Quantum Computation: 2 Interesting Qs

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Discussion Overview

The discussion revolves around two questions related to quantum computation: the practicality of processing multiple results from qubits in superposition and the implications of potential future theories, such as string theory, on the feasibility of quantum computing. The scope includes theoretical considerations, technical explanations, and practical applications of quantum computing.

Discussion Character

  • Exploratory
  • Technical explanation
  • Debate/contested
  • Mathematical reasoning
  • Experimental/applied

Main Points Raised

  • One participant suggests that qubits in superposition perform all possible calculations simultaneously, raising concerns about the practicality of storing and sifting through all potential results.
  • Another participant explains that part of quantum algorithms includes post-processing to highlight the desired results among many possibilities.
  • There is a discussion about the compatibility of string theory with quantum mechanics, with one participant asserting that a new theory could impose limitations but would not invalidate the existence of quantum computing.
  • A participant inquires about leading companies in quantum research and expresses confusion regarding how results are made to stand out in quantum computations.
  • Clarifications are provided regarding how quantum algorithms can amplify desired outcomes while suppressing unwanted results.
  • One participant asks about the implementation of logic gates in quantum computing and expresses interest in the hardware aspects, such as ion traps and quantum dots.
  • Another participant notes that quantum programming primarily involves finite-dimensional linear algebra, suggesting that understanding the underlying physics is mainly necessary for engineering purposes.
  • There is a brief mention of quantum dots and their limitations in large-scale computing.

Areas of Agreement / Disagreement

Participants express differing views on the implications of future theories for quantum computing, and there is no consensus on the practicality of processing results from qubits. The discussion remains unresolved regarding the best methods for implementing logic gates and the effectiveness of various quantum computing technologies.

Contextual Notes

Some participants express uncertainty about the practical aspects of quantum computation, including the specifics of hardware implementations and the nature of quantum algorithms. There are also unresolved questions about the relationship between quantum mechanics and potential future theories.

cam875
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I have 2 questions about quantum computation that I find interesting.

1. I understand that because the qubits are in a superposition and therefore do not have defined values that they perform all the possible calculations at once therefore making it the most powerful and parallel processor possible. So let's say for example that we have a 1 qubit computer so in one process or sweep it will do all three possible additions simultaneously
0 + 0
0 + 1
1 + 1

so do they need to store all the results and than sift through them to find the answer there looking for or what, it doesn't seem very practical to have all the possible answers but not know which one is correct.

2. If another theory proves to be right in the next 50 or so years such as string theory would that mean that quantum computing is infact impossible since it relies on the principles of quantum physics.

any help with these questions is appreciated. thanks in advance.
 
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A computer has: 8,16,32,64 bits according to the processor, these make up 1 number in binary let's say 11111111=256 or 8^2 possible combinations.

Now let's say each of those 1s and 0s can make up 1,0 or 1 and 0. This means you have instead of say 8^2 combinations, 8^4 different combinations. In theory you have multiplied the processing capability by a power of 2.

As for string theory, it is compatible with QM, in fact it actually tries to bring QM and general relativity together.
 
cam875 said:
1. I understand that ... it doesn't seem very practical to have all the possible answers but not know which one is correct.
Was there a question in there? Anyways, part of this type of algorithm includes post-processing to make the desired answer(s) stand out from the rest, so when we "look" at the result of the computation, it's very likely the answer we were looking for.


2. If another theory proves to be right in the next 50 or so years such as string theory would that mean that quantum computing is infact impossible since it relies on the principles of quantum physics.
No. Small computations with quantum computers have actually been done. A new physical theory cannot change that fact -- at worst, it can merely put practical (or theoretical) limitations on how 'big' or 'efficient' a quantum computer can be.

(Well, to be precise, a new physical theory could predict quantum computing is impossible, but it would be automatically falsified in this domain)
 
so which companies are currently leading this type of research, I would like to see what they have so far?

and I don't understand what you mean by the answer being able to stick out from the rest.
 
cam875 said:
and I don't understand what you mean by the answer being able to stick out from the rest.
Exactly what I said next -- to make it so that the result of observation is most likely to be the one we want. (i.e. the amplitudes of wanted results are made large, while the amplitudes of unwanted results are made small)
 
I might be asking too much on this here but how do they actually instigate an OR or an AND logic gate to take place with whatever they are using between two qubits and than physically figure out which result is sticking out the most. I've heard of ion traps and quantum dots but am not quite sure which one is a good example to learn.
 
(As far as I know) quantum programming is all about finite-dimensional linear algebra: you only need the physics for engineering purposes (e.g. how to actually build one, what gates are possible, etc). Compare with the fact you don't need to know any electrical engineering at all in order to program an ordinary computer.

Here is Grover's algorithm, one of the fundamental algorithms of quantum computing.
 
but do you understand how a quantum dot works or something? like the hardware of this stuff. and thanks for that link.
 
Quantum dot use coherent light not computer. No good for big computer.
 

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