Dresden 2003 – scientific programme

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HL: Halbleiterphysik

HL 15: Hauptvortrag Keyes

HL 15.1: Invited Talk

Tuesday, March 25, 2003, 09:30–10:15, POT/81

Challenges for solid state quantum computing — •Robert W. Keyes — IBM Research Division

Quantum computing attracts interest as a possible way to deal with certain intractable problems of conventional digital computing. The source of the expected power is the processing of many variables simultaneously by representing them in a superposition of quantum states. One even finds statements that an infinite or No-dqarbitraryNo-dq amount of information can be stored in a superposition. The formation and handling of superpositions will be reviewed. The difference between the ideal and perfectly known world of quantum theory and the imperfections of real devices constructed in laboratories and factories may in practice limit the information that can be contained in superpositions of quantum states. A large quantum computer would probably be built with solid state devices, in which differences between components are especially prominent; examples are presented. The challenge for quantum computing is to find a way to use superpositions of states of devices without precise knowledge of their physical characteristics.