Library of Babel quantum state

In summary, the conversation discusses the possibility of using a quantum computer to represent the Library of Babel, which contains 10^(2,000,000) books. While it may seem impossible in a classical way, one person suggests converting everything to binary and marking a stick at the corresponding length. However, another person points out that quantum computers are not well-suited for storing large amounts of information due to the need for a large number of qubits. They also mention the limitations of quantum entanglement and the possibility of only having write-only memory.
  • #1
Juanchotutata
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Hello!

If the Library of Babel has 10^(2,000,000) books, does anyone think that it is possible to create a quantum state (with a quantum computer) that represents this Library? I think that in a classical way it is impossible, but in a quantum way?

I find it quite interesting! What about you? :)
 
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  • #2
You could convert everything to binary, then convert the binary to a number between zero and one, and then mark a stick at that length. Problem solved.
 
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  • #3
Vanadium 50 said:
You could convert everything to binary, then convert the binary to a number between zero and one, and then mark a stick at that length. Problem solved.
Or you could just build a tower that high.
 
  • #4
Vanadium 50 said:
You could convert everything to binary, then convert the binary to a number between zero and one, and then mark a stick at that length. Problem solved.
I was thinking about calculating the number of bits which would correspond to 10^(2,000,000) books and see if it is possible to represent it with a quantum computer.
 
  • #5
Juanchotutata said:
I was thinking about calculating the number of bits which would correspond to 10^(2,000,000) books and see if it is possible to represent it with a quantum computer.
Quantum computers are not well-suited to storing information. It takes as many qubits to store your library of Babel as non-quantum bits. Another serious drawback to the idea is that qubits don't stay coherent very long, and the information you stored would only be retrievable for a very short time even with best current technology. You could improve the retention time with quantum error correction, which would require even more qubits. I think you are expecting that quantum entanglement would allow you to store and retrieve a lot of information with a small number of qubits. Unfortunately, it doesn't work that way. The number of bits of information a quantum computer can output is limited to the number of its component qubits. So even if you could store 2n bits of information in n qubits, you would only be able to get n bits back out, leaving you with a sort of write-only memory.
 
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1. What is the "Library of Babel quantum state"?

The "Library of Babel quantum state" is a theoretical concept in quantum physics that proposes the existence of an infinite library containing all possible quantum states of a system. It is based on the idea that in a quantum system, all possible states exist simultaneously until they are observed or measured.

2. How does the "Library of Babel quantum state" relate to the concept of superposition?

The "Library of Babel quantum state" is closely related to the concept of superposition, which states that a quantum system can exist in multiple states at the same time. In the library, each book represents a different quantum state, and together they make up the superposition of all possible states of the system.

3. Is the "Library of Babel quantum state" a real physical place?

No, the "Library of Babel quantum state" is a theoretical concept and does not exist as a physical place. It is meant to illustrate the idea of the superposition of all possible quantum states in a system and is not a literal library.

4. How does the "Library of Babel quantum state" relate to the uncertainty principle?

The "Library of Babel quantum state" is connected to the uncertainty principle, which states that it is impossible to know both the exact position and momentum of a particle at the same time. In the library, each book represents a different possible state, but it is impossible to know which book (or state) is the "correct" one until it is observed or measured.

5. Can the "Library of Babel quantum state" be applied to real-world situations?

Currently, the "Library of Babel quantum state" is a purely theoretical concept and has not been applied to real-world situations. However, some scientists are exploring the idea of using superposition and quantum states for advanced computing and encryption methods, which may have practical applications in the future.

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