The Problem With Quantum Computing
from the technology-of-the-future dept
In a recent post about quantum computing, I repeated the joke that it's a "technology of the future... and it always will be." It seems that the folks at DARPA agree. In a wide ranging talk about future technologies, the head of DARPA explains why he doesn't think quantum computing is going anywhere. He points out that it's an analog system, and as such, runs into tremendous scaling problems. It sounds like the technology may be useful in some, very specific, circumstances, but other than that, don't expect a quantum computer on your desk any time soon.
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Technoprediction
"Computers in the future may weigh no more than 1.5 tons." -Popular Mechanics, 1949
Given that 50 years ago, people had assumed that computers by now would weigh no less than a ton, I think this might be selling the farm before the cow.
Quantum computers may not be around for general use in another 50 years, but 50 years ago, people also assumed that general purpose computers wouldn't be available by now.
However, I think the ultimate use for Quantum Computing will be in plotting trajectories through space at sub-light speeds or through wormholes, where accuracy is crucial, and time is even more crucial.
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Re: Technoprediction
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Analog?
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