Data crunch - could spell the end of traditional computing

[andyP]

I found this link on the BBC technology site.
oh ha - this would be some mean computing power, it only remains to ask "when"?

[egibbs]

Quantum computers are interesting, but the possibilities beyond mere computation are staggering.

Earlier this year I read an absolutely incredible article about an experiment where a researcher was able to "store" a complete image on a single photon. Now you would think that was impossible, I certainly did, but in fact it can be done. The trick is to make the image into a pattern of holes in an opaque barrier, then direct the photon at the barrier. Just like in the double slit experiment the photon behaves like a wave and passes through all of the holes, encoding information about the holes positions and relations in the photon's wave function.

The part that wasn't explained, and which I frankly don't get, is how they were then able to recover the information from the photon. The article had a picture of what they recovered - it was a blurry but clearly recognizable image of the hole pattern - absolutely mind blowing.

Ed Gibbs

[andyP]

Impressive
Today the BBC is reporting about going back in time and pitching Colossus from WWII against modern computers for code cracking. It would appear, from what they are saying, modern computers are in for a tough competition.