A Shortcut Through Time: The Path to the Quantum Computer Second Edition Edition

by George Johnson (Author)

24 customer reviews

ISBN-13: 978-0375411939

ISBN-10: 0375411933

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The first book to prepare us for the next big—perhaps the biggest—breakthrough in the short history of the cyberworld: the development of the quantum computer.

The newest Pentium chip driving personal computers packs 40 million electronic switches onto a piece of silicon the size of a thumbnail. It is dramatically smaller and more powerful than anything that has come before it. If this incredible shrinking act continues, the logical culmination is a computer in which each switch is composed of a single atom. And at that point the miraculous—the actualization of quantum mechanics—becomes real. If atoms can be harnessed, society will be transformed: problems that could take forever to be solved on the supercomputers available today would be dispatched with ease. Quantum computing promises nothing less astonishing than a shortcut through time.

In this book, the award-winning New York Times science writer George Johnson first takes us back to the original idea of a computer—almost simple enough to be made of Tinkertoys—and then leads us through increasing levels of complexity to the soul of this remarkable new machine. He shows us how, in laboratories around the world, the revolution has already begun.

Writing with a brilliant clarity, Johnson makes sophisticated material on (and even beyond) the frontiers of science both graspable and utterly fascinating, affording us a front-row seat at one of the most galvanizing scientific dramas of the new century.

Editorial Reviews

From Publishers Weekly

Johnson has been nominated for several awards for earlier books on physics and physicists (Strange Beauty; Fire in the Mind). Here he sticks mainly to science, providing a quick overview of a cutting-edge union between quantum theory and computing. The book begins by describing a computer as "just a box with a bunch of switches." Although today's computer switches are imbedded in circuitry, they can in principle be made of any material, like the early banks of vacuum tubes; Johnson also recalls a tic-tac-toe-playing machine created from Tinkertoys in the 1970s. An ordinary computer switch, binary in nature, registers as either a zero or a one, but if a single atom were harnessed as a switch, its dual nature as both particle and wave means it could be "superpositioned," simultaneously zero and one. A series of such switches could handle complex calculations much more swiftly than conventional computers: an entertaining theory, but impractical. Except that a quantum computer's ability to factor large numbers-determining the smaller numbers by which they are divisible-would have a critical application in cryptography, with a string of atoms used to create (or break) complex codes. After discussing competing projects that aim to make the theory of quantum computing a reality, the book concludes with ruminations on the implications of the projects' possible success. Using "a series of increasingly better cartoons" and plain language, Johnson's slim volume is so straightforward that readers without a technical background will have no problem following his chain of thought. Illus.
Copyright 2003 Reed Business Information, Inc.

From Library Journal

It's hard to imagine how the newest Pentium chip could pack 40 million electronic switches into a nickel-sized bit of silicon and even harder to imagine what that means for computing. A recipient of the Science Journalism Award, Johnson should make it all clear.
Copyright 2002 Reed Business Information, Inc.

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Product details

Hardcover: 224 pages
Publisher: Knopf; Second Edition edition (February 18, 2003)
Language: English
ISBN-10: 0375411933
ISBN-13: 978-0375411939
Product Dimensions: 5.9 x 0.9 x 8.7 inches
Shipping Weight: 14.4 ounces (View shipping rates and policies)
Average Customer Review: 24 customer reviews
Amazon Best Sellers Rank: #2,537,583 in Books (See Top 100 in Books)
- #13697 in Computer Science (Books)
- #2209 in Quantum Theory (Books)
- #5605 in Physics (Books)

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K. Scott Proctor

Interesting Introduction to Quantum Computing

November 5, 2007

Format: PaperbackVerified Purchase

"A Shortcut Through Time" is a well-written introduction to the complex topic of quantum computing. Quantum computing, in a general sense, is the utilization of various quantum mechanical phenomenon, such as entanglement, for the benefit of a powerful computer, or data processing engine.

In a more basic sense, this is a book about the potential for computing devices that operate at the atomic level. This engaging and well-written book is, in various parts, a historical overview of computing, a vivid description of quantum mechanics and an exposition of the potential for quantum computing.

While written for a general audience, several advanced topics are covered in a unique manner, such as a good description of "NP-complete" (Nodeterministic Polynomial-time) problems.

Highly recommended for those with an interest in learning more about the potential for a new approach to computing.

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Exceptionally clear and enlightening

August 14, 2011

Format: PaperbackVerified Purchase

Quantum computing is one of those things that is almost impossible to explain to someone who doesn't already have a good understanding of both quantum physics and computational theory- and yet Johnson manages to present a beautiful, elegant explanation without resorting to the typical hand-waving and metaphor that characterizes most popular books on modern physics. He explains, in clear and precise language, (1) why it is that quantum uncertainty makes powerful computing possible; (2) the nature of computationally difficult problems (i.e., those solvable in exponential time and those that are not NP-complete) (3) the physics involved in the physical realization of quantum computing, and (4) Shor's algorithm and other algorithms used in quantum computing. A beautiful, precise, and fascinating book.

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Amazon Customer

this relatively short book contains crystal clear explanations of subjects like entanglement, wave functions

May 31, 2017

Format: HardcoverVerified Purchase

Though it isn't up to date technologically, this relatively short book contains crystal clear explanations of subjects like entanglement, wave functions, quantum cryptography and the like, all carefully spelled out in a way that a focused reader can grasp without math formulas. An excellent example of relatively complex science for the non-scientist.

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R. L. Bennett

Good book and really gets the user to understand Quantums

March 2, 2003

Format: HardcoverVerified Purchase

Great book, I'm almost done but just thought I would write this review now. The book is great, I wanted to learn a little more about the idea of quantum computing and never had luck in finding a good book to get. Came across the preview for this book and they said it was an excellent book for people with little knowledge of quantum computers. Thats exactly what this book is for, people with little or knowledge before hand of what quantum computer is all about. The writer drills and drills in your head of what it is, he includes several diagrams as well to help you understand. If your looking for something that is super in depth and is really technicle in nature, the book isn't for you. At least I don't think it is. But a great book for people who just want to get the fundamentals of understanding quantum computing then you this book is for you!

3 people found this helpful

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Robert B. Price

Five Stars

April 30, 2017

Format: PaperbackVerified Purchase

Well written, very informative and with enough technical detail to make your mind stretch a bit.

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Palle E T Jorgensen

Child's play.

March 2, 2003

Format: HardcoverVerified Purchase

This is an author who has the ability to make otherwise
intimidating subjects seem like child's play. It is for readers who occasionally stop and wonder about what one term or the
other in the New York Times Science Section really means, or at least want to know a little more;---terms like quantum, Turing mashine, Shor's algorithm, quantum secrecy. Not many authors have both George Johnson's knowledge of science and his ability to communicate it in a delightful presentation; --and addressed to everyone. Another one who comes to mind is the late George Gamow. His whimsy books have offered both depth, and fun for
generations of readers. They still get reprinted now fifty years, or so, after their first editions.

11 people found this helpful

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D. E. Meek

Good primer on the theory of Quatum Computers.

June 3, 2015

Format: HardcoverVerified Purchase

Real heady reading! But exactly what I was looking for.

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L. M. Paul

Recipient loved it

January 17, 2013

Format: HardcoverVerified Purchase

This was given as a gift and from what I've been told the recipient is very pleased with it. Arrived very quickly.

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A Shortcut Through Time: The Path to the Quantum Computer Second Edition Edition