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Quantum Computing Using Traditional Transistors

Ocean Consulting writes "UCLA is reporting progress on the quantum computing front by announcing success in controlling the spin of a single electron using an ordinary transistor." It's been a long road for the researchers involved, and even the project lead, Hong Wen Jiang admits, "...our initial theoretical calculations were very favorable, and gave us confidence to persevere."

3 of 323 comments (clear)

  1. Secure communications? by agm · · Score: 5, Insightful

    Quantum computing, which holds the promise of nearly unlimited processing power, secure communications and the ability to decode encrypted conversations by terrorists and others, is a significant step closer to becoming a reality today with new research published by a team of UCLA scientists in the journal Nature.

    So which is it, secure communications or communications that can be spied on? It can't be both.

  2. Tin Foil Hat Time... by CommanderData · · Score: 4, Insightful

    From the article:
    Quantum computing, which holds the promise of nearly unlimited processing power, secure communications and the ability to decode encrypted conversations by terrorists and others (emphasis mine)

    Take special note of the word others, which should be read as everyone. The government will be falling all over themselves to support this research and inherit a technology that makes encryption virtually useless.

    I'm all for advancing technology, and no doubt quantum computing will be a great leap forward. It's just a shame that our privacy will be sacrificed in the process.

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  3. Secure Communications ... by mdvlspwn99 · · Score: 4, Insightful

    is great. Until the technology becomes ubiquitous enough that even terrorists have access to it. Then what? It's secure...even from us.

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