Lockheed Martin Quantum Computer Speeds Through Problems Millions of Times Faster

Computers are performing faster than ever before. But now, D-Wave Systems' quantum computer could outstrip even the most advanced systems if it performs as expected. Lockheed Martin, a U.S. aerospace and defense company, is currently banking on the new technology, which promises solutions that are millions of times faster than they can be reached today.

The quantum computer, which is about to be commercially deployed by the major U.S. military contractor, employs quantum physics in order to function. It's so much faster than traditional computing because of the unusual properties of particles at the smallest level of existence.

In normal computing, both ones and zeros are used to represent the code that outlines its functions. Yet this quantum computer instead relies on the fact that subatomic particles inhabit a range of states. Different relationships among these particles may coexist, and the probable states can be narrowed in order to determine an optimal outcome among a near-infinitude of possibilities. This allows certain types of problems to be solved very rapidly.

The latest version of this computer was constructed by Canadian firm D-wave. The firm was bought a few years ago by Lockheed Martin and since then, the company has ramped up the technology in order to make its new version of the quantum computer.

This computer holds vast potential for solving future problems. Cancer researchers could use it to move rapidly through enormous amounts of genetic data. It could also be used to determine the behavior of proteins in the human genome. In addition, it could be used to create and test complex radar, space and aircraft systems. It could even be possible to tell instantly how the millions of lines of software running a network of satellites would react to a solar burst or a pulse from a nuclear explosion.

That said, there are still some issues to work out with the computer. Skeptics point out that the company has yet to prove that it has solved the many challenges associated in creating and working a quantum computer.

Even if the computer isn't quite ready to be released, though, it could herald a new era in computing and problem solving.