Until now, quantum computers have been considered devices with strong analog characteristics. Whether using superconducting qubits or ion traps, most methods for manipulating quantum states have relied on analog signals, requiring a high level of expertise and experience to adjust and control them.
However, in recent years, the transition to digital control leveraging semiconductor technologies has become increasingly realistic. If the manipulation of quantum states could be achieved through logical and stable digital circuits—much like transistors—what changes would that bring?
First, it may become possible to generate and manipulate quantum states with greater precision and reproducibility. This would represent a significant step toward realizing large-scale quantum computations with improved execution accuracy and error resistance in quantum algorithms.
Additionally, development and manufacturing scalability would improve. By shifting from analog control—which depends heavily on limited human resources and specialized equipment—to semiconductor-based design and mass production, the manufacturing of quantum chips could move closer to an industrial and standardized process.
With such progress, if we reach a point where we can deliberately design and utilize quantum states as intended, it would open the door to the full-scale social implementation of quantum technologies.
The future of quantum computers is shifting from the mysteries of analog systems to the precision of digital engineering. Witnessing this transformation firsthand fills me with genuine excitement.