Is D-Wave's quantum computer the real deal?

[fargoth]

I find it hard to believe that they got 16 qubits working... and they say they'd have 512 or 1024 by the end of next year!

http://www.dailytech.com/article.aspx?newsid=6102

Canadian company D-Wave shows off technology that promises to give quantum computing capabilities to mainstream industry

but there are so many tech sites that cover this computer...

Engadget
http://www.theregister.co.uk/2007/02/13/dwave_quantum/"
http://www.physorg.com/news90685737.html"
http://www.extremetech.com/article2/0,1697,2094849,00.asp"
http://www.sciam.com/article.cfm?chanID=sa001&articleID=BD4EFAA8-E7F2-99DF-372B272D3E271363"

i don't think these sites are serious, i don't know if they had someone credible look at this computer and approve it as a real quantum computer and not just another one of these "quantum computers" that you can find right now (which can run windows ).

what do you think?

 

[Schrodinger's Dog]

I'm no expert but this looks pretty credible, note they are used in tandem with an electronic system. Last I'd heard they had successfully made quantum transistors, but I hadn't heard they were this far along, it could be a fake, but it sounds plausible, there not claiming they have a stand alone quantum system or anything outlandish?

And it appears for now it's slower than a conventional PC and more limited.

Watch this space, there going to get it peer reviewed, if it's quackery we'll soon find out? Could be marketing?

 

[Quaoar]

My company does some work on quantum computers, I can say that a 16 qubit machine is not totally out of line (although its still ahead of the curve). Of course it's possible the company is faking their results, but a 16 qubit machine is not an outrageous claim.

 

[Jimmy Snyder]

Can this new computer factor 77? That's my public key.

 

[fargoth]

if it's true, it's very alarming... if they could make it to the 256 qubit (as they claim they would in a year) online shopping will no longer exist - there would no longer be a secure way to buy through the internet...

 

[Schrodinger's Dog]

if it's true, it's very alarming... if they could make it to the 256 qubit (as they claim they would in a year) online shopping will no longer exist - there would no longer be a secure way to buy through the internet...

I don't think your average criminal will be getting hold of the cryo technology involved for quite some time though.

 

[robphy]

FYI:
"Scientists dubious of quantum computer claims"
http://www.cnn.com/2007/TECH/ptech/02/15/quantum.computer.ap/index.html

"...And independent quantum computing researchers said they are dubious of some of the claims made by D-Wave Systems Inc. because the privately held Canadian company has not yet submitted its findings for peer review, a standard step for gaining acceptance in scientific circles."