Academic Session 2025-26

ODD Semester Jul-Dec 2025

UNIVERSITY INSTITUTE OF ENGINEERING

DEPARTMENT: ACADEMIC UNITS(1-5)
Bachelor of Engineering: CSE, CSE-Specialization and Non-CSE
1ST SEMESTER
ENGINEERING PHYSICS
25SPH-141
Unit No. 1 Chapter No. 2 Lecture No. 9
Topic : Quantum computing for weather forcasting and cryptography
Dr. Nandni Sharma (E12297) Assistant Professor
 Learning Objectives

Objective 1. Understand the basic principles of quantum computing

Objective 2. Understand how quantum computing can enhance
weather modeling
Objective 3. Avantages of quantum computing
 CONTENTS
• Quantum computing Introduction
• History of Quantum computing
• Key concepts in quantum computing
• Types of qubits
• Advantages of quantum computing
• Applications of quantum computing
• Quantum computing in weather forecasting
• Quantum Computing in Cryptography
• Future Prospects of Quantum Computing
• References
 QUANTUM COMPUTING
Quantum computing is a field of computing
that uses principles of quantum mechanics
such as superposition and entanglement to
perform computation. Computers that
perform quantum computations are known
as quantum computers.

Figure 1: Quantum computer [1]

 History
Theoretical Development (1980s - 1990s): Quantum Computing Concepts
• 1920s–1930s: Birth of Quantum Mechanics
• 1980s: Conceptual Foundations of Quantum Computing
• 1990s: Breakthrough Algorithms and Theory
• 2000s: Early Experiments and Proof of Concept
• 2010s: Commercial Interest and Scaling Up
• 2020s–Present: Toward Practical Quantum Computing Figure 2: Nobel Laureate
Richard Feynman [2]
Companies like IBM, Google, Intel, IonQ, Rigetti, and Quantinuum are racing to
build fault-tolerant quantum machines. IBM released a 127-qubit processor
(Eagle) in 2021 and aims for 1,000+ qubits. Focus on error correction, hardware
scalability, and useful applications in optimization, chemistry, AI.
 Some Key Concepts in Quantum Computing

1. Qubits (Quantum Bits)

The basic unit of quantum information, similar to a
bit in classical computing. A qubit can be in state 0,
1, or a superposition of both at once.
2. Superposition
A quantum system can exist in multiple states
simultaneously. Enables quantum computers to
process many possibilities in parallel. For example,
3 qubits can represent 8 states at once.
3. Entanglement
A powerful quantum phenomenon where qubits
become correlated. Measuring one qubit instantly
affects the state of the other, regardless of distance.
Crucial for quantum algorithms and quantum
teleportation. Figure 3: Superposition and Entanglement in qubits [3]
 Types of Qubits
1. Superconducting Qubits
• Based on superconducting circuits with Josephson junctions.
• Used in IBM, Google, and Rigetti quantum computers.
• Examples: Transmon qubits, Flux qubits, Phase qubits.

2. Trapped Ion Qubits

• Use ions (charged atoms) confined and manipulated using electromagnetic fields.
• Used by IonQ and Honeywell.

3. Photonic Qubits
• Encode quantum information in the properties of photons (polarization, time-bin, or path).
• Used by Xanadu and PsiQuantum.
 Types of Qubits
4. Spin Qubits (Semiconductor Qubits)
• Based on the spin of an electron or nucleus in a semiconductor quantum dot.
• Used by Intel and Silicon Quantum Computing.

5. Topological Qubits
• Rely on exotic quasiparticles called anyons, which store information non-locally.
• Under research by Microsoft (Majorana-based qubits).

6. Neutral Atom Qubits

• Use neutral atoms trapped in optical lattices and manipulated with laser pulses.
• Used by QuEra and Atom Computing
Advantages of Quantum Computing

https://vlinkinfo.com/blog/what-is-quantum-computing/ 9
Applications of Quantum Computing

https://onlinelibrary.wiley.com/doi/abs/10.1002/spy2.284 10
 Quantum Computing in Weather Forecasting
Quantum computing holds significant potential to
revolutionize weather forecasting, a field that relies on
massive data processing and complex mathematical
models.

Challenges in weather forecasting

Weather forecasting requires:
• Processing terabytes of data from satellites, radars, and
sensors.
• Solving complex differential equations based on physical laws
(Navier-Stokes, thermodynamics).
• High-resolution models that simulate atmospheric behavior
over time and space.
• Forecasting with uncertainty—small errors can grow rapidly
due to chaotic systems.

https://1qbit.com/blog/quantum-computing/forecasting-the-weather- 11
using-quantum-computers/
 Quantum Computing in Weather Forecasting
Quantum computers can handle massive datasets and perform parallel calculations through superposition
and entanglement.

• Faster Data Processing: Quantum computers can analyze massive climate datasets much faster than
classical computers, improving real-time forecasting.
• Improved Climate Models: Quantum algorithms can simulate complex weather systems more
accurately, leading to better predictions of extreme weather events.
• Enhanced Numerical Weather Prediction (NWP): Quantum computing can optimize NWP models by
solving differential equations more efficiently.
• Better Disaster Management: By improving the accuracy and speed of weather predictions, quantum
computing can help governments and organizations prepare for hurricanes, floods, and other natural
disasters.
 Quantum Computing in Weather Forecasting

https://link.springer.com/chapter/10.1007/978-3-031-73350-5_9
https://onlinelibrary.wiley.com/doi/abs/10.1002/9781394242399.ch4
13
 Quantum Computing in Weather Forecasting

https://www.globenewswire.com/news-release/
https://www.eurekalert.org/news-releases/1078816 2024/12/12/2996285/0/en.html
14
 Quantum Computing in Cryptography
Quantum cryptography utilizes the principles of quantum mechanics to secure communications,
particularly in key distribution and encryption. The key cryptography protocol algorithms are:

• BB84 Protocol (Quantum Key Distribution)

It uses polarized photons to encode bits of a secret encryption key. Two parties (often called Alice and
Bob) exchange photons in random polarization bases (horizontal/vertical or diagonal).

• Shor’s Algorithm (Quantum Code-Breaking)

It can factor large integers exponentially faster than the best-known classical algorithms. Modern
encryption like RSA relies on the fact that factoring very large numbers is extremely time-consuming for
classical computers.

• Grover’s Algorithm (Speeding up Search)

Search unsorted databases or solve problems where the solution must be guessed and verified (like
brute-force key searching). It reduces the time complexity from O(N)to O(√N).
 Quantum Computing in Cryptography

Quantum computing is a quantum step

forward in computing technology that can
transform many industries, including
cybersecurity. With the development of
quantum computers, they bring a lot of
threats to traditional cryptographic
systems, which is a concern in ensuring
the security of data and communications.

https://cryptodeeptech.ru/doc/
Quantum_Computing_and_Cybersecurity_Navigating_Emerging_Threat 16
 Future Prospects of Quantum Computing
• Drug discovery through precise molecular simulation
• Material science: Develop superconductors, new alloys, and energy-efficient materials
• Finance: Portfolio optimization, risk modeling, fraud detection
• Logistics: Optimize supply chains, traffic, and resource allocation
• Healthcare: Genomic analysis, protein folding, personalized treatment
• Development of large-scale, error-corrected quantum computers
• Capable of running complex, reliable quantum algorithms
 References
1. https://newsroom.clevelandclinic.org/2023/03/20/cleveland-clinic-and-ibm-unveil-first-qu
antum-computer-dedicated-to-healthcare-research
2. https://www.caltech.edu/about/news/remembering-richard-feynman-81875
3. https://medium.com/@arti.singh280/quantum-computing-qubits-are-the-fundamental-uni
ts-of-information-d7a8a8ea8e75
4. https://vlinkinfo.com/blog/what-is-quantum-computing
5. https://onlinelibrary.wiley.com/doi/abs/10.1002/spy2.284