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Computing with Quantum Cats: From Alan Turing to Teleportation: From Colossus to Qubits
£9.50
Pioneering study of the science behind quantum computing and what the new quantum reality will mean for mankind.
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 Schrödinger’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.
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 Schrödinger’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.
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Additional information
| Publisher | Black Swan (2 July 2015) |
|---|---|
| Language | English |
| Paperback | 304 pages |
| ISBN-10 | 9780552779319 |
| ISBN-13 | 978-0552779319 |
| Dimensions | 12.7 x 1.93 x 19.76 cm |
by Jake
The book itself is very good but it arrived with water damage on the last few pages which I was not happy about
by Paul Mallard
Very interesting history and thought provoking on quantum issues. Have found Gribbin to be a good read from earlier books (Schrodingers cat etc.)
by Stig G. Jakobsen
Being an old fan of John Gribbin this book was exactly what I needed to combine my interest in quantum physics with my interest in computing. However, for some reason it seems to me (although I may have missed this somehow…) that I have not really got a deeper understanding of exactly how and why quantum computers fundamentally obtain this huge increase in computational power by operating with this additional third state (both 0 and 1). How exactly is it that this diverges from classical binary computing – more specifically how exactly does this paradime shift MANIFEST itself in the actual computational processing and resulting in e.g. in the ability to crunch far bigger problems than today. If anybody reading this obtained this insight feel free to share it here 🙂
by douglas wyeth
I enjoyed the way the chapters took the reader through historical aspects of computing evolution
by Axel Davies Vitterso
Reads very well.
This book provides a good overview of the history of classical computers, the development of quantum mechanics, and how quantum computers can overcome some of the limitations faced by classical computers. John Gribbin’s style of writing is, as always, very well suited for conveying complex information in a readable and engaging manner.
by Shrimat
Not very engaging and quite difficult to understand compared to other books.
by Dom R.
Loved the basic grounding in the history – it reads like a deep, but well writtedn adventure story with exactly enough depth to keep it on topic and rich but still moving forward.
Minimal pure maths and calc – although not shy to go where it needs to go.
Will read again several times – has provided a great jumping off point to go on into the subject.
by Ranx
OK, runs out of steam towards the end.