New Five Atom Based Quantum Computer Can Counter The Prime Factorization Problem

Scientists from MIT have designed a scalable quantum computer which finds prime factors in real time. Owing to this latest technology, encryption schemes might experience a significant boost. Factoring large numbers is extremely tedious when done manually. Classical computers also take enormous time, which is not useful in practical applications. To upgrade the technology, MIT professor Shor, in 1994, developed a quantum algorithm which quickly solves the factors using hundreds of atoms arranged in a parallel manner.

Recently, a MIT research group along with the University of Innsbruck in Austria have claimed that they have designed a prototype of a quantum computer with five atoms in an ion trap. To test the device, the group shot a laser pulse at each atom, which implements the Shor’s algorithm in each atom. In addition, the system is created in such a way so that the multiplied atoms and the laser can be superimposed to build a super computer with better functionality.

Unlike classical computers, quantum computers rely on “qubits” or quantum bits which can possess both state one and state zero simultaneously. Such a realization makes it possible for quantum computers to run calculations in parallel, lowering the required time span. Professor Isaac Chuang explained that their computer takes 12 qubits to factor the number 15. The team was successful in keeping the system stable by placing atoms inside an ion trap. To charge them, they only needed to displace an electron from an atom. In the channel, atoms were stimulated according to the team’s requirement.

As reported in the press release, the team could perform basic logic operations very efficiently with this new device. Their research product would tinker with encryption problems and easily solve the problem in finding prime factors. The complete report was published in journal Science and was supported bythe Intelligence Advanced Research Project Activity (IARPA) and the MIT-Harvard Center for Ultracold Atoms.

Source: The beginning of the end for encryption schemes? | MIT News | Massachusetts Institute of Technology