Quantum computing

Quantum computing harnesses the phenomena of quantum mechanics to provide a huge leap forward in computation in order to resolve certain problems. It uses qubits (quantum bits) which are associated with the quantum state of a physical component (e.g., spin of an electron, polarization of an ion).  Calculations are made using laws of quantum mechanics. 

Quantum computing will open door to more efficient algorithms, but it remains an immature and very complex technology which, for now, cannot be used in an industrial setting, although progress is constant. In coming years, hardware development will focus on increasing the number of quantum bits and in particular on further reducing, and ideally completely correcting errors that can occur in calculations. In terms of applications, intensive efforts are being made to develop algorithms to resolve optimization problems in the chemical, financial, pharmaceutical, logistics, transport and other industries. The challenges are so complex that the next steps in the development of quantum computing will most likely be led by large research collaborations and industrial research centers.