Now, quantum computing a step closer: Scientists
By siliconindia   |   Thursday, 03 June 2010, 21:34 IST   |    5 Comments
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Now, quantum computing a step closer: Scientists
London: A team of scientists from the Toshiba's research center has claimed that their Entangled Light Emitting Diode (ELED) has brought the prospect of a light based quantum computer a step near, according to a report by Reuters. Till now, making entangled light has only been possible using bulky lasers. Toshiba's new ELED uses standard semiconductor technology and is made of gallium arsenide, a common material in optical electronics. It is similar to usual light emitting diodes used in consumer electronics and household lightings, except it contains a tiny region, dubbed a quantum dot, which converts electrical current into entangled light. Quantum computers based on optical processes need a large number of entangled photons, where light particles are linked so that they exist in two possible states simultaneously-something Albert Einstein described as "spooky." But connecting the odd powers of quantum physics - which looks at the universe at the level of atoms, photons and other particles - was easier said than done. Now, Andrew Shields of Toshiba and colleagues believe they have a key tool for the job in the form of a simple-to-make device, which can be hooked up to a battery to produce entangled light as and when required. "It's a big step because it means you can now start to integrate lots of devices on a single chip," said Shields. According to him basic quantum computing circuits using the technology could be ready in five years The Toshiba team, working with the University of Cambridge's Cavendish Laboratory, explained their invention in the journal Nature. Other researchers are using atoms or electrons, rather than photons, as quantum computing building blocks. But Shields said the ELED marked a big step forward for the optical approach. Quantum computers are likely to be used initially to solve problems that are otherwise virtually intractable, such as modeling new molecules in pharmaceuticals. The new invention may also offer an answer when technology based on conventional silicon chips bumps up against the laws of physics and components cannot be made any smaller.

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