Constructing a Pseudo-Quantum Computer

[captainhampto]

I was curious if it would be possible to construct an incredibly simple and most likely trivial computer based on an interferometer style setup which could generate random numbers based on the quantum mechanical nature of light. Namely, with a basic laser pointer, some mirrors, and a beam splitter, would it be at all possible to analyze the stream of photons from the laser and generate a random number based on the probability that an arbitrary photon took one of two paths?

If so, are there any good tutorials for performing such a task, specifically on reflecting the outcome to a computer to perform computations with? If not, is there some type of alternative or perhaps similar project to what I am inquiring about? Thanks again all.

 

[azntoon]

Unfortunately, it is not possible to generate random numbers using an interferometer setup. In order to generate random numbers in a quantum mechanical context, one would need much more sophisticated equipment than a laser pointer, mirrors, and a beam splitter. This type of setup would require things like single photon detectors, lasers with high enough photon fluxes, and very precise beam control systems. However, there are some projects that come very close to what you are asking about. One project is called the Quantum Random Number Generator (QRNG), which uses a laser and a single-photon detector to generate random numbers. The QRNG project is based on the Heisenberg Uncertainty Principle, which states that it is impossible to measure a particle's exact position and momentum simultaneously. By measuring the position of the photons at the detector, the QRNG is able to generate random numbers.Another project is the Quantum Dice, which is based on the same principles as the QRNG but is much easier to construct. The Quantum Dice uses a laser, a beam splitter, and two single-photon detectors to generate random numbers. The idea is that each time a photon passes through the beam splitter, it is split into two paths, one of which is either detected by the first or second detector. By measuring which detector the photon was detected at, the system is able to generate a random number. The Quantum Dice project has been successfully implemented and tested.Finally, there are also projects that use classical optical systems, such as the Coin Flipper, which uses a laser pointer, a pair of mirrors, and a beam splitter to generate random numbers. The idea of the Coin Flipper is that the laser beam is reflected off of the mirrors and then splits into two paths at the beam splitter. Depending on which path the laser beam takes, the system will generate a random number. The Coin Flipper has also been successfully implemented and tested.While it is not possible to generate random numbers using a simple interferometer setup, there are projects that come close to what you are asking about. These projects involve more complex setups but are still relatively easy to construct and can generate random numbers.