Quantum computers have arrived. But can we create a quantum laptop?
About 80 years ago, scientists in the UK, Germany, and the US quietly researched and developed the first electronic computers. These gigantic machines were the size of a room, consumed enormous amounts of energy, but opened up a new era with unprecedented computational capabilities.
At that time, it was hard to imagine that just a few decades later, much more powerful computers would be compact enough to fit into a backpack. However, this has happened, and the question now is whether we will one day witness the emergence of quantum laptops.
Potential and Future Predictions
In the past, computers were the size of a room.
Quantum computing researcher Mario Gely from the University of Oxford expressed that owning a quantum laptop is feasible, although it remains highly speculative. Gely asserts: “I can’t think of a fundamental reason that would prevent that possibility.” However, before reaching that vision, scientists need to overcome several significant hurdles in developing quantum technology.
Stephen Bartlett, director of the Nano Institute at the University of Sydney and a theoretical physicist specializing in quantum mechanics, believes that we could see truly useful quantum computers within this decade. Nevertheless, he also notes that many scientific challenges are still open and unresolved. “The path is still quite murky, but we are getting closer,” Bartlett shared.
The Scale of Qubits: The Key to Unlocking a New Door
Before even thinking about quantum laptops, the first step is to create genuinely useful quantum computers, meaning devices capable of solving complex problems that current supercomputers cannot handle. The main challenge lies in the number of qubits—the basic units in quantum computing, analogous to digital bits in classical computers. Currently, the number of qubits in systems is still limited and needs to be increased significantly to meet the demands of truly powerful quantum calculations.
Scientists have made significant progress, such as with the Quantum Charge Coupled Device (QCCD) architecture. QCCD allows for the development of two-dimensional qubit arrays, helping to increase qubit density and opening up possibilities for more efficient scaling. Nonetheless, the journey from current research to a truly applicable quantum computer remains long and full of challenges.
The Necessity of Different Types of Qubits
Current quantum computers, such as those developed by IBM and Google, primarily rely on superconducting qubits. However, this technology has a major limitation: superconducting qubits only operate at extremely low temperatures, near absolute zero (around 20 millikelvin). To maintain this temperature, large dilution refrigerators must be used, taking up significant space and consuming a lot of energy. IBM’s roadmap for quantum computer development includes creating a computer with 2,000 qubits by 2033, but this device is expected to fill an entire large room.
Current quantum computers like those developed by IBM and Google.
Therefore, to turn the dream of a quantum laptop into reality, scientists need to explore other types of qubits. One viable option is the trapped ion qubit. This type of qubit is created from charged particles that can exist in multiple states simultaneously, held in a suspended state by electromagnetic fields. Unlike superconducting qubits, trapped ion systems operate at room temperature and do not require large refrigerators.
However, the biggest challenge for trapped ions is the accompanying laser system. Currently, these systems take up space of up to one cubic meter. “If we consider ion traps to be the future, then we need to compact this laser system,” Gely noted. The lasers not only need to be smaller but also need to be improved to handle large amounts of qubits. Current systems can only control a maximum of 100 ions, which is insufficient to create a complete quantum computer with millions of qubits.
Recent Advances
Despite many challenges, recent advancements have opened up much hope. QCCD architectures promise to increase qubit density, and there have been breakthroughs in reducing the size of laser devices. In July, researchers at Stanford University developed a new titanium-sapphire laser that is 10,000 times smaller than previous lasers. This improvement could significantly reduce the size of trapped ion qubit systems.
Bartlett is also optimistic that miniaturization and hardware optimization are not impossible. Although many uncertainties remain, he believes that challenges like error correction and scaling up the number of qubits will be addressed in the future. However, the bigger question is whether quantum laptops will actually provide benefits for the average consumer.
The potential widespread use of quantum computers remains a big question mark.
Applications and Prospects of Quantum Laptops
Even if technical issues are resolved, whether quantum computers can be used widely remains a significant question. Gely suggests that rather than completely replacing classical computers, quantum laptops could be integrated as auxiliary processors, similar to graphics cards in current computers. “It may be useful for specific tasks, but not for everything,” he said.
Bartlett also emphasizes that the applications of quantum computers are likely to focus on fields such as finance, information security, or other suitable applications. However, no one can accurately predict how quantum computers will change everyday life.
