Quantum Computers Advancing

UPI ^ | July 26, 2002 | UPI Deputy Science and Technology Editor

[gcruse]

QUANTUM COMPUTERS ADVANCING

University of Wisconsin researchers have designed a semiconductor-based device that can trap individual electrons and line them up, an advance that brings the enormous potential of quantum computing one step closer. The "quantum dot" device, as it is called, holds electrons in a way that can be scaled up to build a working quantum computer. Made from tiny amounts of the same semiconductor materials used in today's computer chips, each quantum dot device contains just one electron. When many of the devices are aligned, the electrons they house become usable quantum bits, or "qubits," for computing. Unlike the bits of classical, serial computers, which exist either in the off or on -- "0" or "1" -- state, qubits can exist in both states at once. This quality allows quantum computers to calculate all possible solutions to a problem simultaneously, instead of one-by-one like their slower, serial counterparts. Researchers said the ability to "parallel process" means quantum computers hold tremendous number-crunching potential for certain tasks -- such as highly sophisticated data encryption and code-breaking -- that now defy the most powerful supercomputers.

-0-

[dinasour]

Physics Bump

[ChadGore]

University of Wisconsin Bump!

[Momaw Nadon]

I wonder how well Quake III would play on a quantum computer?

The frames per second must be unreal.

[ChadGore]

Re: "The frames per second must be unreal."

Unreal ? that's a whole new game. :)

Quantum quake means being every player, monster and weapon on the map at the same time. < g >

[Libertarianize the GOP]

.

[Ernest_at_the_Beach]

Thanks for the ping!

To find all articles tagged or indexed using tech_index

Click here: tech_index

[blam]

Someone provide a design, I can provide the 'dots.'

[Ken H]

If you can't beat 'em, quantum!

[DAnconia55]

They already exist.

Or at least are "rumored" to.

[MarkL]

Quantum mechanics gave me a headache in college...

Mark

[gcruse]

"Rumored" as in vaporware?

[gcruse]

Quantum mechanics gave me a headache in college...

 That you even took the course is a tribute to you.

[John Valentine]

I am a certified Quantum mechanic.

So far I haven't found one that needs any work, though.

[gcruse]

I am a certified Quantum mechanic.

Could you beat this particle
into a wave for me?

[Dominic Harr]

Unlike the bits of classical, serial computers, which exist either in the off or on -- "0" or "1" -- state, qubits can exist in both states at once.

Both states at once? Both 'off' and 'on' at once?

My brain hurts.

[gcruse]

I know.  I come up with the scenario where a
Quantum Excel spread sheet formula comes up
with yes & no at the same time...then I go to
my macroworld to see which is right.

[Doctor Stochastic]

Yes.