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  • Published: 6 August 2024
  • ISBN: 9780141999456
  • Imprint: Penguin Press
  • Format: Paperback
  • Pages: 352
  • RRP: $24.99

Quantum Supremacy

How Quantum Computers will Unlock the Mysteries of Science – and Address Humanity’s Biggest Challenges




An exhilarating guide to the astonishing future of quantum computing, from the international bestselling physicist

The runaway success of the microchip processor may be nearing its end, with profound implications for our economy, society and way of life, even leaving Silicon Valley as a new Rust Belt, its technology obsolete. Step forward the quantum computer, which harnesses the power and complexity of the atomic realm, and may be useful in solving humanity's greatest challenges from climate change, to global starvation, to incurable diseases. Humanity's next great technological achievement already promises to be every bit as revolutionary as the transistor and microchip once were. Its unprecedented gains in computing power and unique ability to simulate the physical universe herald advances that could change every aspect of our lives.

Corporations and whole nations are betting on quantum computing, hoping to exploit its power to design more efficient vehicles, create life-saving new drugs and streamline industries to revolutionize the economy. But this is only the beginning. Quantum computers could allow us to finally create nuclear fusion reactors that produce clean, renewable energy without radioactive waste or threats of meltdown. They could help us crack the biological processes that generate natural, cheap fertilizer and enable us to feed the world's growing populations. And they could unravel the fiendishly difficult protein folding that lies at the heart of previously incurable diseases such as Alzheimer's, motor neurone disease and Parkinson's, helping us to live longer, healthier lives. Told with Kaku's signature clarity and enthusiasm, Quantum Supremacy is the story of this exciting frontier and the race to claim humanity's future.

  • Published: 6 August 2024
  • ISBN: 9780141999456
  • Imprint: Penguin Press
  • Format: Paperback
  • Pages: 352
  • RRP: $24.99

About the author

Michio Kaku

Michio Kaku is a leading theoretical physicist and one of the founders of string theory, widely regarded as the strongest candidate for a 'theory of everything'. He is also one of the most gifted popularizers of science of his generation, author of Hyperspace, Visions, Einstein's Cosmos and Parallel Worlds. His latest book is Physics of the Impossible (Penguin, 2008).

He also hosts the weekly hour-long US radio show Explorations. He holds the Henry Semat Professorship in Theoretical Physics at the City University of New York where he has taught for over twenty-five years.

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Praise for Quantum Supremacy

One of the world's most distinguished physicists.

Guardian

Michio Kaku is truly a phenomenon.

Focus

One of the gurus of modern physics.

Financial Times

An international treasure and a man of infectious enthusiasm.

The Times

Beautifully written … fascinating … Kaku’s sheer enthusiasm could probably light a small town

Daily Mail

A superstar physicist

The Times

Mind-blowing. . . Kaku's lucid prose and thought process make abundant sense of this technological turning point

The New York Times Book Review

Kaku brings his signature enthusiasm and optimism to bear on a vision of a time when it will be possible to manipulate reality at will

Simon Ings, New Scientist

Refreshing … a vivid primer

Daily Telegraph

Well written and accessible, offering readers a comprehensive overview of quantum computing, its underlying principles, and its potential

Science