cosmic-ray-shielding
The deep nickel mine provides natural shielding from cosmic rays, creating an ideal environment for sensitive quantum computing experiments.
1 chapter across 1 book
Hominids (2002)Robert J. Sawyer
In this chapter, physicists Ponter Boddit and Adikor Huld work deep within a nickel mine to operate a quantum computer shielded from cosmic rays, aiming to factor an extraordinarily large number to test Digandal's Theorem. Despite previous successes, their current experiment fails due to mechanical instability in register 69, prompting Ponter to propose a hands-on, unconventional solution to stabilize the register and salvage the experiment before an upcoming Gray Council meeting. The chapter explores the challenges of advanced quantum computing in a unique subterranean environment and the scientists' determination to push the boundaries of knowledge.