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New State of Matter Boosts Quantum Computation

Matthew Sparkes writes "In theory, quantum computers can be superior to classical computers for some kinds of problems; in practice their building blocks, qubits, are extremely fragile. Even a slight knock can destroy information. A radical solution to this problem was proposed in the 80's — instead of storing qubits in properties of particles, such as an electron's spin, it was suggested that qubits could be encoded into properties shared by the whole material, and so would be harder to disrupt. Unfortunately, no material with the needed properties existed. Scientists now think they have made a material in the lab, thought to be an example of a new state of matter, that might do the trick. It's an ultra-purified form of a mineral, herbertsmithite, first discovered in Chile in 1972. Its electrons are arranged in a triangular lattice. Researchers say it could become the silicon of the quantum computing era."

6 of 41 comments (clear)

  1. Herbertsmithite? by tygerstripes · · Score: 4, Funny

    Wow. I wonder who discovered the mineral...?

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    Meta will eat itself
    1. Re:Herbertsmithite? by Ambitwistor · · Score: 4, Funny

      It's named after its discoverer, H. Erbertsmithite.

  2. Destroy information? by Bob+Gelumph · · Score: 2, Funny

    I thought that was impossible.
    Otherwise Hawking wants his book back.

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    I'm gonna need a spec.
  3. Rename the Valley Now by WED+Fan · · Score: 5, Funny

    Herbertsmithite...[r]esearchers say it could become the silicon of the quantum computing era.

    The new technology center, in the San Francisco Bay Area, formerly known as Silicon Valley has been rechristened "Herbertsmithite Valley". Stars are flocking to get the new Herbertsmithite Breast Implants (Quantum Boobies).

    Wait.

    Nevermind, don't think it will fly.

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    1. Re:Rename the Valley Now by Anonymous Coward · · Score: 1, Funny

      Stars are flocking to get the new Herbertsmithite Breast Implants (Quantum Boobies).
      I predict these will be amazingly popular, as they exist as all sizes and cups simultaneously, taking the shape as preferred by the observer.
    2. Re:Rename the Valley Now by Anonymous Coward · · Score: 2, Funny

      Quantum Boobies?

      You mean they may(or may not) exist, but you won't know until shes in the sack?

      No thanks.

      PS: the i'm-not-a-script word for this post was "dickens"