BARC scientist discovers key to tamper-proof computers

NEW DELHI, MARCH 12. A Bhabha Atomic Research Centre (BARC) scientist working in Britain and his colleague have discovered a law of quantum mechanics which implies that a new class of quantum computers in which data cannot be deleted accidentally or tampered with could now be a reality.

The new law by Mr. Arun Kumar Pati from BARC, currently with the University of Wales, and Mr. Samuel Braunstein from the School of Informatics at Wales, says that unknown quantum states cannot be destroyed, thereby paving the way for development of tamper-proof computers. The new law, called ``quantum no-deleting'', was published in the latest issue of the international journal ``Nature''.

Quantum mechanics deals with properties of atoms and molecules. Experts are predicting the advent of quantum computers in which the chips would be at the atomic level.

A quantum computer would comprise a set of trapped atoms lit alternately by a series of lasers in a sequence controlled by a conventional computer.

A report from the Wales University said the atoms in a quantum computer may be thought of as a fancy Rubik's cube, with different lasers corresponding to different manipulations.

The `quantum no-deleting' law means that unlike conventional computers in which anyone can delete a copy of information, in quantum computers it will not be possible to delete quantum information.

According to Mr. Pati and Mr. Braunstein, if one stores several copies of quantum data on a quantum computer, only the original owner can delete the data. In principle, the information is very secure and cannot be accidentally deleted or tampered with.

On the other hand, it presents the problem of how to remove information completely when one wants to do so. The property may not be of use in routine computer use, but would be of immense importance in critical sectors such as defence, in which classified information could be stored permanently.

- PTI

Send this article to Friends by E-Mail

Section  : National
Previous : Fight the disease or the cause?
Next     : Bail period unacceptable for remission: SC