quantum computer

American  

noun

1. a computer that makes use of the quantum states of electrons or other particles to store and process information as quantum bits.

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quantum computer British  

noun

1. a type of computer which uses the ability of quantum systems to be in many different states at once, thus allowing it to perform many different computations simultaneously

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quantum computer Scientific  

1. A computer that exploits the quantum mechanical properties of superposition in order to allow a single operation to act on a large number of pieces of data. In a quantum computer, the data to be manipulated, represented in quantum bits, exists in all possible states simultaneously, in superposition. This allows a single operation to operate over all of these states at once, in contrast with a classical computer, which must carry out an operation for each state separately. Because of the difficulty of creating environments small enough for quantum effects to emerge but sufficiently isolated to prevent interaction with outside influences such as heat, only extremely rudimentary quantum computers currently exist, though algorithms for possible future devices are being developed.

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Other Word Forms

• quantum computing noun

Etymology

Origin of quantum computer

First recorded in 1980–85

Example Sentences

A pre-print uploaded to arXiv Wednesday shows how IBM, alongside scientists at two national laboratories and three universities, was able to use a quantum computer to simulate a process imperceptible to the naked eye, but with applications in materials science.

From Barron's

They directly compared those results with a simulation run on an IBM quantum computer.

From Barron's

Given that the quantum computer got it right, it’s a sign these systems are becoming powerful enough to aid in the design of new materials.

From Barron's

Helios, the most advanced quantum computer ever built, manipulates them with lasers to solve complex questions that would take conventional machines centuries.

From The Wall Street Journal

A quantum computer uses qubits—shorthand for quantum bits—to harness the behavior of subatomic particles, which can exist in multiple states at once.

From The Wall Street Journal