Creating a large-scale quantum computer is an ambitious but achievable goal requiring research in many experimental fields, says a recent article in Nature co-authored by IQC Director Raymond Laflamme. "As we approach this goal, we will grow accustomed to controlling the counterintuitive properties of quantum mechanics," write Laflamme, Thaddeus Ladd, Fedor Jelezko, Yasunobu Nakamura, Christopher Monroe and Jeremy O'Brien.
The article outlines the prevailing experimental techniques for harnessing and controlling quantum bits (qubits), including the use of photons, trapped atoms, nuclear magnetic resonance, quantum dots and dopants in solids, superconductors and other technologies. "When we have mastered quantum technology enough to scale up a quantum computer," concludes the article, "we will have tamed the quantum world and become inured to a new form of technological reality."
About IQC: Founded in 2002, the mission of the Institute for Quantum Computing (IQC) is to aggressively explore and advance the application of quantum mechanical systems to a vast array of relevant information processing techniques.
A part of the University of Waterloo, Waterloo, Ont., Canada, IQC creates a truly unique environment fostering cutting-edge research and collaboration between researchers in the areas of computer, engineering, mathematical and physical sciences.
At the time of this release, IQC has 17 faculty members, 22 postdoctoral fellows and over 55 students and research assistants, as well as a support staff of 18.
The Institute for Quantum Computing acknowledges the support of the Government of Canada through Industry Canada and the Government of Ontario through the Ministry of Research and Innovation.