Quantum Computer

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TLD

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Ultimate Geek
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Topic # 228861 25-Jan-2018 23:31

I've just been reading about Australian of the Year, Professor Michelle Simmons on BBC News. Amongst other things, Prof Simmons — a quantum physics professor — was part of a team that made a transistor from a single atom in 2012, and wants to develop a Quantum Computer that would "solve problems in minutes which would otherwise take thousands of years". How exciting does that sound, and will they use it for bit coin mining? I really hope I live long enough to see things like realised. (I'm 68)

Trevor Dennis
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Lastman

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Master Geek
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Reply # 1946962 26-Jan-2018 07:29

Quantum computers are limited by the algorithms that you can apply to them. Public key encryption is deemed vulnerable as Shor’s algorithm can assist with factorization problems.

Other types of encyrption can be secured against quatum computer attack by increasing key size e.g double.

Encrytion systems being developed now will assume quatum computers are going to be commercially available and so will allow sufficient headroom to defend against them.

https://betanews.com/2017/10/13/current-encryption-vs-quantum-computers/

TLD

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Ultimate Geek
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Reply # 1946987 26-Jan-2018 09:06

How expensive can a box of atoms be?

Trevor Dennis
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freitasm

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Reply # 1947006 26-Jan-2018 09:21

In other words, a quantum computer is not deemed to be a "general use" compute device like the desktops you use now. It's something applied to specific problem-solving algorithms.

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DarthKermit

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Reply # 1947085 26-Jan-2018 11:29

Also, you're unlikely to have an iPhone 22.5 in ten years with a built in quantum computer. Current quantum computers need to be cooled to near absolute zero to function.

Gordy7

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Reply # 1947144 26-Jan-2018 13:24

Quantum computer research seems to be using large cryogenic systems.

It is conceivable that on-chip cryogenic cooling could be used for the few qubits required to build a small quantum computer.

Gordy

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Reply # 1948526 30-Jan-2018 10:50

TLD:

..was part of a team that made a transistor from a single atom in 2012, .

Nope, didnt happen.
A single atom is just that . A single atom. A transistor requires more than a single atom, else its just a single atom.
"....really possible to position one phosphorus atom in a silicon environment"

Anyway, whenever things are 5-10years away, they often just never happen
:-)

Coil

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Reply # 1948554 30-Jan-2018 11:03

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Lastman

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Reply # 1948580 30-Jan-2018 12:02

One person supports this post

1101:
TLD:

..was part of a team that made a transistor from a single atom in 2012, .

Nope, didnt happen.
A single atom is just that . A single atom. A transistor requires more than a single atom, else its just a single atom.
"....really possible to position one phosphorus atom in a silicon environment"

Anyway, whenever things are 5-10years away, they often just never happen
:-)

A single atom transistor refers to a single atom being used as the gate for the transistor ie changing the states.

1101

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Reply # 1948643 30-Jan-2018 14:57

Lastman:

A single atom transistor refers to a single atom being used as the gate for the transistor ie changing the states.

and therefore NOT a single atom transistor.
I would think minimum of 3 atoms , 2 & its only a diode or switch. No current or voltage gain = just a switch

Why even call it a transistor anyway , just clutching for publicity or misreporting ?

TLD

631 posts

Ultimate Geek
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Reply # 1948847 30-Jan-2018 20:12

Lastman:
1101:

TLD:

..was part of a team that made a transistor from a single atom in 2012, .

Nope, didnt happen.
A single atom is just that . A single atom. A transistor requires more than a single atom, else its just a single atom.
"....really possible to position one phosphorus atom in a silicon environment"

Anyway, whenever things are 5-10years away, they often just never happen
:-)

A single atom transistor refers to a single atom being used as the gate for the transistor ie changing the states.

Hey, I'm not fussy about it using just the one atom. If they have to use half a dozen atoms and a couple of those quarks, I'd be more than happy. As for the absolute zero bit, well, if the guys fancy a vodka while in the pursuit of inventing a pocket Cray, well lets not be stuffy about it. If they are having trouble keeping it cool, have they tried delidding it?