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Quantum Computing: Dream or Nightmare?

AUG 01, 1996
Recent experiments have deepened our insight into the wonderfully counterintuitive quantum theory. But are they really harbingers of quantum computing? We doubt it.

DOI: 10.1063/1.881512

Serge Haroche
Jean‐Michel Raimond

The principles of quantum computing were laid out about 15 years ago by computer scientists applying the superposition principle of quantum mechanics to computer operation. Quantum computing has recently become a hot topic in physics, with the recognition that a two‐level system can be presented as a quantum bit, or “qubit,” and that an interaction between such systems could lead to the building of quantum gates obeying nonclassical logic. (See PHYSICS TODAY, October 1995, page 24 and March 1996, page 21.)

More about the Authors

Serge Haroche. Ecole Normal Supérieure, Paris.

Jean‐Michel Raimond. Ecole Normal Supérieure, Paris.

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Volume 49, Number 8

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