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The computer, developed by researchers from IBM, Stanford University and the University of Calgary, uses the properties of five fluorine atoms to perform calculations at lightning speed. The nuclei interact and work together as quantum bits, or 'qubits' (not to be confused with 'cubits', which Noah used as measurements in the construction of his ark), which allows the computer to store and process data.

In a quantum computer the direction in which a particle spins represents a binary state, such that up can equal 'one' and down can equal 'zero'. However, according to quantum theory an unobserved

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particle can be spinning in both directions until its spin is measured, a state referred to as 'superposition'. This phenomenon allows a quantum computer to perform calculations on multiple sets of data simultaneously, creating the potential for tremendous processing power.

The IBM-led research team used the computer to solve a mathematical problem known as 'order-finding', which involves finding the period of a particular mathematical function (one which is frequently used in cryptography applications). Conventional computers would require several processor cycles to solve this problem, but IBM's machine completed its calculations in a single step.

"A quantum computer could eventually be used for practical purposes such as database searches...but probably not for more mundane tasks such as word processing," said Isaac Chuang, who co-ordinated the research team's efforts. Chuang believes that quantum computers with between seven and ten atoms (and thus greater number-crunching power) could be developed within the next two years, although it will be quite a while before this sort of technology makes its way onto the desktop.

Joel Harrison