Posted on 02/23/2006 3:58:12 AM PST by S0122017
Quantum computer works best switched off
Even for the crazy world of quantum mechanics, this one is twisted. A quantum computer program has produced an answer without actually running.
The idea behind the feat, first proposed in 1998, is to put a quantum computer into a “superposition”, a state in which it is both running and not running. It is as if you asked Schrödinger's cat to hit "Run".
With the right set-up, the theory suggested, the computer would sometimes get an answer out of the computer even though the program did not run. And now researchers from the University of Illinois at Urbana-Champaign have improved on the original design and built a non-running quantum computer that really works.
They send a photon into a system of mirrors and other optical devices, which included a set of components that run a simple database search by changing the properties of the photon.
The new design includes a quantum trick called the Zeno effect. Repeated measurements stop the photon from entering the actual program, but allow its quantum nature to flirt with the program's components - so it can become gradually altered even though it never actually passes through.
"It is very bizarre that you know your computer has not run but you also know what the answer is," says team member Onur Hosten.
This scheme could have an advantage over straightforward quantum computing. "A non-running computer produces fewer errors," says Hosten. That sentiment should have technophobes nodding enthusiastically.
Journal reference: Nature (vol 439, p 949)
From issue 2540 of New Scientist magazine, 22 February 2006, page 21
Ping
The answer is .....42.
So, I could go to Free Republic and view the latest articles without turning on my computer?
I's amazing, I first understood the concept of quantum-computers when I read "Transit" by Michael Chricton :(
When they get it right there will be no limits for what a computer can do, I think...
Actually if our brains where quantum we would know the articles without even having to read them.
Although we would have to expose our brain to the articles in some way
I was going to read this but then I decided not to, and somehow I understood everything that was in the article.
The truth shall reveal itself in mysterious ways.
so long, and thanks for all the fish!
They stole this idea from John Kerry's "Plan"!
Plese explain the Zenon effect then :)
Scary.
How true! My computer hasn't made a single error while it's been turned off.
If I could surf FR with my computer turned off I could save a lot of time.
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Think of it as the particle still standing where it is but it's shadow moving through the shadow of the computer.
The shadow would the quantum nature of the particle allowing it to exist in multiple states at the same time
and the shadow, not being an actual shadow, allows feedback back to the particle altering it.
The political analogy might be a kernel of truth and logic getting into a hard leftist's head.
So you're saying it will never happen? ;-)
A non-posting Freeper produces fewer spelling errors
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