Simplifying quantum systems

Quantum systems require sophisticated control technology, a lot of engineering know-how and a better understanding of the physical correlations. (Photograph: Heidi Hostettler) - If only it were less prone to error, quantum physics might already be giving us instant solutions to seemingly unsolvable problems. researchers are therefore working to develop systems that are more robust. In crude terms, our digitally driven information society is based on a simple binary opposition: 0 or 1. But what happens when other alternatives exist alongside these polar opposites? Might this give rise to a whole raft of different states and enable us to process complex information much faster? It is precisely the prospect of going beyond conventional methods of data processing that has inspired such high hopes in the field of quantum physics - not only on the part of scientists in basic and theoretical research, but also among the CEOs of major corporations. Were this vision to materialise, and computers behave in accordance with the laws of quantum mechanics, it would open the door to a whole new world of applications. For example, such a powerful system would be able to determine the mechanism of proteins at a radically faster rate than a conventional computer could ever hope to achieve.