The (distant) Future of High Speed Computing

[Alathald]

While reading up on one of my current curiosities, quantum mechanics (yeah I got issues ), I ran across some interesting articles on quantum computers. These are interest (yet theoretical) devices that are in the future of computing. In todays CPUs there are many different bits that can either be a 1 or a 0, the fun part of a quantum computer is that the bits (actually called quantum bits or qubits) can exist in a 1 state and a 0 state at the same time. To quote HowStuffWorks article:

Today's computers [...] work by manipulating bits that exist in one of two states: a 0 or a 1. Quantum computers aren't limited to two states; they encode information as quantum bits, or qubits, which can exist in superposition. Qubits represent atoms, ions, photons or electrons and their respective control devices that are working together to act as computer memory and a processor. Because a quantum computer can contain these multiple states simultaneously, it has the potential to be millions of times more powerful than today's most powerful supercomputers.

That, to me at least, is truly amazing and why I get such a kick out of quantum mechanics. Not only can it be many many times smaller (the size of one of the largest atoms, Cesium (Cs), is about 0.5nm compared to our 45nm processor of today and most atoms are quite a bit smaller than Cs) but because each bit can have millions of different states rather than just one, it can potentially "be millions of times more powerful than today's most powerful supercomputers."

There is a lot (and I mean a LOT) of problems left to be worked out with this whole idea, especially considering the fact that we don't fully understand quantum theory yet, but it's an amazing concept and probably one of the only was well break through the silicone wall we are approaching. Thought you guys might want to give some of this stuff a read if your curious but I warn you, it can hurt to try and wrap your brain around quantum mechanics.

How Quantum Computers Work - HowStuffWorks
Quantum computer solves problem, without running - PSYHORG.com
The Quantum Computer - Caltech
And of course Wikipedia

There's quite a few more but these are fairly easy to follow (that's kinda a half truth but have a go anyway)

[HONkUS]

I think the future will be a distributed computer network using our brains while we sleep! O.o

[Methious]

Years ago (many) they said that hard drive storage would be replaced by Quartz Crystal storage within 10 years. That the entire stored knowledge of human kind could be stored on a piece of quartz 1 inch by one inch. That it would revolutionize computing. So far they can write the name IBM in single molecules on aluminum. They kinda forgot that in order to read any type of storage capable of that volume stored in that size you would have to strap an electron microscope on it. Fit that in a laptop and find a battery to run it.

[kappage]

I think the future will be a distributed computer network using our brains while we sleep! O.o

Honkus do you want me to make you an alfoil hat to wear on you head so the government cant spy on your thoughts????

[vicaphit]

I like the laser etched cube storage idea. Like hard drives, but 3D data storage

[kappage]

Had a quick look on the net and found this site for you Honkus, You are not alone in your ideas on the american government...
http://zapatopi.net/afdb/