Spooky computers closer to reality

[Adsos Letter]

SOURCE: naturenews
Katharine Sanderson

The computers of tomorrow could be quantum not classical, using the quantum world's strange properties to vastly increase memory and speed up information processing. But making quantum computing parts from standard kit has proved difficult so far.

Now physicist Leonardo DiCarlo of Yale University, New Haven, and his colleagues have made the first solid-state quantum processor, using similar techniques to the silicon chip industry. The processor has used programs called quantum algorithms to solve two different problems. The work is published in Nature1.

Classical systems use a series of 0s and 1s, or bits, to convey information. Two bits, for example can be combined as either 00, 11, 01 or 10. But quantum systems have a property called superposition, where all these combinations can exist at once. This vastly increases the amount of information that can be stored and the speed at which it can be processed.

Quantum bits, or qubits, can also be entangled — the state of one qubit influences the state of another even at a considerable distance. A quantum computer would use entangled qubits to process information.

http://www.nature.com/news/2009/090628/full/news.2009.603.html

[Bucky]

1. This article made my head hurt until I forgot the Leonardo DiCaprio joke I was gonna make

So instead I'll just post this picture of Sarah Palin winkin' at you. Yes, at you personally. I think she likes ya, don'tcha know.

[Tiggeroshii]

2. leonardo dicaprio joke?

Do tell!

[armyowalgreens]

3. "...device works at just a fraction of a degree above absolute zero... "

That's a problem. I don't think this technology will be mass produced for quite some time.

[ProdigalJunkMail]

5. well, sure it will!

i can cool stuff like that at my house...in my car...hell, in my mobile...can't you!?! jk

in reality, it will only be a matter of time until they are able to make stuff like this work 'up close and personal'. i foresee a HAL9000 in everyones' home-office in the near term...except mine. i will be in my garden if you need to reach me...

sP

[boppers]

4. I love how stupid, and uneducated, we have become.

Yay, america!