1. Quantum Computers The Potential and Power of Quantum Computing By Adam Kurtz

2. How Does a Quantum Computer Work? Quantum Computers do not work with binary like regular computers. Quantum Computers depend on observing the state of Quantum bits or qubits that might represent a one or a zero Might represent a combination of the two Might represent a number expressing that the state of the qubit is somewhere between 1 and 0.

3. What Is The Hold Up? Developers face several difficulties in building commercially viable quantum computers. It's unlikely that you'll ever have a large quantum computer on your desk, because they aren't well suited for tasks like word processing and e-mail. It's difficult to hold a single ion in a steady state while you observe its manipulated energy levels and spin directions.

4. What are its uses? Large-scale cryptography is ideal for quantum computing Modeling and indexing very large databases Artificial Intelligence

5. The theories of quantum computation suggest that every physical object, even the universe, is in some sense a quantum computer. If this is the case, then all computers are functionally equivalent, and computers should be able to model every physical process. Ultimately this suggests that computers will be capable of simulating conscious rational thought. These theories provoke a minefield of philosophical debate, but maybe the quantum computer will be the key to achieving true artificial intelligence.

6. Who is taking part in its development Los Alamos National Labs CalTech IBM Oxford University

7. Conclusion Even with the latest advancements, the world is still years away from a functional quantum computer. Nonetheless, the recent developments are strong indications that quantum computing is quickly moving from the realm of science fiction into reality.

8. Sources http://www.doc.ic.ac.uk/~nd/surprise_97/jo urnal/vol1/spb3/ http://www.howstuffworks.com http://www.lanl.gov/worldview/news/releas es/archive/00-041.html