China opens a new center for quantum research
The Chinese city of Hefei began the construction of the Research Center for Quantum Technologies, in which it is planned to build a quantum computer with computational power exceeding all existing supercomputers in the world.
The center will explore quantum metrology, which is capable of recording minute changes in gravity and other physical effects. The results of these studies can help in creating high-precision autonomous navigation systems and be used for vehicles that do not rely on a global positioning system (GPS).
With the help of modern satellites and a ground quantum network, Chinese specialists are planning to create a new type of quantum communication for the transfer of highly sensitive information and the conclusion of important financial transactions. Quantum communication systems are shielded from eavesdropping, since any attempt at hacking will change the intricate quantum state of the transmitted information and warn users about outside interference.
In ordinary computers, information is encoded using bits, each of which contains one unit of information. In quantum computers, bits theoretically can contain several combinations of information units, so they can be used to better encrypt messages and solve complex problems.
