Halpern discussed how current quantum research could advance society.
What is quantum physics?
Quantum physics is the study of matter and energy at its most fundamental level. It entails the study of atoms and the even smaller structures that make them up, analyzing how they operate all around us. According to IQUIST Director and professor in Engineering Brian DeMarco, it is one of the best theories explaining our natural universe.
“It’s been a triumph of humanity to understand it and understand why we even have atoms,” Demarco said. “Quantum mechanics is why you don’t fall through the floor, so you should care about it.”
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Halpern talks quantum computing, security
Halpern is the author of “Quantum Steampunk: The Physics of Yesterday’s Tomorrow.” The book explains the field of quantum physics through the lens of the steampunk genre, combining Victorian-era aesthetics with futuristic technology.
In her talk, Halpern discussed the potential of quantum computing and how it could affect issues like information security.
“If you purchased merchandise online, say through Amazon, then your credit card information has been protected with a common cryptographic (safeguard),” Halpern said. “Classical computers can’t break that safeguard in any reasonable amount of time — according to the best of our computer science knowledge. Some (quantum) computers will be able to break that safeguard easily.”
Fortunately, Halpern said that when quantum computers advance, new quantum technology will offer resources for protecting information in novel ways.
Modern applications
Breakthroughs in quantum research have underpinned modern technology that we use on a day-to-day basis. For example, DeMarco highlighted functional magnetic resonance imaging, or fMRI, a type of MRI used to detect levels of brain activity. The scan was developed using quantum mechanics research conducted by Nobel laureate Paul Lauterbur.
DeMarco also said the University is working toward next-generation technology like quantum computing, which will be able to solve problems that no supercomputer could tackle.
Supercomputers perform large mathematical operations — called floating-point operations — at incredibly fast speeds. The University’s most recent supercomputer, DeltaAI, can perform up to 900 quadrillion operations per second.
But with quantum computing, DeMarco said, the computational power will be even greater.
“So just like DeltaAI is a GPU, or graphics processing unit, that can speed up things like machine learning, a quantum processing unit, or a QPU, in the future will be something that can speed up those problems — like problems of solving for materials and discovering the materials,” DeMarco said.
Looking ahead
Halpern’s final thoughts included fundamental insights and technological possibilities regarding the intersection of quantum physics, information science and thermodynamics. She hopes to continue working to turn her “steampunk” fantasy into a reality.
