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Thread: Quantum Computer works best switched off !!!

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    Quantum Computer works best switched off !!!

    Now, if this doesn't blow your mind, I don't know what will

    Even for the crazy world of quantum mechanics, this one is twisted. A quantum computer program has produced an answer without actually running.

    The idea behind the feat, first proposed in 1998, is to put a quantum computer into a “superposition”, a state in which it is both running and not running. It is as if you asked Schrödinger's cat to hit "Run".

    With the right set-up, the theory suggested, the computer would sometimes get an answer out of the computer even though the program did not run. And now researchers from the University of Illinois at Urbana-Champaign have improved on the original design and built a non-running quantum computer that really works.

    They send a photon into a system of mirrors and other optical devices, which included a set of components that run a simple database search by changing the properties of the photon.

    The new design includes a quantum trick called the Zeno effect. Repeated measurements stop the photon from entering the actual program, but allow its quantum nature to flirt with the program's components - so it can become gradually altered even though it never actually passes through.

    "It is very bizarre that you know your computer has not run but you also know what the answer is," says team member Onur Hosten.

    This scheme could have an advantage over straightforward quantum computing. "A non-running computer produces fewer errors," says Hosten. That sentiment should have technophobes nodding enthusiastically.

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    You what?

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    Moderator DavidM's Avatar
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    Quite a Quantum Leap...

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    Dubya?

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    I'm confused x 10000

    Quote Originally Posted by DavidM
    Quite a Quantum Leap...
    "Oh Boy!"

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    a non-running computer produce less errors.. indeed.. it aint running, means no errors..
    Me want Ultrabook


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    Quote Originally Posted by sawyen
    a non-running computer produce less errors.. indeed.. it aint running, means no errors..
    But, it does produce results so therefor it's running

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    lazy student nvening's Avatar
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    iirc the easyest example of superposition it if you imagine an electron which can spin both ways at the same time. No one really knows how this happens but one theory which sticks in my mind is the thoery that there one particle spinning one way in our universe and another spinning the opposite way in a parallel universe. I think thats right but obviously very simple.

    So i guess this htread kinda makes sense then if its doing the opposite thing, oh i dont know lol

    Dont worry,
    no one real understands quantum physics
    lol
    Last edited by nvening; 28-02-2006 at 06:31 PM.
    (\__/)
    (='.'=)
    (")_(")

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    Moderator DavidM's Avatar
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    Except Dr Sam Beckett

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    lazy student nvening's Avatar
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    I have edited my post accordingly
    (\__/)
    (='.'=)
    (")_(")

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    Moderator DavidM's Avatar
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    Mind you - I used to have a quantum computer that worked better when off... except when it was playing Psion Chess.

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    lazy student nvening's Avatar
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    and i get told off for spam?
    (\__/)
    (='.'=)
    (")_(")

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    Almost in control. autopilot's Avatar
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    Build underground bunkers now. The machines are coming people.

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    Treasure Hunter extraordinaire herulach's Avatar
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    Thats not that hard to belive. Quantum computing is basically crazy. A mate of mine is doing his masters project on a quantum database search, the maths is scary. Interesting to note that all quantum computers so far are optical though, what the valve is to the transistor i guess.

    A superposition is best understand as a state that will be either 1 thing or the other with equal probability when you measure it, regardless of it being prepared in the same way

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    Moderator DavidM's Avatar
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    Only thing that spoiled my Quantum computer was Microdrives...

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    Almost in control. autopilot's Avatar
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    Do you interface with it using a really naff flashing plasic PDA thing that you use by hitting it and shouting "Ziggy!" ?

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