http://www.usatoday.com/usatonline/20030625/5271878s.htm
Quantum mechanics does not make sense to even the above-average layman -- indeed it is hard to say if "making sense" can even be used as a criterion in looking at this field. However wierd, in theory it would be possible to create a computer based on quantum state elements, which would give new meaning to the term "speed". To the extent that I understand it, a quantum computer processess all the solutions to a given problem simultaneously, and then resolves to the correct solution.
This is about as big a deal as it is difficult to understand -- the point behind this short newspaper article -- a VC firm is actually funding a quantum computer development, despite the fact that short-term developments in this area are discussed in terms of 30 years.
Posted by jho at July 2, 2003 06:13 PM