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
I want one of these computers that you don't have to turn on. This would save me a considerable chunk of change in electricity costs. :-)
Okay-Check out http://www.layersoflightinternational.com/
Ya need to spray yourself Joe baby!
That used to be called cocaine! :-)
HAHA! yeah well this would be a nice substitute!
You might actually get an acceptible fps in F.E.A.R.
I'm lost... I'm going to turn my brain off to understand it :P
Try ticktacktoe, and let the computer simulate a game playing both sides to make a win :)
ping
There is a very high-level principle that says that something and its opposite can not exist at the same time. Smith can't be alive and dead at the same time.
Any science that claims that a "cat" can be alive and dead at the same time is invalid.
Particle physics is not a true science.
Oh I am not so sure about that.
I have heard rumors about men that are married and happy at the same time. Just because I have never seen it doesn't mean it isn't true.
Sounds like there will be no limits for what a computer can do if you don't think... 8^)
Hmmm. So if I have a computer that works when it isn't on, can it also answer questions that haven't been asked?>>>>>>>
Old joke from the very early days of computers:
A professor claims to have built a computer that can snswer any question on any subject, one of his students says,"I can stump that computer easily". The professor says,"go ahead and try". The student types on the keyboard,"where is my father". The machine whirs, clicks and spits out a piece of paper on which it has printed,"your father is on a fishing trip in Alaska". The student laughs hysterically at the professor and says,"my father died ten years ago". The professor scratches his head and says,"this is strange, please rephrase your question and try again". The student types in,"where is my mother's husband". The computer whirs and clicks and spits out another answer,"your mother's husband died ten years ago but your father is still fishing in Alaska".
It's no fun unless one can also staple, spindle, and mutilate.
Yes: "where's my fish?"
Yes, but at least there is a huge amount of anecdotal evidence for it, collected from women.
LOL
Only "fewer?" Not "zero?"
"I have always thought that this is a surprisingly silly paradox."
This is not a very good statement of the paradox. Much better is the idea of Ulysses racing the tortoise. of course, Ulysses can move much faster than a tortoise. Yet, he can never overtake him.
here's why: the tortoise starts out with a head start over Ulyssess. In the time it takes Ulysses to arrive at the tortoise's original position, the tortoise has moved some distance forward. Hence, the tortoise still has a lead.
But now, we are in a situation analogous to the original one. once again, it will take time for Ulysses to move from his second position to the tortoise's second position. During this time, the tortoise will move forward.
Hence, it is LOGICALLY IMPOSSIBLE for Ulysses to ever catch up to the tortoise, no matter how much faster he is running.
However, this article explains the flaw in the above fallacy. Surely, as the distance between the two become smaller, at a certain point the tortoise would become entangled with the quantum projections emanating from Ulysses. This would cause the tortoise to stumble and allow Ulysses to pass.
* chuckle *
Hence, it is LOGICALLY IMPOSSIBLE for Ulysses to ever catch up to the tortoise, no matter how much faster he is running.
Umm, still no. This explanation is not much different than the flight of the arrow to its target, in which it must first cover half the distance, then half the remaining distance, etc. All these "paradoxes" (paradoxi?) rely on essentially the same logical time stop. It's nice that real-world time just marches on at the same pace, never bothering to pause and consider whether the arrow has flown half the distance yet. :-)
quantum ping
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