Quantum computing is one of those “just around the corner” technologies that have the scientific community split. Tech outfits such as Google and IBM have gone full throttle with both research and development and marketing as if they’re already here, while many independent researchers have claimed quantum computers will never work.

Most people working in the field, however, believe that quantum computers will be able to solve problems that classical computers can’t solve within the next 10 years.

This is according to a recent survey of 927 people with associations to the field of quantum computing (researchers, executives, press, enthusiasts, etc.) conducted by QuEra. Of those surveyed, 74.9% “expect quantum to be a superior alternative to classical computing for certain workloads” within the next 10 years.

Light is an excellent carrier of information used not only for classical communication technologies but also increasingly for quantum applications such as quantum networking and computing. However, processing light signals is far more complex, compared to working with common electronic signals.

PEARC24 launched its first Workshop on Broadly Accessible Quantum Computing (QC) as the full conference began, July 22, in Providence, RI. Led by NCSA’s Bruno Abreu and QuEra’s Tomasso Macri, 30+ participants included quantum chemists, system administrators, software developers, research computing facilitators, students and others looking to better understand the current status and the prospects of QC and its applications.