This paper presents implementations that match and, where possible, exceed current quantum factorisation records using a VIC-20 8-bit home computer from 1981, an abacus, and a dog. We hope that this work will inspire future efforts to match any further quantum factorisation records, should they arise.
  • CanadaPlus@lemmy.sdf.org
    8·
    5 days ago

    New technologies, when introduced, are typically given names that overstate their capabilities, usually by equating them with existing familiar systems or technological artefacts

    It’s worse than that, really. When they named quantum computers, it was an analogy of a theoretical piece of lab equipment with an existing piece of lab equipment. Computers have since become a bit of a thing, and now people expect quantum computers to help with their gaming.

    Anyway, interesting to see just how far these quantum computing groups have gone for an impressive-sounding press release.

    Also, lol:

    We use the UK form “factorise” here in place of the US variants “factorize” or “factor” in order to avoid the 40% tariff on the US term.