[Science World] The Importance of Quantum Computers in the Age of Artificial Intelligence (AI)

There is one marble inside the box, but it cannot be asserted with certainty that this is true. This is because it is a magic box that does not show the marble only when the lid is opened and looked inside. It may seem unbelievable, but it is definitely confirmed in the world of very small particles. A computer that calculates using this phenomenon is called a ‘quantum computer.’

The smallest unit used in a quantum computer is the ‘qubit.’ It refers to the number of magic boxes that can be either 0 or 1. For example, what if there are 10 qubits? It is 2 to the power of 10, that is, 1024 possible cases can be checked all at once. Since it is calculated exponentially, the number increases exponentially. When there are 100, it becomes 1,267,650,600,228,229,401,496,703,205,376?a size too large to even read aloud. The biggest challenge for developers of quantum computers is to find a way to control multiple qubits simultaneously. The quantum computer ‘Osprey’ developed by the US company IBM has already secured the performance of 433 qubits.

The operating principle of quantum computers is fundamentally different. Under normal circumstances, their performance can be worse than that of conventional computers. However, in scientific and technological research fields such as prime factorization, biochemical reaction simulation, cryptography, and security, which took enormous time with existing computers, quantum computers can demonstrate overwhelming performance. Above all, they can revolutionarily enhance the performance of artificial intelligence (AI), which is why interest in them has been increasing recently. What does this mean in the AI era? It also means that countries without quantum technology will have to be subordinated to other countries. Quantum technology is already a key factor determining future national competitiveness.

Recently, it has been reported that our government has begun considering the establishment of a ‘Quantum Research Institute (tentative name).’ While this may seem encouraging at first glance, the direction of research is more important than the building itself. It is time to calmly assess the hegemonic competition and technological bloc trends occurring among leading countries such as the US, China, and Europe, and to secure our own future technology by utilizing these trends with insight.

Jeon Seung-min, Science and Technology Specialist Writer

This content was produced with the assistance of AI translation services.