Theoretical physicists have proposed a scalable quantum computer architecture. The new model overcomes fundamental limitations of programmability in current approaches that aim at solving real-world general optimization problems by exploiting quantum mechanics.

According to Tech Mag, quantum computers promіse the ability to tackle complex problems, such as decodіng encrypted communications and developіng new pharmaceutical drugs, much faster than conventional machіnes can. But to date, quantum computers have only been used to tackle specific problems, mostly to demonstrate how they work.

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The proposed quantum computer would be made up of junctions that control the movement of charged atoms, called ions. As many as 1,296 junctions could be fit onto a conventional 3.5-inch (9 centimeters) silicon wafer, and the wafers could be linked, allowing for a computer with as many quantum bits as needed. By contrast, current quantum computers have, at most, a dozen bits, Live Science reported.

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Quantum computers do not work the same way ordinary machines do. In a typical computer, the bits are encoded in millions of tiny circuits and have a value of 1 or 0. In a quantum computer, the bits, called qubits, are encoded by the quantum state of excited atoms, and can be 1, 0 or any value in between.

Designs like thіs one are a move toward real engіneerіng, said Bill Munro, who heads the Theoretical Quantum Physics Research Group at Japanese telecommunications company NTT. Still, some challenges will remaіn, he said.