Quantum computer
hideA quantum computer is a device for computation that makes direct use of quantum mechanical phenomena, such as superposition and entanglement, to perform operations on data. The basic principle behind quantum computation is that quantum properties can be used to represent data and perform operations on these data.
Although quantum computing is still in its infancy, experiments have been carried out in which quantum computational operations were executed on a very small number of qubits (quantum binary digits). Both practical and theoretical research continues with interest, and many national government and military funding agencies support quantum computing research to develop quantum computers for both civilian and national security purposes, such as cryptanalysis.
If large-scale quantum computers can be built, they will be able to solve certain problems much faster than any of our current classical computers (for example Shor's algorithm). Quantum computers are different from other computers such as DNA computers and traditional computers based on transistors. Some computing architectures such as optical computers may use classical superposition of electromagnetic waves. Without some specifically quantum mechanical resources such as entanglement, it is conjectured that an exponential advantage over classical computers is not possible.
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News tagged with quantum computing
Unknown molecule opens the door to quantum computing
Jun 27, 2008 |
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The odd behavior of a molecule in an experimental silicon computer chip has led to a discovery that opens the door to quantum computing in semiconductors.
Quantum computing: Entanglement may not be necessary
Dec 05, 2008 |
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(PhysOrg.com) -- It is a truth universally acknowledged that quantum computing must have entanglement.
Scientists create first electronic quantum processor
Jun 28, 2009 |
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A team led by Yale University researchers has created the first rudimentary solid-state quantum processor, taking another step toward the ultimate dream of building a quantum computer.
Memoirs of a qubit: Hybrid memory solves key problem for quantum computing
Oct 22, 2008 |
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An international team of scientists has performed the ultimate miniaturisation of computer memory: storing information inside the nucleus of an atom. This breakthrough is a key step in bringing to life a quantum ...
Quantum computing may actually be useful, after all
Oct 09, 2009 |
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(PhysOrg.com) -- In recent years, quantum computers have lost some of their luster. In the 1990s, it seemed that they might be able to solve a class of difficult but common problems — the so-called NP-complete ...
First-ever calculation performed on optical quantum computer chip
Sep 03, 2009 |
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(PhysOrg.com) -- A primitive quantum computer that uses single particles of light (photons) whizzing through a silicon chip has performed its first mathematical calculation. This is the first time a calculation ...
Solving big problems with new quantum algorithm
Nov 09, 2009 |
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(PhysOrg.com) -- In a recently published paper, Aram Harrow at the University of Bristol and colleagues from MIT in the United States have discovered a quantum algorithm that solves large problems much faster ...
Quantum computing spins closer
Nov 19, 2008 |
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(PhysOrg.com) -- The promise of quantum computing is that it will dramatically outshine traditional computers in tackling certain key problems: searching large databases, factoring large numbers, creating uncrackable codes ...
Proposed Quantum Computer Consists of Billions of Electron Spins
Sep 09, 2009 |
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(PhysOrg.com) -- While researchers have already demonstrated the building blocks for few-bit quantum computers, scaling these systems up to large quantum computers remains a challenge. One of the biggest problems ...
Computers Faster Only for 75 More Years? Physicists determine nature's limit to making faster processors
Oct 14, 2009 |
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With the speed of computers so regularly seeing dramatic increases in their processing speed, it seems that it shouldn't be too long before the machines become infinitely fast -- except they can't.
Atomtronic transistor and diode could advance quantum computing
Oct 09, 2009 |
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(PhysOrg.com) -- What if atoms could be used to perform the functions currently the province of electronic devices? The goal of atomtronics is to do just that by creating analogues to the common items found in electronic ...
Scientists demonstrate 'universal' programmable quantum processor
Nov 15, 2009 |
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Physicists at the National Institute of Standards and Technology have demonstrated the first "universal" programmable quantum information processor able to run any program allowed by quantum mechanics -- th ...
Study Shows Time Traveling May Not Increase Computational Power
Oct 22, 2009 |
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(PhysOrg.com) -- For more than 50 years, physicists have been intrigued by the concept of closed time-like curves (CTCs). Because a CTC returns to its starting point, it raises the possibility of traveling backward in time. ...
Too much entanglement can render quantum computers useless
May 25, 2009 |
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(PhysOrg.com) -- "For certain tasks, quantum computers are more powerful than their classical counterparts. The task to be performed is the same for quantum or classical systems. However, the former ones can do it in a more ...
Scientists make quantum leap in developing faster computers
Mar 19, 2009 |
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(PhysOrg.com) -- Scientists have created a molecular device which could act as a building block for future generations of superfast computers.
