ROCKY MOUNTAIN SECTION OPTICAL SOCIETY OF AMERICA
                              &
           IEEE LASERS AND ELECTROOPTICS SOCIETY


                        Sept. Meeting

Date:  Thursday, 20 Sept. 2001
Time:  7:00 PM refreshments, 7:30 PM talk
Place: National Institute of Standards and Technology
       325 Broadway, Boulder, CO
       Room 1107


Title: Quantum Computers and Schroedinger's Cat

       Dave Wineland
       NIST Time and Frequency Division
       Boulder, CO


Abstract:

Two discrete energy levels in an atom can be used to store a 
bit of information.  However, atoms can also exist in quantum 
superposition states, thereby storing both states of the bit 
simultaneously.  This property potentially leads to an 
exponential increase in memory and processing capacity.  
Therefore a quantum computer would be capable of efficiently 
solving certain problems such as factorizing large numbers - 
an ability which could compromise many encription systems.  A 
quantum computer would also realize a mesoscopic version of 
"Shroedinger's Cat," a bizzare situation where a cat could be 
simultaneously dead and alive.  Some experiments to realize a 
quantum computer based on laser manipulations of atoms will 
be described.


Biography:

NA