Minds, Machines, and the Multiverse: The Quest for the Quantum Computer: Amazon.ca: Julia Brown: Books

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Just how smart can computers get? Science journalist Julian Brown takes a hard look at the spooky world of quantum computation in Minds, Machines, and the Multiverse--and his report is optimistic. Based in large part on the groundbreaking work of David Deutsch, the book mostly sidesteps the shouting matches of the AI debate and instead explores the history of computation and quantum theory before turning to the exciting advances likely to come out of their merger. While some readers might cringe at the blithe dismissal of classical computing as a relic, Brown shows us why quantum computing is faster and more powerful, and is a good candidate for replacing its predecessor.

The author doesn't pull any mathematical punches, but injects enough humor and personalization into his writing to keep the book from crumbling to dust. Indeed, portraits of such luminaries as Deutsch and Feynman are more engaging than those found in some biographies and are enlightening on their own. But the real power and charm of Brown's prose lie in its straightforward explanation of the arcane details of the multiple-worlds theory, "qubits," and quantum logic in language any informed reader can understand. There are more questions than answers in Minds, Machines, and the Multiverse, but the questions are profoundly satisfying all by themselves. --Rob Lightner

From Publishers Weekly

Computers get faster as microprocessors get smaller and denser, requiring fewer subatomic particles to toggle between zero and one. When silicon chips rely on single electrons, will computing power have hit a wall? Or will the future's computers use quantum properties to acquire undreamt-of powers? In this intriguing, fast-moving book, Brown (a longtime writer for Britain's prestigious New Scientist) asks those questions, shuttling among the physics, mathematics and information theory that would enable quantum computing, and the practical, technical work required to make it happen. He considers the class of quantum computing roadblocks that involves heat disposal, introduces us to "complexity theory," something called "decoherence" and "ion traps" (the closest step yet to a quantum computer that works; research into it is currently taking place under the auspices of America's National Security Administration). Brown also profiles quantum-computer theorist David Deutsch--an engagingly eccentric Oxford physicist--as well as such famous scientists as Richard Feynman and IBM's Charles Bennett (who figured out how, "in theory," "one can compute using no energy at all"). The English-speaking world has plenty of books explaining computers, quantum theory and the attendant wacky philosophical implications, but Brown transcends these categories, showing how physics relates to computation and how their alliance affects the future of both. His enthusiastic, patient explanations of fairly difficult mathematics distinguishes his book. Illustrations. (Mar.)
Copyright 2000 Reed Business Information, Inc.

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First Sentence
Gaunt, hair unkempt, and skin a ghostly shade, David Deutsch cuts a strange figure even by the standards of the eccentrics and oddballs that so often inhabit the upper reaches of science. Read the first page

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20 Reviews

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4.2 out of 5 stars (20 customer reviews)

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4.0 out of 5 stars The best overview of Quantum Computing I've seen..., July 30 2003

By

Nicq MacDonald (Sioux Falls, SD United States) - See all my reviews

This review is from: Minds, Machines, and the Multiuniverse: The Quest for the Quantum Computer (Paperback)

In The Quest for the Quantum Computer, Julian Brown takes a look at the emerging field of Quantum Computing, a field that could potentially revolutionize many fields of computing and far-edge technology, such as cryptography, information theory, higher mathematics, and nanotechnology.

So what is a Quantum Computer, anyway?

A Quantum computer, in Brown's term (derived from the work of David Deutsch and Richard Feynman), is a computer based on an atom-scale architecture that, rather than using standard digital logic gates, uses logic gates based on "qubits", or quantum bits, that can carry a bit with a value of 1, 0, or any position that could theoretically exist in between. Such a computer could be used to process massive matrices of information in paralell, and solve mathematical problems previously thought impossible to answer.

Still following?

If not, the book isn't for you. It's quite dense, and filled with logical and mathematical jargon- it was clearly intended to be a "popular" book for a select audience- people with physics, engineering, mathematics, and computer science backgrounds. But if you're interested in "the new physics", on-the-edge computing, or future technologies in general, pick this book up.

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5.0 out of 5 stars Almost perfect, Nov 24 2002

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Howard A. Landman (Fort Collins, CO United States) - See all my reviews

This review is from: Minds, Machines, and the Multiverse: The Quest for the Quantum Computer (Hardcover)

This is the book I recommend to all my technical friends who are wondering what quantum computing is about. Brown writes with astonishing lucidity and an intense focus on what he's trying to communicate. If this book has a flaw, it's that I think it gives Deutsch and the many-universes interpretation of QM a bit too much airtime. Deutsch's views are well-presented in many other places and it dilutes this book somewhat to spend so much time on him when it really isn't necessary.

I don't understand the review that said this book wasn't technical enough. Yes, it's not a textbook for learning how to write quantum algorithms. But it does have detailed quantum circuit diagrams for a number of useful or interesting ones. When I read this book I finally saw enough of the details to "get it". I launched from this directly into the scientific literature without getting too terribly lost.

I would recommend this book over Milburn's "The Feynman Processor". Milburn knows his material but he tends to wander a lot. His book is OK and useful, but this one is better. I'd put it in the same class as Gleick's "Chaos".

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2.0 out of 5 stars Could be interesting, but WAY over my head . . ., Nov 1 2002

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Walter Reade (Appleton, WI United States) - See all my reviews

This review is from: Minds, Machines, and the Multiuniverse: The Quest for the Quantum Computer (Paperback)

The idea of a quantum computer is quite fascinating. Since a colleague of mine studied quantum computing at Oxford, I thought I might read up on the subject. My expectations were that "The Quest" would be something that would get the lay reader up to speed. I don't mind being stretched a bit (I have a Ph.D. in chemical engineering), but the book was just way too over the top for any not intimately familiar with quantum physics. The book contains a lot of interesting information, but it is sandwiched between some very difficult concepts and nomenclature. Remember, "know your audience . . ."

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Most recent customer reviews

5.0 out of 5 stars An Astounding book, not just for the layman
Covers the topic in enough detail as to be useful
for the professional.
An astounding composition.

Published on Sep 18 2002 by A. Shiekh

5.0 out of 5 stars Wide-ranging, amusing and insightful
This is the kind of popular science book I would like to see more often. Most popularizations skim over the surface of their subjects without providing enough detail to... Read more

Published on Jun 1 2002 by James Newmark