One of the most inspiring potential applications of quantum physics is the concept of creating sophisticated quantum computers which can perform calculations at such a rate that they would make our current level of technology seem about as sophisticated as the slide rule.

The main hurdle in developing a long-term functional quantum computer is finding something which can function as a qubit or "quantum bit," which is the quantum equivalent of a standard computer bit. The qubit would have to be able to retain quantum decoherence in such a way that it could perform a series of operations with other qubits before collapsing back into a single quantum state as it is measured to deliver its resulting computational output.

Now University of Central Florida professor Enrique del Barco has made an observation which may help identify a useful candidate for a qubit, as well as a means of interacting with it. He has found that two nearly independent halves of a nanomagnetic molecule can swap poles in such a way that quantum tunneling gets canceled. Many physicists believe that it is through manipulation of the magnetic moment of solid-state physical devices that the quantum logic gates, required to operate upon and between qubits, will be developed.

Related Articles:

• About Physics - What is a Quantum Computer?
• University of Central Florida - Future 'Quantum Computers' Will Offer Increased Efficiency & and Risks
• Nature Physics - Quantum interference of tunnel trajectories between states of different spin length in a dimeric molecular nanomagnet (this is a letter abstract ... reading the full letter requires an $18 fee or subscription)