Quantum computing: Overview and applications

Abstract

Advancements in computer technologies have been evolving in order to provide new services or to improve recent computing performance. Applications of computer technologies to several real-world domains are becoming more realistic and efficient. Two challenges are taken into consideration when applying such technologies including more complicated user requirements and exponential growth of data. In the real world, which is driven by business, achieving user requirements is one promising way of yielding competitive advantages. Moreover, time constraints are also crucial for corporate users. Apart from structured data, unstructured data have been significantly generated via several platforms. Such aspects make data processing more demanding. Quantum technology, which is instantiated in physics, has been utilized in various fields including computer science. Even the real quantum computer is still in its early development, but other concepts such as quantum information and quantum computing are making progress. Furthermore, some quantum-based algorithms have been analytically proven to have higher performance compared to the traditional ones. According to such important milestones, quantum computing has been regarded as one of the key infrastructures of future computing. This paper aims to focus on the main aspects of quantum computing including its backgrounds and recent advancement to provide a clearer picture. Its recent applications to intelligent system enhancement, cybersecurity and cryptography empowerment, and finance are addressed. Several key ideas, and opportunities of quantum computing utilization are also outlined based upon systematic reviews of existing works and case studies. Moreover, comparative analysis between classical and quantum computing in terms of core principles, computational efficiency, and practical feasibility is given. Better understanding and proper preparation of applying quantum computing are thus achieved.