Future Computer?

April 29, 2005 6:10 AM

Future Computer: Atoms Packed in an 'Egg Carton' of Light?
posted by dfowler (11 comments total)

This image made me laugh, so I thought you might enjoy the story.
posted by dfowler at 6:12 AM on April 29, 2005

... not that the article in the fpp has any bearing whatsoever on the other two...
posted by Chunder at 6:21 AM on April 29, 2005

great post, thanks!
posted by C17H19NO3 at 6:35 AM on April 29, 2005

True, Chunder. Didn't mean to derail with that second story. BBC lead-in talks of drugged animals behaving strangely and then those wacky 'drugged' lambs-- they broke my frail concentration.
posted by dfowler at 6:37 AM on April 29, 2005

Christandl suspects that they are at least two years away from being able to isolate one atom per trap -- the physical arrangement required for a true quantum memory device.

This sounds like those awful ball-bearing-in-a-sealed-maze puzzles.


"Right now, we're just trying to get atoms into the traps, period," she said

Amen, sister. I can never get them to work either.
posted by NinjaPirate at 6:54 AM on April 29, 2005

So is it certain that quantum computing will replace or marginalize electronics by the century's end? I've assumed for years that when we reach the physical limits of electronics, we'll simply HAVE to pour money into quantum computing. But I've heard precious little about the progress of quantum computing (since I'm a layman who relies on the occasional news story). So anyway, I'll put it this way: when can I expect a quantum computer in my home?
posted by NickDouglas at 7:20 AM on April 29, 2005

when can I expect a quantum computer in my home

Now, three years from now, or possibly two weeks ago. It's impossible to be certain.
posted by ROU_Xenophobe at 7:46 AM on April 29, 2005

Now, three years from now, or possibly two weeks ago. It's impossible to be certain.

Game over; you won.
posted by mkhall at 8:11 AM on April 29, 2005

Nonsense. I predict that within 100 years, computers will be twice as powerful, 10,000 times larger, and so expensive that only the five richest kings of Europe will own them.
posted by Sangermaine at 8:36 AM on April 29, 2005

Bet! And I'll hold you to that, Sangermaine! HA HA HA......
See you in 95 years, suckerrrrrrrr!
posted by dfowler at 8:39 AM on April 29, 2005

If you want to make a quantum omelet ...

(you're good rou_xenophobe)
posted by nofundy at 9:32 AM on April 29, 2005