Dr. Austin Fowler Explains Quantum Computing

I recently had a request to explain quantum computing is, being as I did not know enough about the subject to answer it myself, I had an opportunity to ask Dr. Austin Fowler. Dr. Fowler is a quantum computing researcher at University of California, Santa Barbara and an honorary researcher at The University of Melbourne who has a background in computer engineering, computer science, mathematics, and physics.

What exactly is quantum computing?

"A different type of computer that given n quantum bits can store any combination of the 2ⁿ possible bitstrings simultaneously."

How new is the technology?

"Arguably the field of quantum computing was born in 1994, with the publication of Shor's efficient factoring algorithm."

What can it be used for?

"Many things, see http://math.nist.gov/quantum/zoo/"

How can I differentiate between a computer, a digital computer and a quantum computer?

"The former is cheap and widely available, you will only find prototypes of the latter in research laboratories. The only exception is the D-Wave machine, which occupies a small room and retails for approximately $15 million."

Would I have to study a particular programming language to develop digital computers?

"A good programmer can easily switch to a new language. You want to be good at programming, and this should not be considered a language specific goal."

Would a person with a basic knowledge of several languages be at a disadvantage against someone that specializes in one?

"More languages should be advantageous. More techniques. More ways of thinking."

You have a quadruple major and PhD, would this field but out of range for a person wanting to break in but they are far from having a doctorate?

"One of my students is 16 and in high school. Primarily you need to be smart and want to do this kind of work. And you need to team up with someone that has sufficiently broad background to guide you to problems that can be sold with your current background."

According to TIME Magazine, granted this was months ago, a D-Wave costs at least $10 Million dollars so who needs/could afford a quantum computer?

"Scientists. Modern classical supercomputers cost hundreds of millions of dollars. People still buy them."