CALL A QUANTUM MECHANIC

Quantum computers are notoriously unable to deal with any kind of interference from outside their enclosed systems, often cooled to just above absolute zero for their quantum bits, or qubits, to operate properly. And by properly we mean in a way that makes no sense according to the rules by which we usually understand the universe.

Instead of being limited to the binary digits of 1 or 0, quantum computers are able to reach a ‘superposition’ of both at the same time, thanks to the peculiar properties of the subatomic particles they’re built upon.

The differences in voltage that maintain these states are tiny too, which means anything that can artificially raise or lower a voltage can upset the system.

This is why they’re often kept so cold, so that heat from the outside can’t seep in and mess up the calculations.

As it stands, quantum computers generally run for a matter of microseconds before something causes them to collapse, although we’re getting better at keeping them stable as we add qubits and ramp up the calculating power.

A recent paper published by MIT professors suggests cosmic rays and radiation from the Sun could be a greater threat than anything else, limiting future quantum computers to four milliseconds or so of operating before they decohere.

An energized particle hitting a quantum computer could cause a shockwave effect within a sufficiently complex processor, causing the qubits to fall over like dominos.

The solution? Future quantum computers may have to be built under layers of lead shielding, or underground, to protect them from the natural particle showers.