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How Quantum Computing Works and Why It’s Important

Chris Lee
Chris Lee
Aug 23, 2017 · 9 min read

Computers have radically changed society. Shortly after the end of World War II, scientists were using computers to solve all sorts of problems. Progress was unbelievably fast. By the 1970s, the home computer was born.

Yet for all that progress, some problems are still really hard. No matter how good computers get, challenges like factoring large numbers or optimizing courier routes remain difficult.

But bits are not the only way to compute. Quantum mechanics — the rules that govern the world of atoms and molecules —…

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Chris Lee

Written by

Chris Lee

Chris is a physicist living in the Netherlands. You can find most of his writing at https://arstechnica.com/author/laserboy/.

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