The Feynman Processor Quantum Entanglement And The Computing Revolution

by Milburn, Gerard J.

• ISBN13: 9780738201733
• ISBN10: 0738201731
• Format: Paperback
• Copyright: 1999-10-08
• Publisher: Basic Books

Summary

Quantum computing, the reduction of computing elements to sizes far smaller than that of present-day chips, down to the size of individual atoms, presents new problems, problems on the quantum level. But thanks to new discoveries by Gerard Milburn and other cutting-edge scientists, quantum computing is about to become a reality.In this book, the first one for the general public to explain the scientific ideas behind concepts seen before only in science fiction, physicist Milburn brings us the exciting world of phenomena of entanglement, where particles can be in two places at the same time, where matter on the quantum level can be teleported a la Star Trek's famous Transporter; and where cryptographers can construct fundamentally unbreakable computer codes.Although other books and magazine articles have dealt with some of the subjects in this book, this is the first book for the layman to deal specifically with quantum computing, an area pioneered by the great physicist Richard Feynman, who first posed the challenge to scientists to devise the smallest, fastest computer elements, to take us to the absolute physical limits of computers. This book promises to both astound and educate every reader eager to keep abreast of the latest breakthroughs in physics and computers.

Author Biography

Gerard L. Milburn is professor of theoretical physics and head of the Department of Laser Science at the University of Queensland, Australia. He is one of the key scientists in the effort to make quantum computers a reality. Professor Milburn is also the author of Schrödinger Machines.

Table of Contents

Foreword
Preface
Acknowledgments
The quantum principle: inexhaustible uncertainty	p. 1
Quantum entanglement	p. 38
Teleportation for gamblers	p. 72
Reality, by Nintendo	p. 92
Quantum software	p. 119
The dream machine	p. 171
Epilogue	p. 192
Glossary	p. 195
Endnotes	p. 204
Index	p. 207
Table of Contents provided by Blackwell. All Rights Reserved.