Quantum Supremacy vs Quantum Advantage
Quantum computing has been buzzing through the tech world for quite some time now, with the indication of being the next big leap in computing technology. One of the most talked-about aspects of quantum computing is quantum supremacy and quantum advantage. In this blog post, we will provide a factual and unbiased comparison of the two and see how they differ from each other.
Quantum Supremacy
Quantum supremacy is a term first coined by John Preskill from the California Institute of Technology in 2012. It refers to the theoretical ability of a quantum computer to solve a computational problem that no classical computer can solve in a feasible amount of time. Google made headlines in 2019 when it claimed to have achieved quantum supremacy by performing a task that would take the world's most powerful supercomputer 10,000 years to execute.
However, it is important to note that quantum supremacy is a theoretical concept, and achieving it doesn't necessarily mean that quantum computers will be able to outperform classical computers in practical applications.
Quantum Advantage
Quantum advantage is a term used to describe the practical advantages of quantum computing over classical computing. Unlike quantum supremacy, which focuses on the theoretical aspects of quantum computing, quantum advantage focuses on the practical applications of quantum computing.
Quantum computing has the potential to revolutionize various industries, such as finance, logistics, and pharmaceuticals. For example, quantum computers can help financial institutions to optimize their portfolios and risk management. They can also aid drug discovery by simulating the behavior of molecules and predicting their reactions.
Comparison
Quantum supremacy and quantum advantage serve different purposes, as the former focuses on the theoretical aspects while the latter focuses on practical applications. However, it is important to note that quantum supremacy is a necessary, but not sufficient, condition for quantum advantage. Achieving quantum supremacy does not inherently provide an advantage in practical applications.
Quantum advantage can be achieved by using hybrid classical-quantum algorithms that combine the strengths of classical and quantum computers. This approach is more feasible in the short term, as quantum computers are not yet large or stable enough to replace classical computers entirely.
Conclusion
In conclusion, quantum supremacy and quantum advantage are two distinct aspects of quantum computing. While quantum supremacy focuses on the theoretical aspects of quantum computing, quantum advantage focuses on its practical applications. Achieving quantum supremacy is a necessary milestone towards achieving quantum advantage, but practical advantages can be achieved using hybrid classical-quantum algorithms. Nonetheless, quantum computing has the potential to revolutionize various industries, and it will be exciting to see its applications in the coming years.
References
- Preskill, John. "Quantum Computing in the NISQ era and beyond." Quantum 2 (2018): 79.
- Arute, Frank et al. "Quantum Supremacy Using a Programmable Superconducting Processor." Nature 574, no. 7779 (2019): 505-510.
- Qin, M.-Z., and Wang, J. "Quantum advantage: The near-term opportunity and challenge." Frontiers of Physics 16 (2021): 1-8.