To fully exploit quantum computers and their quantum modules, a new algorithm is being developed around quantum gates with amazing properties. This continuous development also benefits classical algorithms that have become more efficient.
This article is taken from the monthly magazine Sciences et Avenir – La Recherche No. 932, published in October 2024.
You have a Quantum computer Without drivers, it would be like sitting in front of a piano without knowing how to play it: its performance would still be theoretical. Thus, while machines are being improved, research is underway to develop software that matches their capabilities. Which requires reconsidering the algorithm from top to bottom…
An algorithm, quantum or classical, is a series of operations aimed at performing a very specific task: sorting numbers in ascending or descending order, searching for a word in a list, making additions, etc. It relies on the manipulation of bits (for “binary number”, or “binary number”), the basic unit of information. A bit can take two values, 0 or 1. This can correspond to the presence (1) or absence (0) of voltage across the circuit, for example.
Use the wave properties of qubits
The entire quantum revolution comes from the fact that this bit is replaced by a qubit, explains Sophie Laplante, a researcher at the Institute of Research in Fundamental Computer Sciences (Université Cité de Paris-Herive). “Their nature is completely different. Qubits are quantum objects [photon, ion, atome…]. Therefore, it has quantum properties, such as the ability to exist in two states at the same time. Thus, a bit can only be in the 0 or 1 state. Whereas a qubit can be 50% 0 and 50% 1, or 80% 0 and 20% 1. “Another key difference is that qubits behave like waves, like all particles, and we can imagine them as waves, or as air vibrations. “The whole art consists of using these wave properties to basically carry out operations via Interference phenomenon “, sums up the researcher.
But replacing electrical currents with waves suddenly makes doors obsolete.[…]
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