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If Quantum Computing Is Solving “Impossible” Questions, How Do We Know They’re Right? · scitechdaily.com - Kottke.org

Google News – Quantum Computing
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⚡ Quantum Brief
Quantum computers claim to solve classically "impossible" problems, but verifying their results remains a critical challenge without relying on slower supercomputers for cross-checking. The core issue mirrors computational theory: many problems (like password cracking) are hard to solve but easy to verify—quantum solutions may follow this pattern, demanding efficient validation methods. Current approaches require comparing quantum outputs against theoretical predictions, but classical systems can’t always replicate these computations in reasonable timeframes, creating a verification bottleneck. Experts emphasize the need for hybrid verification techniques, combining quantum and classical methods to confirm accuracy without prohibitive delays, especially for problems like optimization or cryptography. The debate underscores a fundamental question: if quantum computers outpace classical ones, how can we trust their answers when traditional validation becomes impractical?
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If Quantum Computing Is Solving “Impossible” Questions, How Do We Know They’re Right? “In order to validate quantum computers, methods are needed to compare theory and result without waiting years for a supercomputer to perform the same task.” This headline sounds like a question on a computer science exam. Many computer science problems, including the most prominent ones proposed for quantum computers, are difficult to solve but easy to verify. For example, guessing a random password requires trying a large percentage (half, on average) of the possible passwords. But verifying the correct password requires trying just the one result. A lot of tricky problems are like that. Hello! In order to comment or fave, you need to be a current kottke.org member. If you'd like to sign up for a membership to support the site and join the conversation, you can explore your options here. Existing members can sign in here. If you're a former member, you can renew your membership. Note: If you are a member and tried to log in, it didn't work, and now you're stuck in a neverending login loop of death, try disabling any ad blockers or extensions. Or try logging out and then back in. Still having trouble? Email me! In order to comment or fave, you need to be a current kottke.org member. Check out your options for renewal. This is the name that'll be displayed next to comments you make on kottke.org; your email will not be displayed publicly. I'd encourage you to use your real name (or at least your first name and last initial) but you can also pick something that you go by when you participate in communities online. Choose something durable and reasonably unique (not "Me" or "anon"). Please don't change this often. No impersonation. Note: I'm letting folks change their display names because the membership service that kottke.org uses collects full names and I thought some people might not want their names displayed publicly here. If it gets abused, I might disable this feature. If you feel like this comment goes against the grain of the community guidelines or is otherwise inappropriate, please let me know and I will take a look at it. Hello! In order to leave a comment, you need to be a current kottke.org member. If you'd like to sign up for a membership to support the site and join the conversation, you can explore your options here. Existing members can sign in here. If you're a former member, you can renew your membership. Note: If you are a member and tried to log in, it didn't work, and now you're stuck in a neverending login loop of death, try disabling any ad blockers or extensions. Or try logging out and then back in. Still having trouble? Email me!

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Source: Google News – Quantum Computing

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