First Quantum Computer

[HenryTo]

As demonstrated by D-Wave Systems:

http://news.zdnet.co.uk/emergingtech/0,1000000183,39285936,00.htm

Because of its inherent properties, D-Wave's computer is optimised for running complex and often consuming simulations — for example, what happens when different variables are changed in an ornate financial model, or how different proteins interact with various synthetic, simulated pharmaceuticals. The system also could be used for non-scientific research such as searching patent databases for matches and overlap of intellectual property.

Goldman will want to get its hands on that computer.

However, some scientists are skeptical:

http://www.cnn.com/2007/TECH/ptech/02/15/quantum.computer.ap/

[diesel]

Toms Hardware talks about the D-WAVE quantum computer.

http://www.tomshardware.co.uk/super-cooled-quantum-computing,review-31150.html
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All cats are gray in the dark.

[HenryTo]

Seth Lloyd - professor of mechanical engineering and the director of the Center for Extreme Quantum Information Theory at MIT - on quantum computing and the impact of D-Wave's technology:

http://www.technologyreview.com/Infotech/20590/page1/

[HenryTo]

Quantum computing just got a little bit closer with this:

http://www.dailytech.com/Quantum+Computer+Researchers+Store+Sub+Zero+Light+Vacuum/article10994.htm

[The Chartist]

That’s an interesting article.

[HenryTo]

It is make-or-break time for D-Wave:

http://www.news.com/D-Waves-quantum-computer-ready-for-latest-demo/2100-1010_3-6217842.html?tag=newsmap

[HenryTo]

More on D-Wave and quantum computing in general - from a Physics PhD speaking in layman's terms:

http://www.walrusmagazine.com/articles/2007.09--breaking-dwave/

[HenryTo]

Quantum computing comes closer to reality yet again:

http://www.ccnmag.com/news.php?id=5393

[HenryTo]

Q&A session with the company's founder and Chief Technology Officer on MIT Technology Review:

http://www.technologyreview.com/Infotech/18495/page1/

The interview doesn't give out much - I am not convinced at this point. But it looks like their first businesses will come from Wall Street.

[HenryTo]

NASA backs quantum computing claim

http://www.itworld.com/Tech/3494/070309nasaquantum/index.html

[rffrydr]

Nanotubes offer three-state, physical (non-volatile) memory with speed comprable to RAM:

http://www.physorg.com/news63291916.html
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Today is the Tomorrow you worried about Yesterday!

[rffrydr]

Should be able to do it with a photon--at room temp.

You're focused on the chip side--forgetting about the sun. Averaging out and accounting for all the contingencies that only works less than 30 percent of the time. Japan IS doing it, and then there's the land of no sun, Germany! They almost prove the exception. When I looked into it for NorCal one of the problems was too much sun! Heat builds resistence.

I like another kind of wave--the sea.

http://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Wave_power

http://www.oceanpowertechnologies.com/

Problem there is, the power of the ocean to create is also the power to destroy. And water destroys everything.
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Today is the Tomorrow you worried about Yesterday!

[HenryTo]

Yes, and the kind of energy that we will need to cool the thing to near Absolute Zero will come from breakthroughs in the solar energy area.

And I doubt we will need to wait 50 years for this industry to mature. I will give it 15 years, and 20 years at the most.

We will soon find out if they were just "blowing smoke" by the end of this year.

[rffrydr]

Those will be cold fingers:

http://www.economist.com/science/displaystory.cfm?story_id=8697464
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Today is the Tomorrow you worried about Yesterday!