The Excitement of Quantum Computing by Nella Ludlow, Ph.D.

Let's look at one of the most exciting and fastest growing areas of computer science -- Quantum Computing. 

Most technologists have some basic understanding of quantum computing.  Quantum bits are represented by qubits, and information isn’t simply a zero or one, it can be both at the same time, representing much more information.  A quantum effect known as entanglement linking two particles allows instantaneous communication (even faster than the speed of light).
 
Ultimately, quantum computing promises to be a disruptive technology with such dramatic speed improvements that real tractable solutions to hard problems could be solved in hours and days. These same problems would take hundreds of years to solve on our best supercomputers, known as a classical computers, by brute-forcing their way searching through all possible solutions. 
 
If usable quantum computing were accessible, the field of cryptography would dramatically change, and encryption codes could be broken quickly and perhaps crushing Blockchain technology.  The fields of Chemistry, Medicine, and Pharmacology would shift to the next level with this dramatic leap in computing power--perhaps providing real solutions to climate change, food production, supply chain issues, or drug discovery and cures for cancer.

The presentation will discuss:

• What is Quantum Computing?
• How does it work?
• What is Entanglement?
• Can we really communicate faster than the speed of light?
• Have Quantum Computers already outperformed the best supercomputer?
• Can it break Encryption as we know it?
• Is Dayton a special place for breaking Encryption?
• Are there jobs in Quantum Computing?
• How can I write my first quantum computing program?
• How do I learn more?

It will have live examples and is accessible to everyone without the need to be an expert in computer science, mathematics, or physics.

There will be a webinar of the presentation for anyone that cannot attend in person.