Quantum computer gets closer to reality

Researchers at Delft University of Technology in the US have succeeded in carrying out calculations with two quantum bits, the building blocks of a possible future quantum computer.

Washington, June 18 : Researchers at Delft University of Technology in the US have succeeded in carrying out calculations with two quantum bits, the building blocks of a possible future quantum computer.

A quantum computer is based on the amazing properties of quantum systems. They have superior qualities in comparison to the type of computers currently in use, and if realised, they will be able to carry out tasks that are beyond the abilities of all normal computers.

In quantum computers, a quantum bit, also known as a qubit, exists in two states at the same time and the information from two qubits is entangled in a way that has no equivalent whatsoever in the normal world.

Now for the first time, scientists have been able to realise a 'controlled-NOT' calculation with two qubits with the superconducting rings.

According to the research team, this is important, as it allows any given quantum calculation to be realised.

As of now, the team is currently studying two types of qubits: one type, which makes use of tiny superconducting rings, and the other, which makes use of 'quantum dots'.

The findings appear in this week's issue of the journal Nature.

ANI