Frequently Asked Questions

Quantum computers are devices that operate based on quantum physics.  Where classical computers perform calculations using 'bits' that can hold a value of 0 or 1, quantum computers use qubits that can hold values including superpositions of 0 and 1 and compound-values that are made up multiple qubits.  Qubits provide a much larger and more complex computational space compared to classical bits and allow for new and powerful calculations.

Quantum computing does not provide a speedup for all calculations.  In fact, only a small number of useful speedups have been discovered so far.  But these algorithms promise powerful improvements when they can be used, and they are components in many models and algorithms.  Specific examples include:

* Optimization

* Machine Learning

* Molecular Models

* Search Algorithms

Quantum computers are already available and can be accessed online.  Right now, they are too small to add value, but bigger and more powerful devices are announced regularly, and useful devices are scheduled on provider roadmaps to roll out in the next few years.