All we need now is someone to programme it to design an infinite improbability drive ...

 

Quantum computer works best switched off

From New Scientist Print Edition 22 February 2006

 

Even for the crazy world of quantum mechanics, this one is twisted. A quantum computer program has produced an answer without actually running.

 

The idea behind the feat, first proposed in 1998, is to put a quantum computer into a

"A non-running computer produces fewer errors,"

 

Surprising, that.

Notice they didn't say "no errors".

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+1

Notice they didn't say "no errors".

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Logically that is the correct answer.

WTF?

 

I have an old 500mhz computer, can they make it play Oblivion?

Yes, but you must turn it off.

That will not be a problem.

 

Besides, turning that thing on in todays world would be like thawing a caveman out in ours. He would just be scared and confused.

Edited March 3, 200619 yr by kumquatq3

Yes, but you must turn it off.

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Strange.

Well, it depends on your definition of "turning off" is. If you send signal A through device X and you get something out of it, then device X is by all logic turned on/active.

Quantum computing defies standard circuitry.

 

Besides, the article stated that the photon doesn't "pass through" anything, so even by your definition, it isn't on.

...but allow its quantum nature to flirt with the program's components...

What does this actually mean?

It means they need to get out more.

...but allow its quantum nature to flirt with the program's components...

What does this actually mean?

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It means that they likely have zero understanding of the explanation themselves, and figure they'd just gloss over exactly what is happening, pissing off physics majors everywhere.

Science!

Science!

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That was a bona fide good piece of science. If you had lost an ear due to fire damage or some such, I bet you'd be more appreciative of the scientists that were able to grow a real one (on the back of a mouse, yes, but it is still a human ear).

...but allow its quantum nature to flirt with the program's components...

What does this actually mean?

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It's all to do with quantum entanglement. Basically two "paired" quantum particles have a direct effect on each other, as if they are connected. So, for example, one can add energy to one, and the other might give off energy as a photon.

 

No-one understands how this canhappen, at present. And, in fact, it doesn't correspond to any existing laws of physics, because it is possible to seperate two such quantum particles and have them act on each other instantaneously, i.e. FASTER THAN LIGHT CAN TRAVEL BETWEEN THEM.

 

What does it mean? Not sure what the full ramifications are (yet), but it probably indicates that our space-time universe is warped and stretched, but someforces can act THROUGH the fabric of the universe.

 

Best example is to picture a M

So, can I sleep at work and claim I'm just doing "quantum work"?

...but allow its quantum nature to flirt with the program's components...

What does this actually mean?

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It's all to do with quantum entanglement. Basically two "paired" quantum particles have a direct effect on each other, as if they are connected. So, for example, one can add energy to one, and the other might give off energy as a photon.

 

No-one understands how this canhappen, at present. And, in fact, it doesn't correspond to any existing laws of physics, because it is possible to seperate two such quantum particles and have them act on each other instantaneously, i.e. FASTER THAN LIGHT CAN TRAVEL BETWEEN THEM.

 

What does it mean? Not sure what the full ramifications are (yet), but it probably indicates that our space-time universe is warped and stretched, but someforces can act THROUGH the fabric of the universe.

 

Best example is to picture a M

Edited March 4, 200619 yr by Kaftan Barlast

Science!

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That was a bona fide good piece of science. If you had lost an ear due to fire damage or some such, I bet you'd be more appreciative of the scientists that were able to grow a real one (on the back of a mouse, yes, but it is still a human ear).

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Wow, it looks like I really upset you, and just with one word.

...but allow its quantum nature to flirt with the program's components...

What does this actually mean?

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Scientists say subatomic particles can exist in more than one state at the same time, so while they're taking measurements that prove light isn't going inside the machine, it's quantum nature let's it do just that whilst also remaining outside. The Zeno effect is basically them 'proving' the light hasn't gone inside the machine (even though it has).

 

Simple huh.

 

Baffled by this nature of subatomic particles being able to have more than one state at the same time (let's say for example a particle spinning anticlockwise could also be spinning clockwise), scientists wondered if you zoomed out of the atomic scale at what point does this phenomenen stop happening. Erwin Schr

^I'm for any cat death trap based science

 

even if it does brings us one step closer to Skynet

Edited March 4, 200619 yr by kumquatq3

Let's feed it the Ear-Mouse. You know... for science.

Let's feed it the Ear-Mouse. You know... for science.

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Scientist 1: Smith, what's wrong, you've been depressed all day

 

Scientist 2: ...

 

Scientist 1: Come on now, what, cat got your tongue?

 

Scientist 2: No, my ear ::cries::