(c) Dr Paul Kinsler. [Acknowledgements & Feedback]
This is part of an information maze -- see the index-file for the full picture.
Quantum-computers offer the possibility of vastly increased computing power. Conventional computers operate using classical logic, even though much of the electronics they are made with relies on quantum-mechanics. In a conventional computer, each logic-gate and memory-cell operates using "bits" that can be in one of two states, 0 and 1. In a quantum-computer we can have superpositions -- so a quantum-logic-gate can be in two states at once -- rather like the famous Schroedinger's Cat which is both alive and dead. In order to store a quantum-bit (or qbit) we could use the spin of an electron, or, more practically, the particular quantum states of an atom, or perhaps a quantum-dot made from semiconductor materials.
The superpositions in a qbit means a quantum-computer can run many calculations in parallel using the same hardware. At the moment, however, quantum-computing is in its infancy, and while theoretical work continues apace, so far only small collections of quantum-logic gates have been experimentally tested. Building quantum-computers is hard because the quantum-logic elements need to be super-isolated from the rest of the universe. A single atom floating in an atomic trap can be used to make qbits, and there is potential for using quantum-dots to make qbits that are imbedded in a solid, and therefore easier to integrate into a quantum-computer.
XINDEX: quantum-mechanic, quantum-dot, atom, index-file.
19990610 19981120 (c) Paul Kinsler
XKEYWORD: quantum-computer
Email Feedback: Dr.Paul.Kinsler@physics.org
LOGBUG