China Is Already Beating the US in Quantum Computing

An Upgrade to Quantum Computing in China (That The US Needs to Be Aware Of)

Introduction

We all know about the qubit.

At least, everyone who works in quantum computing.

But there is a new kid in town — the quaterbit.

Unlike qubits, which have 2 states, quaterbits have 4 states.

The idea is very old.

It is based on the concept of quaternions, a mathematical theory developed by the legendary mathematician Hamilton as far back as 1843.

It was first put forth as a workable computing model in 2008; the research paper’s link is provided below.

Quaternionic Computing, by Jose M. Fernandez and William A. Schneeberger

Now I will list both for you, with the mathematical formalism.

The Qubit

Quantum computing is based on complex numbers, hence two states, and hence a superposition can be achieved through a superposition in probabilities.

The mathematical formulation is given below: