
Computing with Quantum Cats
From Colossus to Qubits
John Gribbin(Author)
Prometheus Books (Publisher)
Will be published approx. on 4. March 2014
Book
Hardback
320 pages
978-1-61614-921-5 (ISBN)
Description
A mind-blowing glimpse into the near future, where quantum computing will have world-transforming effects.
The quantum computer is no longer the stuff of science fiction. Pioneering physicists are on the brink of unlocking a new quantum universe which provides a better representation of reality than our everyday experiences and common sense ever could. The birth of quantum computers - which, like Schroedinger's famous "dead and alive" cat, rely on entities like electrons, photons, or atoms existing in two states at the same time - is set to turn the computing world on its head.
In his fascinating study of this cutting-edge technology, John Gribbin updates his previous views on the nature of quantum reality, arguing for a universe of many parallel worlds where "everything is real." Looking back to Alan Turing's work on the Enigma machine and the first electronic computer, Gribbin explains how quantum theory developed to make quantum computers work in practice as well as in principle. He takes us beyond the arena of theoretical physics to explore their practical applications - from machines which learn through "intuition" and trial and error to unhackable laptops and smartphones. And he investigates the potential for this extraordinary science to create a world where communication occurs faster than light and teleportation is possible.
This is an exciting insider's look at the new frontier of computer science and its revolutionary implications.
The quantum computer is no longer the stuff of science fiction. Pioneering physicists are on the brink of unlocking a new quantum universe which provides a better representation of reality than our everyday experiences and common sense ever could. The birth of quantum computers - which, like Schroedinger's famous "dead and alive" cat, rely on entities like electrons, photons, or atoms existing in two states at the same time - is set to turn the computing world on its head.
In his fascinating study of this cutting-edge technology, John Gribbin updates his previous views on the nature of quantum reality, arguing for a universe of many parallel worlds where "everything is real." Looking back to Alan Turing's work on the Enigma machine and the first electronic computer, Gribbin explains how quantum theory developed to make quantum computers work in practice as well as in principle. He takes us beyond the arena of theoretical physics to explore their practical applications - from machines which learn through "intuition" and trial and error to unhackable laptops and smartphones. And he investigates the potential for this extraordinary science to create a world where communication occurs faster than light and teleportation is possible.
This is an exciting insider's look at the new frontier of computer science and its revolutionary implications.
More details
Language
English
Place of publication
Amherst
United States
Dimensions
Height: 236 mm
Width: 159 mm
Thickness: 30 mm
Weight
489 gr
ISBN-13
978-1-61614-921-5 (9781616149215)
Copyright in bibliographic data and cover images is held by Nielsen Book Services Limited or by the publishers or by their respective licensors: all rights reserved.
Schweitzer Classification
Other editions
Additional editions

John Gribbin
Quantum Computing from Colossus to Qubits
The History, Theory, and Application of a Revolutionary Science
E-Book
01/2023
Globe Pequot
€21.99
Available for download

E-Book
03/2014
Prometheus Books
€18.78
Available for download
Person
By John Gribbin