[edcoil]

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.

Bizarre maybe but I think it's cool.

[tutstar]

huh?

[Lockbar]

A stopped clock is also correct at least 2 minutes every day.

[ShadowAce]

A little late...

[gondramB]

"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."

I've had several graduate quantum mechanics classes and still don't get this.

[Disambiguator]

It is as if you asked Schrödinger's cat to hit "Run".

If the cat is using Windows, (s)he has to hit "Start" before "Run".

[Hank Rearden]

Too much research loot sloshing around looking for a home?

[Doctor Stochastic]

Why not?

A non-running clock produces the correct answer twice a day.

[Petronski]

Microsoft proved this six years ago: WindowsME performs best if it is never installed at all. Booting WindowsME results in a serious degradation of performance.

[tubebender]

I may have to rethink my tag line...

[KayEyeDoubleDee]

A non-running computer produces fewer errors,

What is the explanation for this statement?

[operation clinton cleanup]

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

Guess the H.A.L. program didn't pan out...

HAL became operational on January 12, 1997 (1992 in the movie) [1] at the H.A.L. Laboratory in Urbana, Illinois, and was created by Dr. Chandra

[FreedomCalls]

I had someone from Diebold tell me that the results of an election can be ascertained with 100% accuracy even before the election takes place.