- #1
A Puzzlement
- 7
- 1
Reversible computation is a somewhat well-known topic. (Quantum computers, for instance, must use reversible gates).
Apparently, though, quantum measurements can be reversible too. This also means you could recover the original state by “unmeasuring” the system. Imagine being able to “see” a photon without absorbing it!
So in theory should it be possible to have a robot or lifeform that interacts with its environment in a completely reversible way, dissipating no heat? Or at least one that comes arbitrarily close. (Of course, the environment would have to be fine-tuned, which I presume is why we don’t see reversible creatures everywhere).
Then again, a reversible lifeform might look so different from anything we’re familiar with that we’d completely miss it if it was there.
Apparently, though, quantum measurements can be reversible too. This also means you could recover the original state by “unmeasuring” the system. Imagine being able to “see” a photon without absorbing it!
So in theory should it be possible to have a robot or lifeform that interacts with its environment in a completely reversible way, dissipating no heat? Or at least one that comes arbitrarily close. (Of course, the environment would have to be fine-tuned, which I presume is why we don’t see reversible creatures everywhere).
Then again, a reversible lifeform might look so different from anything we’re familiar with that we’d completely miss it if it was there.