The State of the Art: What Quantum Can Do Today
Separating the sci-fi from the reality. Learn what today's NISQ machines are actually achieving in the lab.
The Present Moment
We often talk about the future, but what happened yesterday in the world of quantum?
Today's hardware is what we call NISQ (Module 10). It's noisy, it's small, and it's mostly used by researchers. However, several "Real-World" milestones have already been hit.
1. Simulating Small Molecules
Quantum computers today can simulate the energy levels of small molecules like Lithium Hydride and Hydrogen.
- While a classical computer can also do this, the quantum computer does it "natively."
- We are using this data to calibrate our algorithms for the bigger molecules (like those used in fertilizer or batteries) that are coming soon.
2. True Random Number Generation
Most "random" numbers on your computer are actually "Pseudo-random"—they follow a hidden pattern.
- A Quantum computer uses the inherent randomness of a Measurement (Module 6) to generate numbers that are physically impossible to predict.
- This is already being used in high-stakes cryptography and lottery gaming.
3. Sampling Impossible Patterns
In 2019, Google's Sycamore processor performed a task called "Random Circuit Sampling."
- It generated a specific statistical pattern in 200 seconds.
- At the time, they claimed it would take the world's biggest supercomputer 10,000 years to do the same.
- Even if that number was exaggerated, it proved that Quantum advantage is real.
4. Summary: The Prototype Era
| Task | Status Today |
|---|---|
| Breaking RSA | Impossible (Too many errors) |
| Material Science | Active Research (Experimental) |
| Logistics | Proof of Concept (Small scale) |
| Physics Simulation | Routine Use (Better than classical) |
graph LR
A[Today's Quantum Computer] --> B[Physics Research]
A --> C[Algorithm Testing]
A --> D[Randomness Generation]
E[Future Aspirations] --> F[Global Logistics]
E --> G[Standard Medicine]
Exercise: The "Calculator" Comparison
- Think of the First Calculator. It could only add and subtract. It couldn't run a video game or write an email.
- In the 1970s, people said "Why do I need that? I have a pen and paper."
- Today's Quantum Computer is that calculator. It is a specialized tool for a small number of tasks.
- But just as the calculator led to the smartphone, the NISQ machine leads to the Universal Quantum Computer.
What's Next?
If that's what we can do, what are we still failing at? In the next lesson, we look at the Hard Limits of current tech.