Our quantum world promises a future filled with miracles
By Dick Pelletier
In the last two decades, advances in computing
technology, from processing speed to network capacity and the
Internet, have revolutionized our lives. From sequencing genomes
to monitoring the climate, many scientific advances would have
been impossible without an increase in computing power.
Now with quantum computers built from carbon nanotubes
and superconductors about to harness atoms and molecules to
calculate billions of times faster than silicon-based computers,
scientists predict even more amazing advances ahead.
Within twenty years experts say, we will have access to
something approaching all information all the time. Our lives,
much longer by then because of the quantum impact on healthcare,
will be improved in many ways from today.
Already much software and data is moving to the
Internet. Photos, music, applications like Microsoft Word (which
formatted this article), and many other things we use a computer
for will be accessible anytime, anywhere.
In a Fortune Magazine article, Peter Schwartz and Rita
Koselka describe a quantum computer world that includes reducing
our communication systems – cellphone, computer, TV, and radio –
to chips on a thin headband that can transmit information
between the Internet and our brain; and to other headbands.
UVA researcher Stuart Wolf anticipates that in 20 years,
instead of cellphone conversations we will have "network-enabled
telepathy;" we will 'speak' directly to another person’s
headband from anywhere in the world using just our thoughts.
Thinking words instead of verbalizing them may take some
getting used to, experts say, but with practice,
'thought-talking' could become our preferred communication
method by as early as 2030.
The following is a portrayal of what life might be like
in this quantum future world:
Your computer-driven hybrid rolls the top down on this
warm day. You drive to the freeway and relinquish the wheel.
Your headband selects a video to enjoy on the way to the airport
where your 'smart' car drops you off at the terminal, then
auto-parks itself in the parking lot. An 'intelligent cam' scans
your mind and quickly approves you; no waiting for ticket-check
or security exam.
While boarding the plane, you see a familiar face. Your
headband immediately flashes his identity data and displays it
on your eyes. "Dr. Jones," you call out. "It's so nice to see
you again. How was the conference?" Only a slight flicker of
Jones' eyes betrays that he is Googling your details too. "Hi
Dick; the conference was great and congrats on your career
change."
This may sound like science fiction, but it is the real
world soon to be created by the awesome data-crunching power of
quantum computers.
With our headband, we speak or think any question and
get an immediate answer. By 2030, experts believe, most people
will be connected. Consider the benefits of unlimited
information. The necessity to learn languages could disappear.
And if the devices were cheap enough, the economic playing field
would be leveled raising living standards throughout the world.
Quantum computers promise a
wonderful but potentially disruptive future. However like
previous disruptive technologies; radio, TV, and the Internet;
QCs too will eventually become a natural part of life as we go
forward into what will become an amazing "magical future."
This article appeared in various print publications and
on-line blogs. Comments always welcome.
