Yet Another Breakthrough for Quantum Computing

Physicists Find Way To Control Individual Bits In Quantum Computers

ScienceDaily (July 7, 2009) — Physicists at the National Institute of Standards and Technology (NIST) have overcome a hurdle in quantum computer development, having devised a viable way to manipulate a single "bit" in a quantum processor without disturbing the information stored in its neighbors. The approach, which makes novel use of polarized light to create "effective" magnetic fields, could bring the long-sought computers a step closer to reality. Read Article

It seems that breakthroughs in quantum computing technology are rolling out quicker than ever. Just yesterday Chris blogged about an optical transistor made from an individual molecule, and now today we find that researchers (on the opposite side of the world) have found a practical way to manipulate individual quantum bits (qubits).

Again, I predict quantum tech to be implemented on the mass market within the next few years. Since we still have other paradigms of computing to use as well, I would expect the tech to work as sort of a melting pot of technologies. Integrated circuitry will still be around, it will just be enhanced by molecular and quantum tech. We can likely increase our computing efficiency in the short run by implementing these new technologies one function at a time. Is that theoretically possible? I don't know, I'm no computer engineer, but it seems to be the most practical way to get these new technologies on the road. In the meantime we'll just keep living life.