Cracking codes with the help of atoms Quantum computing is in its infancy but thanks to European initiatives, it is maturing very quickly. The QAQC project is making sure we can all take advantage of quantum computing wizardry in the very near future. Digital Economy © Shutterstock Quantum computing promises to revolutionise computing as we know it. Differing from the standard computer in our homes and offices, the quantum computer relies on properties of atomic particles. Data is therefore stored and manipulated using sub-atomic particles instead of silicon. Quantum properties can be used to represent data and perform operations on data such as factoring. It would take a supercomputer billions of years to find the component parts or factors of a 400 digit number. Scientists believe a quantum computer will be able to do this in just a few minutes. Another enormous job for the quantum computer is searching. The search function uses a quantum algorithm, a rule that specifies how to solve a problem, to search an unsorted database much faster than its classical counterparts. On a grander scale, factoring and associated mathematical principles concerning so-called logarithms can be used for encryption, or code making and breaking. As quantum computers can be used for factoring where traditional computers cannot, it follows that today's data encryptions used for systems security will be made insecure. The QAQC project is aiming to investigate the applications of quantum computers apart from factors and search. The researchers are also attempting to answer the question as to what problems cannot be handled by quantum computers even assuming they become available. The further mysteries of quantum states will also be put under the physics and maths microscope. So far, the results are encouraging. New algorithms have been developed and a new method for proving properties of algorithms has been outlined. Furthermore, a breakthrough has been made in the area of combinatorics, the branch of maths to do with finding the largest, smallest or optimal objects, again too large a task for the standard computer. QAQC results are going to contribute to as yet uncharted areas such as new global positioning systems with a degree of precision once unthinkable and the design of drugs to the last atom. Recognition of patterns in highly complex data can make the transfer of money ultra-secure. One way or another, the quantum computer will infringe on every area of our lives without us even being aware.
