42 pointsby rbanffy9 days ago2 comments
  • makestuff6 days ago
    Outside of breaking encryption, what class of problems are most likely to be solved if these chips are successful?
    • wasabi9910116 days ago
      A fruitful avenue may be in quantum simulation, i.e. simulating a quantum system and computing its properties. This is why the other commentor mentioned biochemistry and material science, since these are two domains where quantum effects are important to understanding.

      To give two concrete examples:

      In biochemistry, we could hope to understand how bacteria are able to do nitrogen fixation, possibly leading to a more energy efficient and less GHG-emitting alternative to the Haber process.

      In material science, we could hope to better understand the mechanism for current high-temperature superconductivity, possibly leading to the development of superconductive materials at even higher temperatures, lower pressures, and with more convenient other properties (such as toughness, ductility).

    • perching_aix6 days ago
      Material science and biochemistry are usually cited to be the primary beneficiaries.
      • altruios6 days ago
        I just want to stress how much material science could advance us.

        Space elevators / hooks, are the things I'm most excited for.

  • mrbluecoat6 days ago
    > AWS is using cat qubits

    Is that a nod to Schrödinger?

    • fsh6 days ago
      Yes, they use superposition of the most "classical" quantum states (coherent states). These are called (Schrödinger) cat states, since his thought experiment was about a quantum superposition of a very classical object (a cat): https://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Cat_state
      • H8crilA6 days ago
        It is theorized that CERN is powered by the bodies of dead physicists that turn in their graves every time someone brings up the Schroedinger cat to an audience that doesn't even know complex numbers.

        There's also a smaller power section filled with computer scientists that turn when someone says that the quantum computer offers exponential speedups.

      • a0126 days ago
        Guess why they named their chip Ocelot which is a big cat
        • wbl6 days ago
          Ocelots are small cats. Big small cats but they purr https://youtu.be/HpwenyMq0Os?si=Ic9g_zuR4e99wrTB
          • rbanffy6 days ago
            Most cats purr. Cheetas even meow.
            • ergsef6 days ago
              The distinction between "big cats" and "small cats" is whether or not they purr. Ocelots and Cheetahs are wild "small cats" which can purr. Lions, tigers, panthers are "big cats" don't purr. There's a taxonomic distinction.