Scientists Dubious of Quantum Computing Claims

Dollaz wrote with a link to the International Business Times, which questions the authenticity of D-Wave's Quantum computing. We discussed the 'Sudoku playing' computer yesterday, but scientists in the field have expressed a lot of distrust of the company's findings. The machine was not available for inspection during or after the demo, and even if the technology was working as intended there is some doubt that it can be scaled. The article points out that "notwithstanding lofty claims in the company's press release about creating the world's first commercial quantum computer, D-Wave Chief Executive Herb Martin emphasized that the machine is not a true quantum computer and is instead a kind of special-purpose machine that uses some quantum mechanics to solve problems." Good to see people in the field questioning 'breakthroughs'.

I Knew It!

[Anonymous Coward]

I knew something was up when it got stuck on a level four Sudoku.

And then when it coughed and 'had to take a smoke break.' I knew there was a reason no one could look at it.

Well DUH

[UbuntuDupe]

The machine was not available for inspection during or after the demo, ...

Yes ... that's how a quantum mechanical system works -- you look at it, you change it. I can imagine these guys in peer review, "Look, this double-slit [wikipedia.org] experiment of yours is really interesting and all, but we can't publish your results unless you record the photons going through EACH slot, on EACH time, otherwise, how do we know you're faking it?"

I kid, I kid. I think...

Uncertainty?

[Quila]

He said all the evidence the company has indicates that the device is performing quantum computations, but he acknowledged there is some uncertainty.

Time to check the cat.

Uncertainty?

[nonpareility]

He said all the evidence the company has indicates that the device is performing quantum computations, but he acknowledged there is some uncertainty.

Sounds like a joke that flew over the reporter's head.

Re:Well DUH

[idontgno]

That's the real problem. Until they look, the computer is in a superpositon of being and not being a quantum processor. They're afraid to look, lest its probability field collapse into an eigenstate of "just marketing hype."

Re:How to verify their claims?

[Timesprout]

You need to get someone over at Groklaw to confirm it.

Re:Well DUH

[Profane MuthaFucka]

There is a universe somewhere in which you did not make that joke. And some luckier copy of me gets to live in that universe.

it better work

[friedman101]

I, for one, really hope quantum computing works out. If we can harness the powers of quantum physics into a microchip maybe someday I'll be able to run aero glass.

Re:Well DUH

[mikael]

One ptototype Schrödinger box for sale - cat may or may not be included.

Can't....resist....straight line....must fight...

[UncleTogie]

Are you certain?

Re:Reply button missing

[Anonymous Coward]

Let me put it this way, Dave. The D-Wave series is the most reliable computer ever made. No D-Wave computer has ever made a mistake or distorted information. We are all, by any practical definition of the words, foolproof and incapable of error.

Stick that in your Sudoku and smoke it.

Re:Don't worry everything is cool

[Nirvelli]

Yeah, sure. Next you're gonna tell me that she was playing Duke Nukem Forever on it.

Re:Well DUH

[sacrilicious]

One ptototype Schrödinger box for sale - cat may or may not be included.

If it's a Schrödinger box then the cat's included all right... the open issue is that you may or may not be having burgers for lunch.