Qbit: More than a two-state quantum-mechanical system?

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Discussion Overview

The discussion revolves around the concept of extending quantum bits (qubits) to include more than two states, specifically exploring the idea of qtrits and other multi-state systems. Participants examine the implications of such systems on computing power and the challenges associated with distinguishing between multiple quantum states.

Discussion Character

  • Exploratory
  • Debate/contested
  • Conceptual clarification

Main Points Raised

  • Some participants propose that storing more than two states in a qubit could enhance computing power.
  • Others argue that distinguishing among three or more states is significantly more difficult than distinguishing between two states, which may negate the potential benefits.
  • It is noted that while theoretical constructs like qtrits exist, practical implementation remains challenging and is often limited to binary systems.
  • One participant mentions that quantum logic is based on vectors, suggesting that ternary logic could be feasible, though the specifics are unclear.
  • A distinction is made between practical and philosophical considerations regarding the use of binary versus multi-state systems in computing.

Areas of Agreement / Disagreement

Participants express differing views on the feasibility and practicality of multi-state quantum systems, with no consensus reached on whether they would provide advantages over traditional binary systems.

Contextual Notes

Limitations include the theoretical nature of multi-state systems and the practical challenges of implementation, as well as the historical context of binary logic in computing.

Who May Find This Useful

This discussion may be of interest to those exploring quantum computing, quantum mechanics, and the philosophical implications of computational theories.

askalot
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Hello,
Why not to consider storing a higher degree than a 2-state QM system, in a qbit?
Wouldn't that increase the computing power?
Regards,
Askalot.
 
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I actually ask why not 3 or more QM-states, inside a Qbit.
 
askalot said:
Hello,
Why not to consider storing a higher degree than a 2-state QM system, in a qbit?
For the same reason it's not done in classical computers: distinguishing among 3 states is MUCH more difficult than between 2 states.
askalot said:
Wouldn't that increase the computing power?
No. Adding more 2-valued qbits is easier and gives the same result.
 
askalot said:
I actually ask why not 3 or more QM-states, inside a Qbit.

It exists theoretically. For three its called a qtrit but you can have as many states as you want. Wave mechanics deals with infinite dimensional information.
 
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jk22, could you please list, the pros and cons of a qtrit?
 
Qtrit are spin 1 particles like photons. In fact its like if technically you make a computer out of lasers. The cons is that its afaik only theoretical and its even theoretically very seldom to deal with tristate. Most of logic is reduced to binary like master/slave true/false. It goes back to Aristoteles with his third middle excluded.

However quantum logic is based on vectors and we live in a 3d seeable world hence a ternary logic should be implementable but how this i don't know.

You could also ask your question in the quantum physics section to have other replies.
 
We can divide this question in two parts:
1. Practical: (SlowThinker made a statement, but did not give any concrete explanation, in his answer.)
2. Philosophical: (Just as jk22 started talking about.)
 
There is a simple but enlighting article at: https://blog.penjee.com/why-do-computers-use-binary-numbers-answered/ about the practical reasons for choosing the binary system in classical computers.

However there are some more theoretical questions, as for example, why do we keep, in most cases, the first two terms when we make a series approximation.
 

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