Powerful quantum computers are a step closer to reality, thanks to researchers at UNSW (The University of New South Wales). The use of Quantum Computers, and subsequently the use of Quantum Key Distribution would stop eavesdropping on connections dead, making communication secure, and near impenetrable. The Australian researchers claim to have developed two new types of quantum bits, or “qubits”, that can perform operations with accuracy above 99%. Where traditional computers perform their calculations in binary – using 1s and 0s – quantum computers exploit the odd characteristics of the quantum state of particles at the atomic scale. At their heart, they put the qubits into a state of “superposition” where, like Schrödinger’s famous cat, their value isn’t definitely 1 nor 0, but both at the same time. To “solve” a calculation, the quantum state is ended, so that the qubits take a classic 1 or 0 value. Setting the quantum states and superposition up correctly should mean a quantum computer will reach the same answer as a normal one. The difference is that once the problem has been set up, a quantum computer can reach its final answer almost instantaneously because the qubits will “collapse” to the correct answer, rather than having to work through a sequence of calculations like a normal digital computer.
Posted on: Wed, 15 Oct 2014 04:50:32 +0000
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