Quantum mechanics is a challenge for scientists where the laws of physics work differently. – File Photo courtesy Creative Commons

PARIS: Physicists in the United States said Wednesday they have developed a simulator that will allow them to observe the behaviour of subatomic particles impossible to measure on existing computers.

Understanding quantum mechanics is a key challenge for scientists seeking to explain natural phenomena on the subatomic level, where the laws of nature work differently to those of the observable world.

“Our simulator’s potential calculation power outstrips anything conceivable by human beings. It is absolutely the most powerful simulator ever built,” project member Joe Britton told AFP of the National Institute of Standards and Technology (NIST) design.

“Our experiment takes the idea of simulation from the realm of ‘toy models’

to full-fledged ‘quantum simulator’.”A statement said no other scientists have managed to build a simulator that was able to deal with more than 30 quantum particles.

“The NIST simulator has extensive control over hundreds of qubits (quantum bits),” it said -- ten times more than previous devices.

“The simulator has passed a series of important benchmarking tests and scientists are poised to study problems in material science that are impossible to model on conventional computers.”

Opinion

Who bears the cost?

Who bears the cost?

This small window of low inflation should compel a rethink of how the authorities and employers understand the average household’s

Editorial

Internet restrictions
Updated 23 Dec, 2024

Internet restrictions

Notion that Pakistan enjoys unprecedented freedom of expression difficult to reconcile with the reality of restrictions.
Bangladesh reset
23 Dec, 2024

Bangladesh reset

THE vibes were positive during Prime Minister Shehbaz Sharif’s recent meeting with Bangladesh interim leader Dr...
Leaving home
23 Dec, 2024

Leaving home

FROM asylum seekers to economic migrants, the continuing exodus from Pakistan shows mass disillusionment with the...
Military convictions
Updated 22 Dec, 2024

Military convictions

Pakistan’s democracy, still finding its feet, cannot afford such compromises on core democratic values.
Need for talks
22 Dec, 2024

Need for talks

FOR a long time now, the country has been in the grip of relentless political uncertainty, featuring the...
Vulnerable vaccinators
22 Dec, 2024

Vulnerable vaccinators

THE campaign to eradicate polio from Pakistan cannot succeed unless the safety of vaccinators and security personnel...