If you’re curious about how IBM does their quantum computing, now you can fiddle around their quantum computer for free. Quantum computing is expected to be the next big thing when talking about computer technology. When using quantum computer technology, it far surpasses what modern devices are currently capable of. The tech giant has just recently made their state-of-the-art processor available for anyone who is interested with playing with it online. And the best part about it is that it is completely free-of-charge.
IBM Makes Their Quantum Computer Free for All
Beginning on the 4th of May, just about anyone who has an Internet connection will be able to access the quantum processor of IBM. All you have to do is to request an invitation from the company and to let them know how experienced you are with regards to quantum computing. However, according to a spokesperson from the tech firm telling BBC, there will be no one that will be denied access to using the processor.
The IBM quantum processer itself is located at the firm’s TJK Watson Research Center which is situated in Yorktown Heights, New York. There, they are keeping the computing unit stored inside a cryogenic refrigerator under immensely freezing temperatures. Said temperature is almost -460 degrees Fahrenheit, or that’s -273 degrees Celsius, or near absolute zero if you will. This is to keep the unit cool while it is doing its computations.
Those who want to gain access to the quantum processor can do so at the comforts of their own homes or offices with the use of the cloud and their own computer or mobile device. Arvid Krishna, the senior vice president and director of IBM Research, said the following in a statement: “This moment represents the birth of quantum loud computing. By giving hands-on access to IBM’s experimental quantum systems, the IBM Quantum Experience will make it easier for researchers and the scientific community to accelerate innovations in the quantum field, and help discover new applications for this technology.”
Even though it is seen that quantum computing is still in its early stages, IBM does have visions of grandeur with regards to the technology. At the time of writing, most computers are powered by transistors which can only store one “bit” on information, in which it is either displayed as a 1 or a 0. Quantum computing, on the other hand, is based on superpositioning. In other words, it can simultaneously store both a 1 and a 0.