Quantum computing in semiconductors doable

West Lafayette, Ind -- U.S. physicists say the odd behavior of a molecule in an experimental silicon chip may lead to the possibility of achieving quantum computing in semiconductors.

Purdue University researchers say they've created a hybrid molecule in which its quantum state can be intentionally manipulated -- a required step in the building of quantum computers.

"Up to now large-scale quantum computing has been a dream," said Professor Gerhard Klimeck, who is also associate director for technology for the national Network for Computational Nanotechnology. "This development may not bring us a quantum computer 10 years faster but our dreams about these machines are now more realistic."

The complex research is reported online in the journal Nature Physics.

Copyright 2008 by United Press International.