Thursday, November 18, 2010

Quantum Computers

Quantum Computers are still in the state of infancy as compared to the Digital computers. The computers that we use today are improved versions of the original Digital systems that have been clubbed together with Hybrid Computers. While digital systems work on the principle of Binary mathematics and processes data through Boolean logic gates, the Quantum Systems are those that process data following the Quantum theory of physics.

Quantum computers are the next generation computers. Though the basic quantum computer model was built some thirty years ago, the practical machine is yet to see the light of the day. The credit of developing the idea of quantum computers goes entirely to a group of physicists and computer scientists, namely- Paul. A. Benioff, David Deutsch, Charles H. Bennett, and Richard P. Feynman.Quantum computers have been summarized as follows:
  • The fundamental unit of data processing is known as Qubit or Quantum Bit.
  • Qubit is a concept that originates from Quantum mechanics.
  • Qubit is quaternary by nature.
  • The “0” and “1” logic figures might as well be superimposed in quantum computing. Based on the operational principle, computers that have so long served us can be divided into three basic types.

    1. Analog Computers: The analog computer is almost an extinct type of computer these days. It is different from a digital computer in respect that it can perform numerous mathematical operations simultaneously, very much unlike the digital computers, which could not operate the more complex operations. It is also unique in terms of operation as it utilizes continuous variables for the purpose of mathematical computation. It utilizes mechanical, hydraulic, or electrical energy or operation.

    2. Digital Computers: These are computing machines which work on the principle of binary mathematics. Digital computers when clubbed with Analog computers produce Hybrid computers. The basic principle of binary mathematics, the principle on which the digital computer works is that, it represents all mathematical numbers with the help of the digits “0” and “1”.

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