One Step Closer to a Universal Quantum Computer

In summary, researchers have successfully demonstrated holonomic quantum gates at room temperature without the need for a magnetic field, which could pave the way for fast and reliable universal quantum computers. However, there is still much work to be done as the current fidelity values are only around 90%, while a 99.9% or better fidelity is desired for more complex computations. The potential threat to cryptosystems is a concern, and the scalability of the current system to more qubits is still unclear.
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Researchers have demonstrated holonomic quantum gates under zero-magnetic field at room temperature, which could enable the realization of fast and fault-tolerant universal quantum computers.

A quantum computer is a theoretical machine with the potential to solve complex problems much faster than conventional computers. Researchers are currently working on the next step in quantum computing—building a universal quantum computer.

Read more at: https://phys.org/news/2018-08-universal-quantum.html#jCp
 
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There is still a lot to do. They achieve fidelity values around 90%. For a quantum computer you want something like 99.9% or better, otherwise you are limited to very simple computations our your output will be garbage. I also don't know how well that system scales to more qubits.
 
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jedishrfu said:
One Step Closer to a Universal Quantum Computer.
While it is a fascinating threat to cryptosystems, it is those steps that worry me.
Do they form a circular path, but spiral outwards?
Or is it a random walk, with each step half the length of the last?
Maybe it is a square dance. How many hares, tortoises and millipedes are involved?
 
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1. What is a quantum computer?

A quantum computer is a type of computer that uses principles of quantum mechanics to process and store information. Unlike classical computers which use bits (0s and 1s) to represent data, quantum computers use quantum bits (qubits) that can represent multiple states simultaneously, allowing for much faster and more efficient computation.

2. How is a universal quantum computer different from other quantum computers?

A universal quantum computer is able to perform any computation that a classical computer can do, but with much greater speed and efficiency. Other types of quantum computers, such as quantum annealers, are designed for specific types of problems and may not be able to solve more general computational tasks.

3. What are the main challenges in building a universal quantum computer?

There are several major challenges in building a universal quantum computer, including finding ways to control and manipulate qubits without causing them to lose their quantum properties, minimizing errors in computation, and scaling up the number of qubits to a level that allows for useful calculations.

4. What are some potential applications of a universal quantum computer?

A universal quantum computer has the potential to greatly impact fields such as drug discovery, materials science, and cryptography by allowing for faster and more accurate simulations and calculations. It may also be able to solve currently intractable problems in fields such as machine learning and optimization.

5. Is a universal quantum computer currently available?

No, a fully functional universal quantum computer does not yet exist. However, there are several companies and research institutions working on developing one, and there have been significant advancements in recent years. It is expected that a working universal quantum computer may become available within the next decade.

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