A Canadian company by the name of “D-Wave Systems” has revealed the first quantum computer that is commercially viable. A little background information on why quantum computing is so exciting:
A working quantum computer is the dream of every national security official and hacker on Earth. The bits inside existing computers constantly flip between 0 and 1 as they perform small steps such as “if 0, then 1.” But quantum physics allows particles like atoms, electrons and photons to be in two places at once meaning they can represent 0 and 1 simultaneously, allowing more complex calculations.
Researchers believe that by combining many of these quantum bits, or qubits, they will be able to perform certain tasks that are currently out of reach. Chief among them: the ability to swiftly crack encrypted communications.
D-Wave constructed a 16bit version using the superconducting element called niobium(a rare, soft, grey, ductile transition metal). For the presentation they made the computer do three tasks. Searching for molecular structures that match a target molecule, creating a complicated seating plan, and filling in Sudoku puzzles. While the current version this slower than an inexpensive home computer, D-Wave is planning on releasing a much faster version by the end of this year.
3 replies to “Commercial Quantum Computers”
Batkofsky said on February 14th, 2007 at 22:25
I always knew it… the Canadians are attempting to take over the world… first showing Atlantis before anyone else and now quantum computers being viable commercially… we’re doomed!
crazybjörn said on February 15th, 2007 at 08:44
I’m willing to bet that Jade is behind all of this, and he is indeed trying to take over the world with his mounties and what not :P
Batkofsky said on February 15th, 2007 at 12:05
All his posts in classical testing and his attempts at looking ‘mad’ are simply a diversion… that devious little monkey….