No-cloning theorem and time travel

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SUMMARY

The discussion centers on the relationship between the no-cloning theorem and the concept of time travel in quantum mechanics. Participants argue that sending a photon back in time from t1 to t0 creates two identical photons, seemingly violating the no-cloning theorem. However, it is established that this scenario contradicts the principle of unitary evolution, which dictates that quantum states evolve in a reversible manner without independent evolution from future to past. The consensus is that time travel does not permit cloning due to these fundamental quantum mechanical principles.

PREREQUISITES
  • Understanding of the no-cloning theorem in quantum mechanics
  • Familiarity with unitary evolution in quantum systems
  • Basic knowledge of quantum state manipulation
  • Conceptual grasp of time travel theories in physics
NEXT STEPS
  • Research the implications of the no-cloning theorem on quantum computing
  • Study unitary evolution and its role in quantum mechanics
  • Explore various time travel theories and their compatibility with quantum principles
  • Investigate quantum state manipulation techniques and their limitations
USEFUL FOR

Physicists, quantum computing researchers, and students of quantum mechanics interested in the intersection of time travel and quantum theory.

stevenytc
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Does no-cloning theorem contradict with the possibility of time travelling?

If i send a photon back in time from t1 to t0, then between t0 an t1, I could have two identical photons, in other words, i can use the time machine to clone my photons.

Have I missed out something?
 
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stevenytc said:
Does no-cloning theorem contradict with the possibility of time travelling?

If i send a photon back in time from t1 to t0, then between t0 an t1, I could have two identical photons, in other words, i can use the time machine to clone my photons.

Have I missed out something?

Time machine? Really?
 
stevenytc said:
Does no-cloning theorem contradict with the possibility of time travelling?

If i send a photon back in time from t1 to t0, then between t0 an t1, I could have two identical photons, in other words, i can use the time machine to clone my photons.

Have I missed out something?
Your procedure violates unitary evolution. The no-cloning theorem assumes that evolution is unitary.
 
Demystifier,

Thanks for your response.

But could you elaborate on exactly how this operation violates the unitary assumption?

Thanks.
 
Unitary evolution involves an evolution from t0 to t1, but not an independent evolution from t1 to t0.
 

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