Quantum computing ever closer to reality

For most scientists , quantum computers will be the future of computing. Why the future? I hear you ask. In fact, a quantum computer is a million times faster than a normal computer. Only this factor sufficient to justify the assertion .

However, there is limitation in respect of quantum computing. Problems keeping the active quantum state at room temperature is one of them. Until now, only it would be possible to maintain this state for about two seconds short.

However, an international team scientists beat the record , to be able to keep the quantum state for an incredible 39 minutes .

In ordinary computer, information is stored in the bit sequence , which can take two values, either 0 or 1 ( true or false ). In the case of quantum computation, it is possible to store sequences of qubits ( quantum bits ), this means that the information can take on the values ​​0 and 1 simultaneously.

In quantum computing , the calculations can be manipulated simultaneously raising thousands of times the computing power.

Unfortunately, to keep the quantum state quantum computers need to operate at temperatures below zero ( near absolute zero) , which complicates the entire process.

Aware of all the difficulties , scientists have tried to give back to the question in order to circumvent the problem . They encoded information phosphorus atoms linked to the silicon , at temperatures near absolute zero.

Silicon placed in a magnetic field , creating a state of "superposition" This process created the state where the qubits can exist in both states (0 and 1 ) simultaneously.

Once scientists have raised the temperature to about 25 degrees Celsius, the quantum state was maintained for half an hour. Making this experience a success.

Obviously 39 minutes is not long . However, it was the first time I managed to keep the quantum state by well more than 2 seconds. Another factor to consider is the fact that they are ultra-fast computers and during this short period of time (39 minutes), they can perform more than 20 million calculations.

Although currently it is already possible to buy a quantum PC, this has not (yet) a very limited system . At this time, has not discovered how to put the acts qubits in different quantum states, enabling them to communicate with each other. This capability is essential for large-scale calculations .

Thankful, companies like Google , who take their time and resources to research and develop this technology , we may soon be entering the era of quantum computing.