Australian researchers have taken another step towards quantum computers -- computers which use sub-atomic particles to minimise transistors' size and maximise computing power.
Australian research group the Centre for Quantum Computing is already working on building a quantum computer based on silicon technology.
Military researchers have long been interested in quantum computers due to their theorised ability to crack conventional data encryption. Andrew Dzurak, one of the Centre's researchers from the University of NSW, said: "A quantum computer would be able to find the prime factors of a large composite number -- which is at the heart of any modern day encryption -- exponentially faster than any conventional computer."
Quantum computers are also thought to be much better at database searching and the modelling of molecule shapes.
By imbedding phosphorus atoms in pure silicon, the Centre for Quantum Computing hopes to build transistors on the scale of a single atom -- helping to extend Moore's Law well into the future.
While researchers in the US and Europe are experimenting with different materials in which to build a quantum computer, the Australian group has chosen silicon because of its compatibility with existing silicon-based technology.
A researcher from Melbourne University, associate Professor David Jamieson, also believes silicon is the ideal medium. "It is almost as if Mother Nature has pointed to phosphorus in silicon," he said.
The organisation has used silicon to create a single quantum bit, or "qubit", which earned them a nomination for this year's Australian Museum Eureka Science Prize.
Qubits are not only much smaller than conventional bits, but also have enhanced computing power, due to quantum phenomena that occur at a sub-atomic scale.
While the construction of the working silicon qubit is a huge step forward, quantum computers are still an unproven and experimental technology.
Opinions remain divided on how long it will take before a working quantum computer emerges. "Some colleagues think 10 years, some think 50 years, some others think never. I'm a little more optimistic," Jamieson said.
