Date : Wednesday, January 23, 2002
Time : 4:30 PM
Location: Willet Science Center Room 101

Professor Jose Balduz
Department of Physics
Mercer University

"Quantum Computing and Shor's Algorithm"

Abstract: It was pointed out by Feynman almost two decades ago, that computers operating fully under quantum-mechanical principles might be very useful. There followed years of strictly theoretical work. Recently we have begun constructing the simplest components for such "quantum computers." I will discuss what makes a quantum computer different from a conventional digital computer, how it may be constructed, and why everybody got so excited when they heard about Shor's algorithm, including funding agencies. His scheme uses a quantum computer to rapidly factor large integers. This could be used to break security encryption schemes currently in widespread use...

Please join us for light refreshments at 4:15. We hope to see you there!