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Quantum Computers

Unlike traditional computers that rely on bits of information that can be in one of two states (1 or 0), quantum computers manipulate qubits, or units of information tucked inside subatomic particles. That means, they follow the wacky laws of quantum mechanics and so can be in two states at once. This ability allows quantum computers to theoretically store exponentially more information than your everyday laptop. Live Science is here to dissect the latest achievements and discoveries in this bizarre quantum world of computing.

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First 'Quantum Computer' No Faster Than Classic PC

By Tanya Lewis

The world's first commercial quantum computer, made by the Canadian company D-Wave Systems Inc., performed no better than a classical computer in a recent analysis.

Scientists find a way to directly measure quantum states, such as momentum, of photons.

27 Dimensions! Physicists See Photons in New Light

By Jesse Emspak

Researchers have directly measured a photon's 27-dimensional quantum state, which could make it simpler to build quantum-mechanical technologies such as quantum computers and unbreakable codes.

Scientists have used a single atom trapped in an optical resonator to detect the presence of a reflected photon without destroying that packet of light.

Gotcha! Photons Seen Without Being Destroyed in a First

By Jesse Emspak

Any device that picks up on the presence of light has to absorb its energy, and with it, the photons. At least, that was what scientists thought until now.

39 Minutes: Quantum Bits Store Data for Record Time

By Tia Ghose

A new system has kept a quantum bit of information in an entangled state for 39 minutes at room temperature, more than 10 times longer than the previous record.

'Rare' Atom Finding May Advance Quantum Computers

By Jesse Emspak

Researchers have found a way to get quantum bits to last long enough to do computations with, using the magnetic properties of a rare earth element called holmium and the symmetry of platinum.

Here a think film of phthalocyanine showing electrons in both the "up" and "down" states (or "0" and "1"), a feat that could be key to building future computing devices, such as spintronics computers.

Spintronics Goes Through Blue Period

By Jesse Emspak

A simple, cheap dye might show the way to making new kinds of computers.

D-Wave Computer's Solution Raises More Questions

By Sophie Bushwick

Does the computer owe its high performance to bizarre quantum effects?

a micro-drum and circuit that could be used as a storage device in quantum computers,

Spooky Vibrations: Finding Brings Quantum Computers a Bit Closer

By Charles Q. Choi

Beam Me Up: Bits of Information Teleported Across Computer Chip

By Jesse Emspak

A quantum teleportation experiment takes another step toward building a real quantum computer by transporting qubits across a solid-state circuit.

Could Quantum Brain Effects Explain Consciousness?

By Tanya Lewis

A controversial theory suggests the brain acts like a quantum computer.

Is Google's Quantum Computer Worth the Hype?

By Denise Chow

Experts weigh in on the potential benefits of Google's new Quantum Artificial Intelligence Lab.

Why Are Google & NASA Getting a Quantum Computer?

By Marc Lallanilla

Quantum computers may revolutionize complex problem-solving.

Google and NASA Team Up to Study Artificial Intelligence

By Jeanna Bryner

The two giants are creating a quantum computer that will focus on machine learning.

Physicists Nudge Electrons, Move Toward Crazy-Fast Computers

By Tanya Lewis

Faster computing may be possible, thanks to magnetic switching on a scale much faster than before.

'Quantum Teleportation' Beams Information Farther Than Ever Before

By Clara Moskowitz

The state of a particle was transmitted between two islands.

Exploring the Limits of Quantum Computers

By Jacqueline Conciatore

What can, and can't, be done in computation according to the laws of physics.

University of Bonn physicists split atoms and put them back together.

Franken-Physics: Atoms Split in Two & Put Back Together

By Jesse Emspak

Physicists have just upped their ante ...

Artist's illustration of the history of the cosmos, right after the Big Ban.

Futuristic Computer Program Arrives Ahead of Computer

By Clara Moskowitz

Although quantum computers don't exist yet, scientists have made a program to run on them.

World's First 'Atomic' Movie Is Stored in Vapor

By Live Science Staff

The world's first non-solid storage of a very short film uses atomic vapor to store and replay two images.

Cram Session: Quantum Computing in 200 Words

By Natalie Wolchover

It could reduce complex computing times from years to seconds. Here's a quick run-down on how it works.