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An IBM quantum computer from the "Q System One" series
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According to the Fraunhofer-Gesellschaft, German researchers could develop their own quantum computer within eight years.
"Perhaps a lot sooner," said Fraunhofer President Reimund Neugebauer on Tuesday.
"The chances are there."
From the point of view of the scientists, it would be sensible and necessary to develop a local quantum computer "especially for reasons of technological sovereignty" so that Germany does not become dependent on foreign countries for a key technology of the future.
In January, the Fraunhofer-Gesellschaft wants to put a quantum computer from the US company IBM into operation - the first computer of its kind to be set up outside the USA, as Research Director Raoul Klingner said.
The device from the "Q System One" series is set up at IBM in Ehningen near Stuttgart.
The computer is intended to serve as an "open platform" for both universities and companies.
Germany is very well positioned in research, but "the big companies that offer something like this come from the USA," said Klingner.
This should not be repeated in quantum technology.
With the concept of quantum computers, the industry is reacting to the fact that the development of high-performance computers according to conventional concepts is reaching physical limits.
Quantum computers do not store information in the form of bits that can only have two possible states, namely one or zero.
The so-called "qubits" of a quantum computer can assume both states at the same time.
This so-called superposition enables far more combinations than with bits, which is why more data can be processed at the same time and complex problems can be solved more quickly.
Furthermore, according to Neugebauer, quantum technology offers further advantages such as tap-proof data transmission.
"You can interrupt this communication, but you can't read it," said the Fraunhofer President.
"When we have introduced this, it will physically mean the end of the arms race between IT security officers and IT hackers." This is "a very important point for the economy, for politics, for security".
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mak / dpa