Quantum computing took another step forward this week after researchers from the University of Maryland unveiled an experimental five-qubit chip that can operate without hard-wired instructions. As a result, it’s possible to modify the programming of the device almost as if it were a traditional processor and switch between different algorithms relatively easily.

The functionality is facilitated by an elaborate combination of traditional computing gear and groundbreaking quantum technology that was specifically constructed for the project. According to a newly published Nature paper about the device, the process of inputting an algorithm starts by translating it into commands for a set of lasers that have an analogous role to the read/write head in a disk drive. Those lasers then apply a series of pulses to the electrically tapped ions that in turn serve as the device’s qubits.

The first stage of the operation involves preparing the ions using a technique called “optical pumping” that sets them to a quantum energy state representing a desired piece of information. A second round of pulses then turns this energy into motion that allows quabits to interact and exchange data by taking advantage of electric repulsion laws. Phys.org compares the action to a ball hanging from a Newton’s cradle hitting an adjacent sphere and transferring its kinetic energy. Then once all is said and done, a detection mechanism measures the glow of each participle to extract the results.

The device’s creators were thus able to test out three algorithms that are expected to find use once large-scale quantum computers will become a reality. It reportedly managed to run two of them with over 90 percent accuracy while achieving a 70 percent success rate when executing the third, a so-called Quantum Fourier Transform. The latter operation is a key element of a theoretical cracking method known as Shor’s algorithm that could potentially be used to break every conventional cryptographic technology if implemented on a large scale. Fortunately, however, that remains a distant prospect.

The more immediate impact of the experiment is that IBM Corp., D-Wave Systems Inc. and the other organizations that are working to develop quantum processors can now try to build their own programmable hardware. Since the ability to switch between tasks is essential to any computer, such functionality will likely start appearing in projects sooner rather than later.

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