There is a growing optimism in the tech world that quantum computers, superpowerful devices that were once the stuff of science fiction, are possible — and may even be practical. In the exotic world of quantum physics, Microsoft has set itself apart from its competitors by choosing a different path. There is still a debate among physicists and computer scientists over whether quantum computers that perform useful calculations will ever be created. That would potentially have world-shaking consequences because modern electronic commerce is built on cryptographic systems that are largely unbreakable using conventional digital computers. For his part, Dr. Kouwenhoven said, “My dream application for a quantum computer would be a machine that could solve problems in quantum physics.”

Source: New York Times November 20, 2016 23:55 UTC