Chemistry Seminars: Quantum Computers

I attended the seminar featuring Kenneth Brown, about Quantum Computers. For the bulk of his presentation Mr. Brown spoke mainly of the difference between Classical and Quantum Computers. He taught his audience that the main difference and use of Quantum Computer was that it solves problems too difficult for a traditional computer, which is why they are performing research on it-- to make it more popular. Quantum Computers are a rarity because there is multiple errors found within it, as well as, the math to it is extremely hard and lengthy.  He spoke of how his team of researchers work against the problem of error. He spoke on approaching these errors by studying quantum control techniques like composite pulse sequences and dynamic decoupling which is where you physically go in the lab and separate the sequences of codes used behind the computers. It reminded me of how one breaks the strand of DNA. He spoke of working to solve the multiple errors behind using Quantum Computers in bother the physical and abstract level of codes and operators.

One topic that he thoroughly discussed, though my notes were unfortunately vague on the actual method, was an experiment where they literally controlled time. I attempted researching the actual experiment for further discussion, but everything I found was different than his seminar. The main point of the experiment was the were testing ions for Quantum Computer and as they moved these ion either up or down the time on the clock shifted, either forward or back in time. Now granted they may not have really found the mystery of time, but it was definitely an intriguing part of his seminar!