Quantum Computing, Quantum Technology and the Quantum of e - Junk

M. Vinay Prasad and L. Francis Maria Anand

Department of Post-Graduation Studies in Physics, Government First Grade College - K R. Puram, Bangalore, Karnataka, India

Corresponding author: [email protected]

Abstract: Quantum computing and Quantum technology seem to be the buzz words in the field
of ICT across the globe of late. Nations, public sectors, corporate sectors, Information and
Communication Technology Centres and Universities have all embraced research and
development in QC & QT. The process of building a newer technology and its adaption leads to
obsolescence in the existing technology. With the exponential demand for gadgets with modern
technology and features, the obsolete devices generate an enormous amount of e-waste which
goes unprocessed in most of the developing countries. In the present study, we briefly discuss the
advent of quantum computing in various fields and their applications. A concise report on
quantum technology with a mention of India’s role in quantum computing and quantum
technology is studied. The study further projects the possibility of amount of e-waste generated
by various sectors while embracing quantum technology and switching over to quantum
computers. The findings are presented as tables, and graphical images. We also suggest a few
simple techniques in the safe disposal of e- waste.

Introduction
Quantum computing is one of the most popular topics in the field of technology today.
Technology enables individuals and companies to solve previously unsolvable computing
problems ,Google, IBM, Microsoft. Research at Intel and Honeywell, among many other major
technology companies and Start-ups has led to a series of technological advances in building
"gated" quantum computer systems. Quantum computing is often seen as the field of study that
develops computer technology based on the principles of quantum theory – how matter and
energy behave at the atomic and subatomic level. is the field of physics that describes as the
growing popularity of such futuristic computers has a huge impact on existing hardware
manufacturers and related industries, people who are aware of the latest developments in the
field, a Boston-based e-waste recycling firm wants to be an early bird and maximize the
opportunity that such drastic changes can offer [1].

Theory
Although the term quantum computing has only recently become front and Centre in the public
eye, the field of quantum information science has been around for several decades. Paul Bernath
described the quantum mechanical model of a computer in 1980. A little later, Richard Fehmarn
(1982) wrote an article entitled * Simulating Physics with Computers.' In it he looked at several
systems you might want to simulate and showed how they could not be adequately represented
by a classical computer. In 1994 Peter Shore, a researcher at AT&T's Bell Labs, invented the
quantum algorithm... That enables quantum computers to factor much faster than existing
algorithms. This discovery caught the attention of many and sparked significant interest in
quantum computing, as it showed that quantum computers can crack regular (RSA) cryptography
systems. There have been significant advances in quantum science in the past year. Bristlecone '
(72 qubit) with a quantum chip called Google, IBM (with a 53-qubit processor) and Righetti (128
qubits) have established code access to their quantum programming toolsets and systems. His
branch of computer science is based on the principles of superposition of matter and quantum
entanglement and uses a different method of computation than the traditional one. [2]
 Fig.1.Quantum
Computer (Ref-
ibm. newsroom)

Working
Quantum computers share
some characteristics
with classical ones.
For example, both
types of computers have
chips, circuits, and logic
gates in common. their
operations are
dictated by algorithms
(essentially
sequential
instructions) and
they use a binary code and
zeros to represent
information Both
types of computers use physical objects and zeros to encode them in classical computers these
objects encode bits (binary digits) in two states—e.g., current is on or off. A magnet points up or
down Quantum computers use quantum bits or qubits. It processes information differently. While
classical bits always represent a one or a zero, a qubit can simultaneously be in a superposition of
one and zero until its state is measured. In addition, the states of multiple qubits can be
entangled, meaning they are quantum mechanically linked to each other. Superposition and
entanglement give quantum computers capabilities unknown to classical computing. They
usually use a special type of crystal to produce the trapped particles. The trapped particles are
then sent to different locations. For this example, let’s say a researcher wants to measure the
direction the particles are spinning, which may be up or down along a particular axis. Before
measuring the particles, each is in a state of superposition, or both "spin up" and "spin down" at
the same time. If one measures the direction of a particle's spin and repeats the measurement on
its distant, entangled partner, the researchers find that the pair is always correlated. If one
particle's spin is higher, the other particle's spin is lower (the spins can instead be both up or both
down, depending on how the experiment is designed, but always correlated [3].

Fig.2. Working of Qubit (Ref.-ibm. newsroom)

Limitations of quantum computing:

Quantum computing offers enormous potential for advancements and problem solving in many
industries. However, currently. It has its limitations. A small disturbance in the qubit
environment can cause coherence or decay. This causes them to crash calculations or errors. As
noted above, the quantum computer must be protected from all external interference during the
computing phase. Error correction is not perfected at the computing stage. This makes the
calculations potentially unreliable. Because qubits are not digital bits of data, they do not benefit
from the traditional error correction solutions used by classical computers. Retrieving
computational results can corrupt the data. Developments such as a specific database search
algorithm that ensures that the measurement function causes the quantum state to decoherer with
the promise of holding the correct answer Security and quantum cryptography are not yet fully
developed [4].
Advantages of Quantum Computing

Quantum machines and these help us solve physics problems where interactions between objects
or properties are important.

Datacentre; organizations benefit as the compute power of quantum computing advances. The
technology has potential uses in supply chains, financial modelling and other areas.
Organizations using quantum computing power can help humanity solve some of the world's
biggest problems and make advances in critical areas from drug research to global agriculture
and beyond. But how close are we to a future where quantum computing is mainstream, and how
can data centres prepare for that future? Many uses of quantum computing are experimental or
hypothetical at the moment, as we are in the early stages of learning how to implement quantum
computing on a large scale. But as technology evolves, organizations shouldn't ignore how it can
be used. Potential uses for quantum computing Classical computing processes data in binary
space. This limits the volume of data that can be handled and the decisions it can generate. This
is also known as serial processing. Quantum computing, however, uses multidimensional
processing. A serial process examines each combination of that data one by one to arrive at the
correct result. Multidimensional processing is layered like a binary method of serial processing
using bits. It speeds up the delivery and accuracy of calculations and increases the diversity of
results: in short, quantum computing delivers high-quality results faster. Here are several
practical applications of quantum computing that we may see in the future Al and machine
learning (ML). The ability to compute solutions to problems simultaneously, as opposed to
sequentially, is a huge potential for Al mate ML. Organizations today use AI and ML to find
ways to automate and optimize tasks. When used in combination with quantum computing,
optimization can occur much faster and at scale. Especially when processing and analysing large
data sets that are highly complex or unstructured.

Financial Modelling: With quantum computing modelling capabilities, financial institutions can
use the technology to better model the behaviour of investments and securities. It helps reduce
risk, optimize large-scale portfolios, and help financial institutions better understand trends and
movements in the global financial economy.
Cyber Security: Quantum Computing Can Directly Impact Privacy and Encryption Given the
rapidly evolving nature of the cybersecurity landscape, Quantum computers help encrypt data
while in use. It provides protection in transit and at rest. Route and traffic optimization, smooth
supply chain logistics and optimal route planning for transportation are key. The big challenge is
harnessing all the real-time data—from changing weather patterns to traffic flow—that affects
this project. This is where quantum computers can excel. They can process all data in real time
and adjust routes for entire vehicles simultaneously. Each can be placed on the appropriate path
forward. Quantum computers can perform more accurate and realistic prototyping and testing in
the manufacturing space, which helps reduce prototyping costs and results in better designs that
don't require much testing

Drug and Chemical Research: Quantum computers can create better models of how atoms
interact with each other. This leads to a higher and more accurate understanding of the atomic
structure. This can directly affect drug and chemical research and affect the way new products
and drugs are developed. The predictive power of quantum computers can provide predictions
about how chemical compounds and drugs will develop, evolve, and interact with other factors
over time.

Batteries: quantum Computing helps manufacturers better understand how to incorporate new
materials into products like batteries and semiconductors It provides more insight into how to
optimize batteries for longevity and efficiency. Quantum computing helps manufacturers gain a
better understanding of lithium compounds and battery chemistry. For example, quantum
computing can tap and understand how the docking energy of proteins works, yielding better
batteries for electric vehicles [5].

Quantum computing role in E-waste

Quantum computers work much faster than existing classical computers. If this quantum
computer comes into use in the current modern era, the use of existing classical computers will
decrease. The question of what to do with them is vexing. Used electronics intended for
recycling through recycling, reuse, resale, material recovery or disposal are considered e-waste.
Informal processing of e-waste in developing countries can lead to adverse effects on human
health and environmental pollution. The increasing use of electronic goods due to innovations in
science and technology has led to a global e-waste problem and disposal. The rapid exponential
increase in e-waste is due to frequent new model releases and unnecessary purchases of electrical
and electronic equipment (EEE), shorter innovation cycles and lower recycling rates, and a
decline in the average lifespan of computers, electronic strap components such as CPUs, and
cadmium. Recycling and disposal of e-waste that contain potentially harmful materials such as
beryllium or trilaminate flame retardants poses a significant risk to the health of workers and
their communities.

Fig.3. Electronic Waste (Ref - Geneva Internet Platform)

In 2007, the United States Environmental Protection Agency (EPA) stated that more than 63
million computers in the US were either replaced or discarded. Today, 15% of electronic devices
and equipment are recycled in the United States with most electronic waste going to landfills
Discharged or incinerated, it releases substances such as lead, mercury or cadmium into the soil,
groundwater and atmosphere. thus having a negative impact on the environment. Many
materials used in computer hardware can be recovered by recycling for use in future production.
The recycling of tin, silicon, iron, Aluminium and various plastics found in large quantities in
computers or other electronics reduces the cost of building new systems. Components are often
copper, gold, tantalum, silver, platinum. Contains palladium, and lead and other valuable
materials suitable for restoration Computer Components Dioxins Polychlorinated biphenyls
(PCBs), Cadmium. Containing many toxic substances such as chromium, radioactive isotopes,
and mercury, a typical computer monitor may contain over 67 pounds of lead by weight, most of
which is in the lead glass of a cathode ray tube (CRT) A typical 15 inch (38 cm) computer
monitor may contain 15 pounds (1 kg) of lead [ 4] But other monitors are estimated to contain 8
pounds (4 kg) of lead Circuit boards contain substantial amounts of lead-tin solders that can
leach into groundwater or cause air pollution from incineration In US landfills, about 40% of the
lead content comes from e-waste to recover these valuable materials Required commemoration
(such as cremation and It is likely to cause pollution. 05 in landfills. About 40% of the lead
content comes from e-waste. Processing (such as incineration and acid treatments) required to
recover these valuable materials can release, produce or synthesize toxic by-products. Those
metals can be given a second life and that is why recycling is an ideal solution to this problem.
An experienced recycling organization like Great Lakes Electronics Corporation can take those
devices apart. So individual parts can be used in new products [6].

Conclusion: The field of quantum computing is growing rapidly as today's major computing
groups, universities, colleges and all major IT vendors are researching the subject. This pace is
expected to increase as more research is converted into practical applications. Although
machines are years in the future the previously imagined idea is gaining place ability. The
current challenge is to build complete quantum computers right away; instead, we move away
from experiments where we only observe quantum phenomenon to experiments where we can
control this phenomenon system where information obeys the laws of quantum mechanics is can
exceed the performances of any conventional computer. Therein lies opportunity and reward no
one can predict when we build the first quantum computer. It could be this year maybe in the
next 10 years, centuries from now. Obviously, this mind-boggling level of computing power has
enormous commercial, industrial and scientific applications, but there are some significant
technical and co0nceptral issues to solve first, but quantum computers will come.

Reference
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4. Algorithms for quantum computation: discrete logarithms and factoring
5. John Himes. Contributing Reporter.
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