Naked Science Forum

Non Life Sciences => Technology => Topic started by: questioner on 20/08/2012 13:12:19

Title: When will quantum computing become a reality?
Post by: questioner on 20/08/2012 13:12:19
When will I get my quantum computer?
Title: Re: computing
Post by: neilep on 20/08/2012 13:39:02
In another place and time you probably already own your quantum computer !  [;)]
Title: Re: computing
Post by: evan_au on 25/08/2012 12:31:00
Your quantum computer probably already exists far out in the Oort cloud, where temperatures are not far above absolute zero, and many metals become superconductors. But the instant you look at it, the quantum states will decohere, and it will stop calculating.

But seriously, there are some simple applications of quantum entanglement (like transmitting encryption keys), and the code-crackers are probably funding research projects that will advance the field (but slowly, since they won't publish any concrete results).

Theoreticians are still trying to identify applications for which quantum computers would be efficient (maybe calculating quantum states?).

If we can find a way to get quantum entanglement working to shave a few milliseconds off the data transmission time between stock exchanges, I can think of quite a few stockbrokers who would pay millions for it...

It will be quite a few years before a quantum computer can compete on a size, speed and power basis with conventional computers for common applications - the cryogenic refrigeration and helium shortage will see to that.

Meanwhile we need to content ourselves with silicon-based computers, using hard disks based on the tunnel magnetoresistance effect and laser-based CD drives; these computers are based on an earlier generation of quantum theory, and work fine around room temperature.

http://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Semiconductor
http://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Laser#Stimulated_emission
http://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Tunnel_magnetoresistance

The next quantum-mechanical upgrade to your home computer may well be in the display subsystem, where quantum dots and organic LEDs are both advancing rapidly (and I am sure the unique quantum transport properties of graphene will find applications too).
http://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Oled#Working_principle
http://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Quantum_dot#Quantum_confinement_in_semiconductors
http://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Graphene#Electronic_transport