The Race to Harness Quantum Computing's Mind-Bending Power | The Future With Hannah Fry

IBM's Quantum Computer

• IBM has built a quantum computer called IBM Quantum System 2. (2m3s)
• To function correctly, the qubits in IBM's quantum computer need to be kept at extremely low temperatures, just above absolute zero, using a complex cooling system. (7m3s)

Quantum Computing and its Implications

• Quantum computers use quantum bits (qubits) which, unlike bits in standard computers, can be in a superposition where they are both on and off at the same time. (3m18s)
• Quantum computers pose a significant threat to encryption, as they could potentially crack codes that would take classical computers trillions of years to break, potentially leading to data breaches and financial losses. (13m11s)

Investment in Quantum Technology

• IBM has invested billions of dollars in its quantum program, although the exact amount has not been disclosed. (7m46s)
• The United States and China are engaged in a technological competition, with China investing heavily in quantum research and holding a significant number of patents in quantum technology. (9m51s)

Protecting Data from Quantum Attacks

• State actors could be saving encrypted data now with the intent of decrypting it later when sufficiently powerful quantum computers become available. (14m31s)
• HSBC bank is testing a system from Toshiba to protect its data from quantum computer attacks. (15m39s)
• The system being tested by HSBC uses quantum key distribution to generate a secret code using photons sent through fiber optic cable. (16m44s)

Jian-Wei Pan's Quantum Communication System

• Jian-Wei Pan plans to launch a network of smaller, more cost-effective satellites to facilitate the deployment of a global communication system. (20m52s)
• The system aims to use single photons fired into space and back through satellites and telescopes to create unhackable quantum keys for secure global communication. (21m1s)

Geopolitical Concerns in Quantum Technology

• While international collaboration was initially encouraged in the development of quantum technology, geopolitical tensions have raised concerns about export controls and their potential impact on innovation and the realization of quantum technology's benefits. (21m32s)