Humanity is on the verge of a revolution in technology with the advent of quantum computers, capable of solving problems in minutes that take conventional computers decades.
American physicist Richard Feynman was one of the first to talk about creating a quantum computer in 1982. According to the scientist, such machines are capable of simulating complex quantum systems, for example, atoms, which is beyond the capabilities of an ordinary, classical computer.
While some scientists have been searching for algorithms for quantum computers, others have focused on the physical implementation of quantum computing. In 1995, physicists Sirak and Zoller proposed using an ion trap to create qubits, and in 1999, Japanese scientist Yasunobu Nakamura demonstrated a working superconductor-based qubit.
Currently, human society is being actively prepared for the arrival of full-fledged quantum computers by developing new standards, creating road maps, market entry strategies, and identifying areas of application of quantum computing.
Improvements in quantum computer technology continue, although at the moment only prototypes exist. The main attention of all leading participants in the field is now focused on two main areas: the development of universal quantum computers for various tasks and specialized quantum computers.
Investments in this area are estimated at billions of dollars. Large companies such as Google, IBM, Intel and Microsoft are investing hundreds of millions of dollars in the development of quantum technologies. Countries are also investing heavily in quantum computing research and development, with investments reaching tens of billions of dollars.
