Slashdot Mirror
Tiny Holes Advance Quantum Computing
Nick writes "Worldwide, scientists are racing to develop computers that exploit the quantum mechanical properties of atoms - quantum computers. One strategy for making them involves packaging individual atoms on a chip so that laser beams can read quantum data. Scientists at Ohio State University have taken a step toward the development of quantum computers by making tiny holes that contain nothing at all. The holes - dark spots in an egg carton-shaped surface of laser light - could one day cradle atoms for quantum computing."
Quantum computing is quite simply where we turn after existing silicon is exhausted. Once the basics about the random nature of quantum particles, which is extremely interesting, the meaning of computer and mechanics thereof can be redefined.
Will it run Longhorn?
Well, yes, that rather is the definition of "hole," isn't it? Having nothing in them is what distinguishes them from the rest of the surroundings.
...will be read by sharks with friggin lasers on their heads?
Scientists ... making tiny holes that contain nothing at all.
So these boffins have developed "nothing", but one day, in the far future, this nothing could be filled with something important.
Wow. What an age we live in.
Unfortunately, I am not Wil Wheaton
They're speed holes, they make the computer go faster....
The thing I'm really looking forward to on Slashdot 2015 are all the posts:
"Why would anyone need that much power? I remember 9 years ago when we only had 10 qubits to work with! Quantum programmers sure are spoiled and lazy today."
I'm a big tall mofo.
And how many would it take to fill the Albert Hall?
--
"Outlook not so good." That magic 8-ball knows everything! I'll ask about Exchange Server next.
What they didnt tell you is that the discovery of the holes stems from research into quantum alcohol fast-queuing, aka the first atomic beer-bong.
Oh come on, it is *ohio state*
Quantum computers will use red smoke (the Rubium cloud). Will we call the hobbiests that push the limits of these machines Quark shakers?
When the people fear their government, there is tyranny; when the government fears the people, there is liberty.
... of mini-mini-golf. Now all I need is a microscopic golf club and an infinitesimal ball and I'm all set.
. . . won't quantum computers mean an end to binary?
In the old days, a cat in a box was either alive or dead - one or zero, you might say. Nice and easy.
But when it gets quantum? How the hell is a simple machine going to cope when it asks "Is it one or zero?" and gets told "Both"
"We've had to replace 'if' and 'and' with 'maybe' and 'probably'. And 'not' has become obsolete."
So.. it has come to this
I, for one, can't quite imagine how are they going to stop neutrinos from entering that space...
Simple. They'll just repolarize the quantum invariance field and then bombard it with a tachyon pulse. This creates a standing wave of Heisenberg Flux, which is the only way to be certain the hole is empty.
Operator, give me the number for 911!
> Scientists at Ohio State University have taken a step toward the development of quantum computers by making tiny holes that contain nothing at all
In related news, Ohio State University has recieved research funding from the NSA to perform Ear Exams on all members of Congress twice a year...
I would love to see a 747 parallel park in Manhattan.
Didn't they try that back in 2001?
My quantum computer is REALLY fast but I don't know where it is.
So are these holes real or not??
(if you don't get it, don't mod it)
The problem with the current quantum computer research is there are always butterflies in China flapping their wings ... interfering with the research done in the US.
"by making tiny holes that contain nothing at all. " that reminds me of the old moron test: "how much dirt is a hole 2' x 2' x 2'?"