IBM yesterday introduced a quantum computer which anyone can use for free via the Internet, marking the first time the esoteric technology is available to the general public.
Whereas common computers process information using bits, each of which statically represents a one or a zero, quantum computing is based on qubits (quantum bits), which can represent either a one or a zero, or both simultaneously, drastically increasing processing speed and capability. IBM's cloud-enabled quantum computer has five qubits.
"The classical model of computing used today is on the verge of reaching its limits," IBM states on a Web page introducing the project. "The power of the quantum computer is that it is based on a logic that is not limited merely to on-or-off, true-or-false scenarios... these more complex calculations can be used to re-imagine computing," it continues on a page explaining quantum computing's basic principles.
Because of the expenses, complex equipment and high levels of computing expertise required to run quantum computers, the technology has until now only been available to tech firms and government agencies, such as Google and NASA, and some universities.
IBM's Quantum Experience aims to offer "students, researchers and general science enthusiasts" hands-on experience with the technology, "allowing users to run algorithms and experiments, work with [qubits], and explore tutorials and simulations around what might be possible with quantum computing," IBM says.
To access the quantum computer, users must fill in an online request form giving their name, institution, level of familiarity with quantum computing (selected from a drop-down list with options ranging from "Hmm what's a qubit?" to "PhD level quantum research and above"), and the purpose for which they intend to use the computer.
An IBM spokesperson told the BBC that the form system was merely to prevent the system being overrun by bots, and that all human applicants would be granted access to the system.
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