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

In summary, Canadian company D-Wave shows off technology that promises to give quantum computing capabilities to mainstream industry, but there are many tech sites that have covered this story already. The technology is still in its early stages and may not be true quantum computing yet.
  • #1
fargoth
320
6
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 :tongue2: ).

what do you think?
 
Last edited by a moderator:
Physics news on Phys.org
  • #2
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?
 
Last edited:
  • #3
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.
 
  • #4
Can this new computer factor 77? That's my public key.
 
  • #5
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...
 
  • #6
fargoth said:
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.
 
  • #7
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."
 
Last edited by a moderator:

1. What is a quantum computer and how is it different from a classical computer?

A quantum computer is a type of computer that uses quantum mechanical phenomena, such as superposition and entanglement, to perform operations on data. This is different from a classical computer, which uses binary digits (bits) to store and process information. In a quantum computer, the basic unit of data is called a quantum bit (qubit), which can represent multiple states simultaneously, allowing for more efficient and complex calculations.

2. How does a quantum computer work?

A quantum computer uses qubits, which are subatomic particles that can exist in multiple states at the same time. By manipulating and controlling these qubits, quantum computers can perform calculations and solve problems at a much faster rate than classical computers. This is because qubits can represent and process multiple states simultaneously, giving quantum computers a significant advantage in handling complex calculations.

3. What are the potential applications of quantum computers?

Quantum computers have the potential to revolutionize many industries, including finance, healthcare, and cybersecurity. They can be used to solve complex optimization problems, simulate quantum systems, and improve machine learning algorithms. In the future, quantum computers may also be used to develop new materials and medicines, as well as advance artificial intelligence.

4. How has a quantum computer been demonstrated?

There have been several demonstrations of quantum computers, including by companies such as IBM, Google, and Microsoft. These demonstrations have typically involved solving specific problems or performing basic calculations using a small number of qubits. However, the goal of demonstrating a fully functional, error-corrected quantum computer with enough qubits to outperform classical computers is still being pursued by researchers around the world.

5. What are the challenges and limitations of quantum computers?

Quantum computers face several challenges and limitations, including the difficulty of maintaining the fragile qubits in a stable state, the need for specialized equipment to control and measure qubits, and the high cost of building and operating such a complex machine. Additionally, quantum algorithms are still being developed and it is not yet clear which problems can be solved more efficiently on a quantum computer compared to a classical computer.

Similar threads

D-Wave - first commercial quantum computer
    • Quantum Physics
Replies
11
Views
8K
What is D-Wave's Progress in Quantum Computing?
    • Quantum Physics
Replies
3
Views
2K
A critical view of current ideas of abiogenesis
    • Biology and Medical
Replies
2
Views
4K

Hot Threads

Recent Insights

Back
Top