Quantum Leap for Computers.
November 5th 2007 10:23
Quantum physics
Professor Christopher Monroe and his team of scientists have developed the first quantum computer chip, the initial step in producing a new generation of super fast quantum computers. These computers have the potential of processing multiple inputs of information simultaneously, making them much faster than a conventional computer. Using the same semiconductor fabrication technology used in today’s computers, U-M researchers were able to trap a single atom within an integrated chip and control it using electrical signals. "We directly view this single atom with specially-tuned lasers and a sensitive camera," said Dr. Monroe. "This type of ion trap has never been demonstrated at such a small level and in an integrated chip structure." While Monroe and his team were successful in trapping a single ion on a chip the size of a postage stamp, the next step will be to trap multiple ions. "There is a worldwide race to build these chips right now," said Dr. Monroe. "Such an integrated chip structure shows a way to scale the quantum computer to bigger systems, just like the microfabrication of conventional chips have given us impressive gains in conventional computing speed and power."
Don’t expect to buy a Quantum computer at your local Best Buy store anytime soon. The application of the technology is decades away and quantum systems will most likely be applied to massive databases, rather than the latest home computer or laptop. For more information on the Quantum chip and other research breakthroughs at the University of Michigan go to www.techtransfer.umich.edu.
extracted from Michigan.org
Remember it was Techno who brought it to you. The geek speaks.
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Comment by Lara M
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Comment by Mountain Fog
And the other thing that really got my attention, was:
"We directly view this single atom with specially-tuned lasers and a sensitive camera," said Dr. Monroe.
HUH??? Does he mean they can actually LOOK at a single atom, in real time, like stare through a microscope?? I know they have electron microscopes, but I was unsure they could get a resolution at that scale....I am actually an old fan of science and technology, but not up with what scientists are doing in this area at all.
What will this really mean, this ability? Will it be an extension of nano technology?
cheers and I liked the photo collage too!
fog
Comment by Techno
Geeky Blog
Comment by Techno
Geeky Blog
But this is information technology, that much different again, they'll be recording things at the same time rather than one after the other, this will speed up the computers, incredibly fast already, rather like parallel and series in Physics, but I'm just guessing, they would not have revealed everything, they don't want copy cats and it's not about to happen just yet, there are just some things that defy comprehension by previous standards, some very complex work there way beyond the microscope I think. So how did you come to end up in the theatre?
A wild card, it seems to me. And computer technology courses have definitely changed in that period of time since what you refer to. I guess a lot of the hard work has been taken out of it, still not easy to comprehend tho'. And I'm just a new chum. a new kid on the block.
techno