Why Quantum computing won't be a threat to #bitcoin any time soon:
First, some basic things to understand...
Quantum computers are computers that operate on the principles of quantum mechanics, which states that the properties of particles (e.g., spin) are described as existing in a superposition of states (i.e., there is no fixed state) until measured, at which point a definite state is observed.
Classical computers use transistors that can be in one of two states (0 or 1). These are controlled via logic gates. However, quantum computers are based on "qubits" (quantum bits) which can exist in a superposition (i.e., a linear combination of 0 and 1).
The probability that a qubit will "collapse" to either 0 or 1 once measured is related to the amplitude for that particular quantum state. Thus the workings of a quantum computer involve manipulating these amplitudes through quantum gates.
Now, quantum computers do not work by processing multiple solutions at the same time and then automatically outputting the correct answer.
Instead, quantum algorithms are designed to manipulate the amplitudes of various possible states through interference, enhancing the probability of correct solutions and canceling out incorrect ones. This process increases the likelihood that, when you measure the system, you get a useful answer!
This is where things get troublesome...
Today's largest quantum computer (from IBM) has 1,000 qubits. But the number of amplitudes grows by 2^n where n = the number of qubits. Thus there are 2^1000 amplitudes (i.e., parameters) to manipulate. That's more than the number of atoms in the observable universe!!
Okay, say they somehow manage to figure out how to manipulate that many parameters in an efficient way, the real question is, how many qubits would you need to crack modern cryptography? Such as that used in #bitcoin?
You would need millions of qubits...
That means having the ability to precisely control and manipulate more than 2^1000000 parameters, an absolutely astronomically large number. Good luck!
Perhaps it could be achieved one day, perhaps it never will. We don't know. But the point is, bitcoin is perfectly safe, and will be for some time!
#quantumcomputers #bitcoin #quantum #cryptography
casey / Casey Ryan
npub1qv…l2v8a
2024-09-23 15:48:04
Author Public Key
npub1qvnduxyjyzfs9l8gjkm4wpyjxfkak4qwkg2ms4z2cfz9zfaczqjqql2v8aPublished at
2024-09-23 15:48:04Event JSON
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"content": "Why Quantum computing won't be a threat to #bitcoin any time soon:\n\nFirst, some basic things to understand...\n\nQuantum computers are computers that operate on the principles of quantum mechanics, which states that the properties of particles (e.g., spin) are described as existing in a superposition of states (i.e., there is no fixed state) until measured, at which point a definite state is observed.\n\nClassical computers use transistors that can be in one of two states (0 or 1). These are controlled via logic gates. However, quantum computers are based on \"qubits\" (quantum bits) which can exist in a superposition (i.e., a linear combination of 0 and 1).\n\nThe probability that a qubit will \"collapse\" to either 0 or 1 once measured is related to the amplitude for that particular quantum state. Thus the workings of a quantum computer involve manipulating these amplitudes through quantum gates.\n\nNow, quantum computers do not work by processing multiple solutions at the same time and then automatically outputting the correct answer. \n\nInstead, quantum algorithms are designed to manipulate the amplitudes of various possible states through interference, enhancing the probability of correct solutions and canceling out incorrect ones. This process increases the likelihood that, when you measure the system, you get a useful answer!\n\nThis is where things get troublesome...\n\nToday's largest quantum computer (from IBM) has 1,000 qubits. But the number of amplitudes grows by 2^n where n = the number of qubits. Thus there are 2^1000 amplitudes (i.e., parameters) to manipulate. That's more than the number of atoms in the observable universe!!\n\nOkay, say they somehow manage to figure out how to manipulate that many parameters in an efficient way, the real question is, how many qubits would you need to crack modern cryptography? Such as that used in #bitcoin?\n\nYou would need millions of qubits...\n\nThat means having the ability to precisely control and manipulate more than 2^1000000 parameters, an absolutely astronomically large number. Good luck!\n\nPerhaps it could be achieved one day, perhaps it never will. We don't know. But the point is, bitcoin is perfectly safe, and will be for some time!\n\n#quantumcomputers #bitcoin #quantum #cryptography",
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