Quantum Supremacy: How the Quantum Computer Revolution Will Change Everything

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NEW YORK TIMES BESTSELLER An exhilarating tour of humanity's next great technological achievementquantum computingwhich may supercharge artificial intelligence, solve some of humanity's biggest problems, like global warming, world hunger, and incurable disease, and eventually illuminate the deepest mysteries of science, by the bestselling author ofThe God Equation. Expertly describes and rectifies common misconceptions about quantum computing." Science

"[Kaku's] lucid prose and thought process make abundant sense of this technological turning point. The New York Times Book Review

The runaway success of the microchip may finally be reaching its end. As shrinking transistors approach the size of atoms, the phenomenal growth of computational power inevitably collapses. But this change heralds the birth of a revolutionary new type of computer, one that calculates on atoms themselves.

Quantum computers promise unprecedented gains in computing power, enabling advancements that could overturn every aspect of our daily lives. While the media has mainly focused on their startling potential to crack any known encryption method, the race is already on to exploit their incredible power to revolutionize industry. Automotive makers, medical researchers, and consulting firms are all betting on quantum computing to design more efficient vehicles, create life-saving new drugs, and streamline businesses. But this is only the beginning. Quantum computing could be used to decode the complex chemical processes needed to produce cheap fertilizers and unleash a second Green Revolution; create a super battery that will enable the Solar Age; or design nuclear fusion reactors to generate clean, safe, renewable energy. It may even unravel the fiendishly difficult protein folding that lies at the heart of as-yet-incurable diseases like Alzheimers, ALS, and Parkinsons. Already, quantum computers are being put to work to help solve the greatest mystery in sciencethe origin of the universe.

There is no single problem humanity faces that might not be addressed by quantum computers. With his signature clarity and enthusiasm, Dr. Michio Kaku, who has spent his entire professional life working on the quantum theory, tells the thrilling story of this exciting scientific frontier and the race to claim humanitys future.

Reviews

Praise for Michio Kaku's Quantum Supremacy

"Kaku spends much of [Quantum Supremacy] recounting the history of computing, bringing listeners back to the Turing machine and the invention of transistors as crucial foundations. That mind-blowing future is the focus. . . . [Kaku's] lucid prose and thought process make abundant sense of this technological turning point. The New York Times Book Review

Expertly describes and rectifies common misconceptions about quantum computinga technology regarded by experts as one that is likely to have profound societal implications. . . . Kaku deftly navigates the relevant scientific landscape. . . . Lucid. . . . Kaku excels at developing understandable metaphors for the complexities of quantum mechanics and computing. . . . Well written and accessible, offering readers a comprehensive overview of quantum computing, its underlying principles, and its potential. Science

A renowned physicist explains the mind-blowing potential of quantum computing. Translating complicated scientific concepts into language that lay readers can understand is an art. Kaku, a professor of physics at the City University of New York, is one of the best practitioners. . . .Kaku examines how quantum computing could profoundly affect biotechnology, medicine, energy, food production, and environmental modellingvirtually every aspect of human activity. . . . The author pauses occasionally to provide summaries, which is important given the inherent complexity of the subject. As always, Kakus enthusiasm is contagious, and this latest book is an important guide to a crucial part of the tech future.An informative and highly entertaining read about the computing revolution already underway. Kirkus Reviews

Illuminating revealing a breathtaking, expansive look into the promise, power, and possibility of quantum computing. . . . Kaku will spark the imagination of [readers] interested in the nexus of computers and quantum mechanics. Booklist

Author Bio

MICHIO KAKU is a professor of physics at the City University of New York, cofounder of string field theory, and the author of several widely acclaimed science books, including Hyperspace, Beyond Einstein, Physics of the Impossible, and Physics of the Future. He isthe science correspondent for CBSs This Morning and host of the radio programs Science Fantastic and Explorations in Science.