Peter Shor

Mathematician whose 1994 quantum factoring algorithm proved deployed public-key cryptography has an expiration date.

Core Principles & Analysis

• Developed the algorithm at Bell Labs after studying the quantum Fourier transform's period-finding power.
• Received the Nevanlinna Prize in 1998 and the Gödel Prize in 1999 for the result.
• Also invented quantum error correction, the other pillar a future quantum computer depends on.

Specifications & Metrics

• AFFILIATION: MIT
• KNOWN FOR: Shor's algorithm (1994)