For physicists and computer persons (but not exclusively)

Seen in comp.risks:

<quote>
Date: Sun, 1 Apr 2007 00:14:10 -0000
From: Rob Slade <rMslade@xxxxxxx>
Subject: Quantum Security

Quantum computing is a field of research based upon the notion of
quantum entities known as qubits. Unlike the classical computer
bit, which can exist in either a one or zero state, qubits can
exists in a superposition of both states simultaneously, and
possibly more. This may (or may not) enable us to create new
computer architectures which can (or can't) provide new
computing capabilities.

The ability for a qubit to hold both one and zero states
simultaneously implies that quantum computer architectures will be
able to compute all possible|each possible|every possible|all
feasible|each feasible|every feasible|all viable|each viable|every
viable|all conceivable|each conceivable|every conceivable|all
imaginable|each imaginable|every imaginable value for a given
problem at once (or not).

Given this new and powerful computer architecture, we may (or may
not) be able to perform computations of NP-complete, non-convergent,
or least path problems in less than exponential times. This has
significant implications for risk analysis and management. Possibly
the greatest risk is in pursuing a technology which may never
produce a real effect. However, on February 13th of this year, a
Canadian company demonstrated a device which is the largest quantum
computer built to date (or not).

The superposition factor of computing all possible values holds
promise in terms of encryption, but the relation to encryption does
not end there. Using the quantum phenomenon of entanglement, the
sender can determine whether or not a third party is reading
transmissions. (I wonder if anyone is reading this?) Unfortunately,
the concepts of quantum encryption, and quantum
computing, although they use different technologies (or not), are
entangled in the public mind.

I have, as it happens, been working on a paper (for the next ISMH)
on the security implications of quantum computing. At the moment,
the paper is in a superposition state of being written and not
written. (Until an observer looks at it, have I really written the
paper?)

Returning to the topic of risk management, quantum devices may be
able to compute, via an assessment of the lowest energy state, the
optimum configu
....

Oh, I'm too tired to finish this off ...

rslade@xxxxxxxxx slade@xxxxxxxxxxxxxx rslade@xxxxxxxxxxxxxxxxx
http://victoria.tc.ca/techrev/rms.htm

<endquote>

Wasn't Noah there first, using qubits in the construction of his
Ark?

--
Peter Duncanson, UK
(in uk.business.agriculture)
.

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