The Memory Problem of Quantum Information Processing

In quantum information processing, the fundamental rules of information representation are different than in the classical setting. The fundamental unretrievability of some forms of information from quantum memory enable unique capabilities that enhance privacy and security. Unique correlations between quantum bits, referred to as quantum entanglement, enable fundamentally faster algorithms for important computational problems. Quantum bits are very delicate, and require extraordinarily low noise levels in order that they can be stored successfully. However, the long-term storage of quantum information is not hopeless, with relatively new discoveries of unique features of quantum entanglement showing that effective use of redundancy should make possible the solution of the quantum memory problem. Laboratory capabilities are just starting to make it possible to test these ideas, and a clear concept of the architectural solutions to scalable quantum computing is emerging.