Quantum Computing, The Transformative Technology of the Qubit Revolution, reviewed

Nick Ayton reviews Quantum Computing, The Transformative Technology of the Qubit Revolution by Brian Clegg published 25 May 2021, ISBN 9781785787089, Paperback Original, £8.99

Quantum Computing, The Transformative Technology of the Qubit Revolution, reviewed

I thoroughly enjoyed Brian’s book I thoroughly enjoyed Brian’s book Quantum Computing – The Transformative Technology for the Qubit Revolution…very adpt title given what humanity is about to face. In particular I enjoyed the precise way he guides the reader through what is complex subject matter, providing historic and technical references as to the emergence of Quantum mechanics and theories of randomness.

No easy task. I read a lot of Quantum Books that required a Phd to get past the first Chapter – but not this time. Brian nails it, although one does need a base knowledge of computing and have some exposure to basic mathematical principles of algorithms.

The book I consider this essential reading for anyone concerned about cyber attacks, specifically ransomware or simply interested in the next evolution of computing. The big question – what is a Quantum Machine is answered perfectly. The book covers core principles of how Quantum Computing differs from Classical Computers while dispelling several myths of Quantum Mechanics and confirms some of the classical laws to be no more than useful trends.

After all, Brian is cleverly laying a roadmap off what we can expect from Quantum Machines – what we can expect and when while highlighting the extreme difficulty with stabilising and maturing what will become a profound step forward. As with every new technology wave it takes time for standards to emerge and for a new ‘quantum tech stack’  to deliver outcomes for end users.

The book rather excellently profiles the different quantum approaches and without revealing his personal favourite, he highlights the technological advantages of each (Trapped Ion, SuperConduction, Photonics, Carbon based), the differences in quantum scale, operating temperatures and how to unlock the full promise of ‘qubits’.

For someone who studied computer science in the 1970’s I found the book to be an excellent refresher, reminding me of essential things I had almost forgotten. The early chapters guide the reader through a chronology of computing and a soft introduction into the world of randomness and probability with a historical twist.

He reminds us that we are at the beginning of the Second Quantum Revolution and are already surrounded by products and services that use ‘quantum effects and principles’ and make use of small particles at the atomic scale, as classical computing arrives at the quantum scale. For those new to computing and the non deterministic, probabilistic quantum mechanical world – the book provides a condensed guide with sufficient detail and examples that should make pennies begin to drop everywhere, and readers are made aware of the extreme potential of the Qubit Revolution to support the next evolution of humanity and civilisation…very adpt title given what humanity is about to face.

In particular I enjoyed the precise way he guides the reader through what is complex subject matter, providing historic and technical references as to the emergence of Quantum mechanics and theories of randomness. No easy task. I read a lot of Quantum Books that required a Phd to get past the first Chapter – but not this time. Brian nails it, although one does need a base knowledge of computing and have some exposure to basic mathematical principles of algorithms.

The book I consider this essential reading for anyone concerned about cyber attacks, specifically ransomware or simply interested in the next evolution of computing. The big question – what is a Quantum Machine is answered perfectly. The book covers core principles of how Quantum Computing differs from Classical Computers while dispelling several myths of Quantum Mechanics and confirms some of the classical laws to be no more than useful trends.

Brian is cleverly laying a roadmap off what we can expect from Quantum Machines – what we can expect and when while highlighting the extreme difficulty with stabilising and maturing what will become a profound step forward. As with every new technology wave it takes time for standards to emerge and for a new ‘quantum tech stack’  to deliver outcomes for end users.

The book rather excellently profiles the different quantum approaches and without revealing his personal favourite, he highlights the technological advantages of each (Trapped Ion, SuperConduction, Photonics, Carbon based), the differences in quantum scale, operating temperatures and how to unlock the full promise of ‘qubits’.

For someone who studied computer science in the 1970’s I found the book to be an excellent refresher, reminding me of essential things I had almost forgotten. The early chapters guide the reader through a chronology of computing and a soft introduction into the world of randomness and probability with a historical twist. He reminds us that we are at the beginning of the Second Quantum Revolution and are already surrounded by products and services that use ‘quantum effects and principles’ and make use of small particles at the atomic scale, as classical computing arrives at the quantum scale.

For those new to computing and the non deterministic, probabilistic quantum mechanical world – the book provides a condensed guide with sufficient detail and examples that should make pennies begin to drop everywhere, and readers are made aware of the extreme potential of the Qubit Revolution to support the next evolution of humanity and civilisation.

More about the book ->

Latest addition to Icon Books’ Hot Science series

Computer technology has improved exponentially over the last 50 years. But the headroom for bigger and better electronic solutions is running out. Our best hope is to engage the power of quantum physics.

‘Quantum algorithms’ had already been written long before hardware was built. These would enable, for example, a quantum computer to exponentially speed up an information search, or to crack the mathematical trick behind internet security. However, making a quantum computer is incredibly difficult.

Despite hundreds of laboratories around the world working on quantum computers, we are only just seeing them come close to ‘supremacy’ where they can outperform a traditional computer.

In this approachable introduction, Brian Clegg explains algorithms and their quantum counterparts, explores the physical building blocks and quantum weirdness necessary to make a quantum computer, and uncovers the capabilities of the current generation of machines.

More about Nick Ayton ->

Nick Ayton is a leading figure in Deep Technology. He works with founders of emerging technologies Quantum Computing, Artificial Intelligence, Machine Learning, Blockchain and Decentralised Financial Instruments, and sources capital. A top 5 global thought leader in designing and building decentralised business models.

Nick is involved with a range of ESG initiatives as a shareholder in a project that is rebuilding communities, towns and cities, devastated by the pandemic, as a means to get local economies functioning. He is also working at the forefront of Silicon Quantum Photonics and Quantum Encryption Algorithms, alongside academia and several projects that has significant intelligence and national security implications.

For the past few years Nick Ayton has lived in a world of Quantum Mechanics and Quantum Computing, AR and VR and cutting-edge Deep Technologies and chairs many global events and is a sought after speaker.

Nick’s passion project is writing a TV Series – an espionage show set against the existential threat of AI and race for supremacy between the US, UK Russia and China. He is also considered one of the world’s leading speakers and writers on all things tech and he works closely with Family Offices…

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