Summary
In an engaging episode of StarTalk, hosts Neil deGrasse Tyson and Chuck Nice delve into the fascinating world of quantum computing with renowned theoretical physicist and author, Prof. Michio Kaku. They discuss how computers have evolved from analog to digital, and now to quantum computing, with companies like IBM, Google, and Microsoft racing to create the first all-purpose quantum computer. This revolutionary technology has the potential to impact various industries, including aerospace, energy, and national security, enabling quantum computers to crack any digital code.
Prof. Michio Kaku explains the main difference between digital computing and quantum computing by introducing the audience to qubits. Unlike bits, which have binary positions (0s and 1s), qubits can exist in all possible positions simultaneously, making quantum computers exponentially more powerful. They can tackle complex problems that are beyond the reach of digital computers, such as cancer research or understanding black holes and the Big Bang.
Quantum computing can even pave the way to mapping the human brain's connections, going beyond the current mosquito brain model with 100,000 neurons. This achievement would unravel the mysteries of the mind in a way digital computers simply cannot.
The episode further explores the world of quantum physics, highlighting the peculiar way qubits communicate through entanglement. This could potentially allow instantaneous communication between distant spacecraft in the future. While Einstein's theory states that nothing can travel faster than the speed of light, it has been found that random information (nonsense) can actually surpass this limit. However, this information is not usable, as Morse code still cannot be transmitted faster than the speed of light using the EPR effect.
Wormholes also play a role in exploring the speed of light and the creation of the universe. The Big Bang may have resulted from an expanding wormhole amid boiling space at the Planck temperature. Additionally, string theory and vibrations open up more possibilities in understanding subatomic particles and their potential use in quantum computing circuits.
Looking beyond the realm of quantum computing, Prof. Michio Kaku mentions the possibility of nuclear computing, which would base calculations on atomic nuclei instead of electron shells. However, this concept is accompanied by the challenges of potential nuclear weapons and the risk of reaching critical mass, causing widespread destruction. Overall, the episode offers a captivating look into the rapidly-evolving world of quantum computing and its implications for the future.
