Linear optics quantum computing, where one combines linear optics with the nonlinear processes of single photon creation and single photon detection, is a relative newcomer onto the scene of possible routes toward quantum computing. Whenever I think about these schemes, what jumps into my head is a crazily filled optical bench, like the one below from the Zeilinger group:
Now, I’m but a mere theorist, but I think even theorists like me understand that trying to build a large scale version of this scheme, which has considerable overhead behind it in terms of the number of modes needed, is a huge challenge. A further bane of these approaches is that one needs to keep the optical paths stable on a length scale less than the wavelength of the light. This requires some pretty sophisticated stable interferometers. Which is why it is nice to see the new paper from Jeremy O’Brien’s group in Bristol: A. Politi, M. J. Cryan, J. G. Rarity, Y. Siyuan, and J. L. O’Brien, “Silica-on-Silicon Waveguide Quantum Circuits,” Science Express Reports, published online March 27, 2008 (arXiv:0802.0136.)
Continue reading “I've Got Silica on Silicon on My Quantum Stereo”
Notes on Moving to a Mac
A list of observations I found in moving from a PC to a MAC.
Continue reading “Notes on Moving to a Mac”
DARPA's on a QuEST
It looks like DARPA is getting back into funding academic research in quantum computing. Here is a new BAA for a program called QuEST. And it looks like they want revolution, not evolution:
DARPA is soliciting innovative research proposals in the area of Quantum Entanglement Science and Technology (QuEST). Proposed research should investigate innovative approaches that enable revolutionary advances in the fundamental understanding of quantum information science related to “small” quantum systems. Specifically excluded is research which primarily results in incremental improvement to the existing state of practice or knowledge.
Since I strongly believe quantum computers will be built on a revolution, and not an evolution, this makes me happy. Now if I can just find an experimentalist crazy enough to try some of my wacky ideas 🙂
And the Winner Is…
Well, after the Great Debate, I decided to take the plunge and get….
Yep, a MacBook Pro with a top clock speed and a ton of RAM (what you can’t infer those later things from the picture?) So far things are so good, although I must say, the “it just works,” MacMantra is just a plain lie. Getting LaTeXiT, Leopard, Linkback plugin, and Keynote to play nice together was certainly not something I’d want to force upon most people. However, I guess if your trying to use LaTeX in Keynote, then you’re probably up to the task.
The World Market is Five Quantum Computers
From the bits blog at the New York Times, a list of technology famous quotes which may or may not have been said. Two of which I believe I’ve used before (doh!):
“640K ought to be enough for anybody.” This quotation is attributed to Bill Gates, but Mr. Shapiro suspects that it is apocryphal, and is seeking the person who either said it or first attributed it to Mr. Gates.
…
“I think there is a world market for about five computers.” This is a attributed to Thomas J. Watson, Jr., but Mr. Shapiro suspects it of being apocryphal and is seeking the person who either said it or first attributed it to Mr. Watson.
Museum Tours For the Insecure
I always knew that T-Rex was a vegetarian:
“Trying to teach children not to believe everything they see.” Shouldn’t they add “and believe in everything they don’t see?”
Update: I should have known Pharnygula would have posted this before me. Note to self: always check with PZ before posting something about creationism 🙂
Shor Calculations (Quantum Wonkish)
Over at Emergent Chaos I found an article which throws down the gauntlet over quantum computers. And there isn’t anything I cherish more than gauntlets thrown down!
Note: I should preface this by saying that I don’t consider myself a over the top hyper of quantum computers in the sense attacked by the author. I find quantum computers fascinating, would really like to see if one can be built, but find the hyperbole that accompanies any small advance in the field a bit over the top. However I also think the article misses a lot of important points (and insinuates that people haven’t actually thought about these points, something which I find as annoying as quantum computing hype.)
Update: Say it ain’t so Bruce. Say it ain’t so.
Continue reading “Shor Calculations (Quantum Wonkish)”
Win Ben Stein Some Brains!
I always thought that I was special because I have, in my short life, been kicked into a night club. But now, comes word of an even more spectacular event: scienceblogs’ own PZ Myers was expelled from seeing the creationist propoganda film “Expelled!” Adding to the irony, noted biologist/athiest Richard Dawkins, who is famous enough to appear as a character on “Southpark” and who was PZ’s guest, was allowed to view the movie! Holy craptacular convergence of ironies, batman!
Continue reading “Win Ben Stein Some Brains!”
Braaaiiins!
Greetings from SMF! Home to the slowest baggage claim in the west (not that I was crazy enough to check a bag.)
Even from beyond the grave Feynman gives string theory no love:
I Scream, You Scream, We All
scream for Candied Bacon Ice Cream?