What Is Superposition in Quantum Computing?

What Is Superposition in Quantum Computing?

Quantum mechanics, the study of how matter behaves at a subatomic level, has been around for over 100 years. But it’s only recently that scientists have begun to understand this phenomenon better and apply it to technology. The principle of quantum superposition states simply that a quantum particle can exist in two distinct locations simultaneously.

Superposition Principle

According to this theory, a quantum particle can exist simultaneously in multiple states unless the measurement is made. While we don’t fully understand how it works, we know that there are some very real applications to this theory. 

Until an observer measures them, quantum particles can exist simultaneously in multiple locations. The act of measuring forces them to choose one state over another. In other words, the very act of observation changes the outcome of experiments involving these particles.

Superposition In Computing

This ability to exist in multiple states at once gives quantum computers their power, efficiency, and speed advantage over traditional computers, which can only do one thing at a time. Quantum computers can perform many calculations simultaneously, which means they can solve problems much faster than regular machines – even if those problems would take years for a conventional computer to solve.

The classic example of searching can be done in a single step using a quantum computer. Let’s assume that ten qubits work together in a quantum computer to solve the search problem that conventional computers would solve in multiple steps.

When a single unit is measured, it defaults either 0 or 1. Still, it can take on any value between these two extremes when not being observed closely enough with an optical microscope-like device called interference fringes. Put many units together, and they create larger numbers than what would have been possible before due simply because there was more data available from which calculations could proceed without limits.

In summary, superposition is the phenomenon of existing in two places at any given time. In quantum computers, superposition enables the cubits of the quantum computer to perform multiple operations simultaneously, making them faster than conventional computers.

To learn more about superposition and its use in quantum computing, visit our blog section.

Lloyd Walden
Marketing Manager Lloyd has helped Technology In The Arts with regards to our online presence, alongside his works on helping us in marketing our brand to other clients