Quantum computer chips get infinitesimally closer to happening
By Donald Melanson 
posted Oct 16th 2009 3:37PM
posted Oct 16th 2009 3:37PM
We've already seen at least one (sort of) functional quantum processor, and one breakthrough after the other in quantum computing, but it looks like some researchers at Ohio State University have now made a breakthrough of their own that could possibly speed things up considerably. The big news there is that they've apparently found a way to fabricate a quantum device called a resonant interband tunneling diode (or RITD) using a chip-making technique called "vapor desposition," which is commonly used today for traditional chips. While there's still quite a bit of perfecting to be done on the device itself, lead researcher Paul Berger says the RTIDs could be used for ultra-low-power computer chips that operate with small voltages and produce less excess heat, and may even allow for ultra high-resolution imaging devices that can "operate at wavelengths beyond the human eye" -- opening up possibilities for everything from advanced medical imaging to the ability to see through rain, snow, fog and dust storms.[Via Physorg]
I can already see through the rain.
Kudos for the Scott Bakula photo.
First to down rank ya.
Waste of space here guys...
anyway, does this mean I'll have to learn programming from scratch?
You know, if that's the case... no hurry man, I just graduated lemme get a job first ok?
:(
No.
Bakula ala Chuck's father and do it...he can put Intersects into your MIND :D
Watched that very episode this week. Chuck is a good show.
Quantum computing is taking so long I think I'll be dead before it comes down to a consumer level. I'M only 19. What happened to 3d chips from Hewlett packard that stacked chips on top of each other and were cooled by small rivers of iced cold water.
I just want to see a THz processor....
Meh... it's all science fiction anyway.
Seriously Engadget? Do you really think this is the kind of mumbo-jumbo you think us nerd can understand?
"... to fabricate a quantum device called a resonant interband tunneling diode (or RITD) using a chip-making technique called "vapor desposition,"..."
You may as well have just told me the technology behind the new handheld radios that you can drop from 10 stories up, half way down becomes a whale that contemplates its own existence that then evolves into a flower pot that sighs "not again", and eventually lands on its feet like a cat. Because that would have made more sense to me.
PS: Just kidding, everyone knows that cat's cant land on their feet from more thank 6 or 7 stories
"Just kidding, everyone knows that cat's cant land on their feet from more thank 6 or 7 stories"
I'm gonna go grab a stray cat and put this to the test....
@MJZimmer88
Who tested that?
Hmm, well done for the hitchhiker's guide to the galaxy (series) reference, but the confusing string of words is the name for the device, so whether you understand it or not shouldn't make a difference, the fact is quantum computing just got a little closer (though how far away it is debatable)
I wonder if computers will ever be powerful enough to comprehend that guy's shirt choice.
then again scott's worn worse - http://www.marcblee.org/images/quantum%20leap%20car-730928.jpg
"deposition" as in "deposit."
When I post things like this I want to invent a device that will allow me to kick my own ass.
Throw yourself down a flight of stairs.
I'm just glad someone got to it before I did :)
The device has already been invented.....or at least the whole working idea is out......
http://www.engadget.com/2009/08/15/creepy-laughter-tracking-ps3-patent-has-us-rethinking-sonys-wh/
++ for Bakula hahahaha
Seriously though I can't believe that we are coming to this. It feels like the past couple of years hardware has been a big stagnant. It's getting faster and faster yeah but the architecture is gonna be outgrown soon and there will be a big revolution. It's going to be so nuts!
RITDs have been around for a while. They are hard to design with. I don't get the big deal.
O-H
I-O
I-O!
And it's THE Ohio State University...just sayin
And you're a tool Buckeye......just sayin.
Yeah, you guys don't really make a lot of friends in the higher education community by being pedantic and arrogant about the name of your university. Humility is a virtue.
That's one hell of a before-and-after photo, if I ever saw one!
I have a correction for the post, the university is officially referred to as The Ohio State University.
You said RITD the first time and RTID the second time. ;)
That dude on the right kind of looks like Scott Bakula.
Yup, it's him alright.
Paul Berger was one of my professors when I was an undergrad at the Ohio-State University studying Electrical Engineering a few years back. He teaches material science / solid state physics. He is a really good teacher. He was really good at getting the students to understand the concepts. He wasn't as hung up on teaching through mathematical derivations like some of the other professors. I asked him once about optical computing. He said he didn't think there was much future in that. He said he was more optimistic about quantum computing. I'm glad to see his research is getting more exposure.
How long does it last?
Interesting news bit and hilarious posting title. Engadget is the best at this breed of humor.
is it RITD or RTID? Resonant Interband Tunneling Diode or Resonant Tunneling Interband Diode?
Kinda makes one wonder if the atmosphere was like this when computers the size of rooms were operated by vacuum tubes an thick cables; microprocessing was the stuff of science fiction back then.
I wouldn't be surprised if consumers of the future will look back at our generation and think it was funny that we got anything done using such "big, slow, and heavy" computers. o_o
I guess no one understood the picture and the "quantum" leap reference. Well I did, and I lol'd.
Would you look at that. I just saw prof. Berger this morning, and now he's on the interwebs. I'll have to congratulate him.
No idea who the guy on the right is. I've never seen him around the lab.
Thanks Engadget, it'll take a week to get the Quantum Leap theme out of my head now.
Excuse me, Mr. Melanson, but it is "The Ohio State University"; alternately, just "Ohio State").
the guy on the right looks like Al Bundy's neighbor.