Scientific researchers at IBM Research in Yorktown Heights, N.Y. say they have come up with a quantum computing solution that harnesses the underlying quantum mechanics of Matter. The researchers say that they could deliver the technology within the next decade. A quantum computer would bring to reality a theoretical device capable of performing millions of computations at once.

Matthias Steffen, manager of the Experimental Quantum Computing group at IBM claims:

“I do think this will happen within my lifetime,”

“Quantum computing could revolutionize information technology compared to what we know now.”

“Quantum computing could factor numbers, or break them down into their prime numbers, in exponentially fewer steps than can be done with classical computers,”

“The quantum computing work we are doing shows it is no longer just a brute force physics experiment. It’s time to start creating systems based on this science that will take computing to a whole new level,”

There are still a number of technical challenges to overcome before quantum computers will become a reality. Currently the technology is not reliable, but new experiments are taking place on a large scale and small successes have been recognized.

Steffen elaborates:

“We are now good enough where we can put five or 10 of these on a chip and start doing quantum calculations,”

“We have to solve a number of engineering questions. It’s exciting to be at this point.”

It sounds like a legend could be realized in the near future, it is an exciting time for technology and we are experiencing more innovation in a shorter time than any other period of history. I will continue to keep an eye on quantum computing research and report what I find.

With a three-qubit chip, IBM has cemented the foundations of the quantum computer. Photo: IBM: