An introduction to many worlds in quantum computation

DOI10.1007/S10701-009-9300-2zbMATH Open1175.81009arXiv0802.2504OpenAlexW3099389488MaRDI QIDQ735210FDOQ735210

Authors: Clare Hewitt-Horsman 

Publication date: 21 October 2009

Published in: Foundations of Physics (Search for Journal in Brave)

Abstract: The interpretation of quantum mechanics is an area of increasing interest to many working physicists. In particular, interest has come from those involved in quantum computing and information theory, as there has always been a strong foundational element in this field. This paper introduces one interpretation of quantum mechanics, a modern `many-worlds' theory, from the perspective of quantum computation. Reasons for seeking to interpret quantum mechanics are discussed, then the specific `neo-Everettian' theory is introduced and its claim as the best available interpretation defended. The main objections to the interpretation, including the so-called ``problem of probability are shown to fail. The local nature of the interpretation is demonstrated, and the implications of this both for the interpretation and for quantum mechanics more generally are discussed. Finally, the consequences of the theory for quantum computation are investigated, and common objections to using many worlds to describe quantum computing are answered. We find that using this particular many-worlds theory as a physical foundation for quantum computation gives several distinct advantages over other interpretations, and over not interpreting quantum theory at all.

Full work available at URL: https://arxiv.org/abs/0802.2504

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zbMATH Keywords

interpretation of quantum mechanicsquantum information theoryfoundations of quantum mechanicsEverett interpretation

Mathematics Subject Classification ID

Quantum computation (81P68) General and philosophical questions in quantum theory (81P05) Quantum information, communication, networks (quantum-theoretic aspects) (81P45)

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Cited In (8)

• Universality, Invariance, and the Foundations of Computational Complexity in the Light of the Quantum Computer
• Copenhagen computation
• A quantum computer only needs one universe
• THE INEVITABLE NONLINEARITY OF QUANTUM GRAVITY FALSIFIES THE MANY-WORLDS INTERPRETATION OF QUANTUM MECHANICS
• Multiplicity in Eeverett's interpretation of quantum mechanics
• Experimental bounds on classical random field theories
• Observers and locality in Everett quantum field theory
• Many worlds, the cluster-state quantum computer, and the problem of the preferred basis

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