The number of qubits in a quantum computer is a crucial factor that determines its computational power and the types of problems it can potentially solve. Here's a general overview of what you could do with quantum computers of varying qubit sizes:
200 qubits: With 200 qubits, you would have a relatively small-scale quantum computer. While this would not be sufficient to solve complex problems that require large-scale quantum computing, you could still explore quantum algorithms and perform computations that demonstrate the potential of quantum systems for specific applications, such as small-scale optimization problems or simulations of simple quantum systems.
800 qubits: An 800-qubit quantum computer could enable more sophisticated calculations, allowing for more complex simulations and optimization tasks. You might be able to tackle certain chemistry simulations, factor larger numbers using Shor's algorithm (though it would still be limited in practice), or explore more advanced quantum machine learning models.
1000 qubits: At this level, quantum computers could potentially achieve "quantum advantage" over classical computers for specific problems. You might be able to perform more efficient quantum simulations of larger chemical systems, solve certain types of optimization problems with improved speed, or explore advanced quantum algorithms like quantum Fourier transform or quantum phase estimation.
10 thousand qubits: A 10,000-qubit quantum computer would be a significant milestone. It could have a substantial impact on various fields. Some potential applications include simulating complex chemical reactions, optimizing large-scale logistics problems, breaking larger RSA encryption keys with Shor's algorithm (posing a significant threat to classical cryptography), and advancing the development of more powerful quantum machine learning models.
100 thousand qubits: Quantum computers with 100,000 qubits would have even greater computational capabilities. They could potentially revolutionize areas such as material science, drug discovery, financial modeling, and advanced optimization problems. Simulating quantum systems of significant complexity and solving certain types of problems that are currently intractable for classical computers would become feasible.
1 million qubits and beyond: As the number of qubits increases into the millions and beyond, quantum computers would possess unprecedented computational power. This could lead to breakthroughs in various scientific fields, including quantum chemistry, materials science, cryptography, and machine learning. They could potentially solve problems that are currently beyond the reach of classical computers, enabling advancements in areas such as designing new materials, optimizing complex supply chains, and exploring quantum simulations of physical systems with high precision.
It's important to note that the exact capabilities of quantum computers are not solely determined by the number of qubits, but also by factors such as qubit quality, error rates, connectivity, and control mechanisms. The above descriptions provide a general perspective on the potential impact as qubit numbers increase, but the specific applications and breakthroughs would depend on the advancements in quantum technology and algorithms.