Chuang led the team of scientists from IBM Research, Stanford University and the University of Calgary. Indeed, the basic elements of quantum computers are atoms and molecules. IBM's quantum computing project is an effort to plan for a future beyond silicon semiconductors, which experts predict will reach a physical limitation on processing power in the next 10 to 20 years. The number of transistors that can be placed on an integrated chip doubles every 18 months, according to the computer engineering axiom known as Moore's Law. The fluorine atoms can be programmed by radio frequency pulses and be detected by nuclear magnetic resonance instruments like those used in hospitals and chemistry labs.
Atoms can also spin in two directions at once when unobserved.
Harnessing these properties for calculation enables quantum computers to process equations exponentially faster than a conventional computer by being able to do several computing steps at the same time. For more news from IDG visit IDG.net Story copyright 2000 International Data Group. All rights reserved. Inc. All rights reserved. Reproduction in whole or in part in any form or medium without express written permission of Computerworld, Inc. is prohibited.