Constructing the fastest computer has always been a huge challenge posed by technology. In the past, computer developments werheld back, as the machines, though extremely fast, could only perform one binary operation at a time. Today, this is no longer true.

In May 2011, computing company D-Wave released the first commercial quantum computers, which run on complex physics principles to perform multiple tasks simultaneously.

Deep inside a common computer’s system, all operations boil down to 0’s and 1’s—like an “on” and “off” switch—in the programs. For example, a computer solves the basic numeric operation of 2+2 with a series of 0s and 1s in varying patterns, that will eventually be converted by the machine to print the symbol 4 on the screen. This set of instructions is known as binary code.

The speed of computer operations has been hampered by the fact that it takes time for a machine to go through the lists of 0s and 1s to accomplish a task. Though 2+2 is virtually instantaneous for a modern machine, current computing systems pose a serious time efficiency issue regarding large tasks requiring billions of operations.

Quantum computers, however, have the ability to perform multiple binary tasks simultaneously.

As stated on D-Wave’s website, “the laws of quantum physics, which govern the microscopic world, allow bits of matter to be in two states simultaneously…. [Quantum computing] put[s] bits of information into their 0 and 1 states at the same time.”

Promoters of the invention were skeptical at first, finding the idea esoteric and far-reaching. However, a research group from Burnaby, British Columbia made immense progress in this technological field, making the product a reality.

“At first I thought, ‘this sounds like science fiction’… and many people had told them over the years that [it] is impossible,” said Vern Brownell, CEO of D-Wave, in an email to the Tribune. “But they have really accomplished a miracle to get this far.”

These quantum computers are among the most predominant breakthroughs in worldly applications of deep quantum physics. Numerous corporations are supporting the promotion of these computers, showing a strong public interest in the new technology.

According to a D-Wave press release, “[As of 2010], Lockheed Martin purchased serial number 1, completing the historic first sale of a commercial quantum computer.” Since then, D-Wave has received support from Goldman Sachs, Harris & Harris, the Business Development Bank of Canada, and others.

The press release stated the company had over 100 pending patent applications worldwide, related to quantum computing and superconducting electronics.

Beyond a magnificent technological innovation, these computers show how science on the smallest scales is rapidly becoming more applicable. According to data released by the Project on Emerging Nanotechnologies, the number of companies and organizations involved worldwide in nanotechnology projects has reached 1,200—an increase of 50 per cent since 2011.

With this immense support and  the percent increase in corporations involved, science on the nano and quantum scale is likely to bring rise to more of these “science fiction” innovations previously deemed impossible.

According to ScienceNews, incredible quantum effects, such as the ability to change the outcome of an event after it has happened, quantum teleportation, and quantum computing are properties that are currently being taken advantage of by researchers. These properties could lead to further discoveries that reach beyond basic human understanding.

Another practical use of quantum mechanics recently developed is the nearly perfected secret messaging technology known as cryptography. Based on the principle that a photon of light—a particle carrying light radiation—changes once observed, the code can catch any person trying to intercept the message. Observation of the photons would change the code and alert those on the receiving end to its interception.

The list of developments of recent quantum technology goes on. As the science expands, the previously esoteric quantum mechanics will continue to influence other fields of science, as well as spur invention. D-Wave computers are just the first of several small-scale innovations that lead to large-scale changes in life as we know it.