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Shor's algorithm is not the only potential application for quantum computers. Simulating quantum mechanics and optimization is what quantum computers will proba
by vtomole 9y ago
Shor's algorithm is not the only potential application for quantum computers. Simulating quantum mechanics and optimization is what quantum computers will probably be used for in the next couple of years.
Regarding the world hunger and climate change claim. I think they are referring to the fact that quantum computers can simulate quantum chemistry more efficiently compared to classical computers. This article [0] talks about how quantum computers will be used for quantum chemistry; specifically nitrogen fixation.
[0]: https://cen.acs.org/articles/95/i43/Chemistry-quantum-computings-killer-app.html https://cen.acs.org/articles/95/i43/Chemistry-quantum-comput...
- rficcaglia 9y agoI have fond memories of running MM simulations on an SGI workstation so I totally grok the potential. Not arguing against the utility of QC - just trying to slow down the hype train. Telling someone that downloading an SDK will anytime soon solve climate change is distracting from the currently available non-QC options we have. My concern is magic tech solutions to easily solved problems allow lazy humans to keep polluting and point to some phantasmagorical silver bullet in the not too distant future...which inevitably comes much much later than expected. In short, at current CO2 emission growth rates, the Antarctic ice sheets will melt long before QC allows chemists to produce emission free petroleum use or planet scale carbon capture and sequestration. Let's use those future tools for Mars colonization in 2150, but for now, for our kids' sakes, let's stop making throwaway plastic baubles by the tons, relying on petroleum based fertilizers for Big Mac production, and fix the many very solvable behavioral problems with today's tech. EDIT: typo