Scientists at Yale University are working on quantum-based clinical laboratory IT solutions using a "Goldilocks" approach to the problem.
The fairytale character finds the three bears' porridge either too salty or too sweet, too hot or too cold, settling in the end on Baby Bear's perfect middle ground.
Now physicist David DeMille is applying the same logic to quantum computing, which could see clinical laboratory IT solutions of the future store data using individual molecules.
In the past, scientists have tried using single atoms to carry information, but communication between them is weak.
Many-atom structures designed to operate as a particle work better, but are too big and subject to outside interference.
"Artificial atoms may prove too big and individual atoms may prove too small, but molecules made up of a few different atoms could be just right," says Mr DeMille.
He adds that this is why the research is "a kind of Goldilocks problem".
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