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A Quantum of Possibilities
Posted April 20, 2009
You could have heard a pin drop as Dr. Raymond Laflamme, Director of the Institute for Quantum Computing (IQC) at the University of Waterloo, outlined the basics of quantum computing for 100 executives from the ICT industry at the ITAC Board of Governors dinner on April 14. Raymond explored some of the more mind-bending principles of quantum (e.g. matter and energy can exist as both a particle and a wave at the same time, a particle can occupy two places simultaneously) and lead his audience through an entertaining and accessible view of this field of advanced physics. Canada is a world leader in the exploration of quantum computing. While commercial applications may be years from fruition, Raymond challenged his audience to accelerate that outcome. Noting that Canada’s world leading financial industry is a major user of cryptography, he suggested that that companies active in cryptography might collaborate with their banking customers and the IQC to build world-beating security solutions.
Dr. Raymond Laflamme, Director of the Institute for Quantum Computing (IQC) at the University of Waterloo
At least one leading ICT executive is a believer in the possibilities of quantum computing. RIM founder and Co-CEO Mike Lazaridis introduced Raymond’s presentation. He offered a compelling illustration from the history of computing to do so. Harking back to the days when computers ran on tubes, he explained how researchers discovered that the semiconducting junction of the tubes was creating noise that impaired functionality. While a great deal of effort was devoted to eliminating this noise, some researchers focused instead on understanding the phenomenon better. These efforts lead to the creation of the transistor and the whole semiconductor industry. He noted that we are in a similar position today - while some microelectronics developers are working hard to overcome quantum effects, he sees greater possibilities residing in a fuller understanding of quantum phenomena. This was an inspired metaphor and a superb way to kick off the third annual ITAC/GSA Microelectronics Conference, which opened with the Board of Governors dinner.
RIM founder and Co-CEO Mike Lazaridis
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