The speed and accuracy of quantum computers now under development are bringing humanity to the brink of a technological revolution. It remains unclear which of the many probable futures we will choose to create with the technology’s transformative potential, but as rapid scientific advances promise to overcome technological hurdles like error correction, a quantum computing future may be closer to the present than imagined. By showcasing developments in the emerging technology and deciphering some of the complexities in its mathematics, geometry, physics, and computer science, The Quantum Record aims to empower the public imagination in shaping the future we will all share in.
The Mystery of Time: Quantum Superposition and Quantum Accounting
The quantum is the smallest amount of energy in the universe that can either cause physical change or be physically changed. The vast speed and power of the quantum computer comes from the physics of quantum entanglement, in which the information bits (called “qubits”) connect in a way that signals transmit between qubits with no difference in time. This is called “superposition”, the phenomenon in quantum physics that provides no indication of the sequential order of signals and makes the quantum computer very different from computers commonly used today. What is the cause and what is the effect, when an exchange of signals in the quantum computer gives no indication of the order of cause and effect? The binary computer you are using now keeps a reliable record of the order of its signals because of the time it takes to switch between signal-on and signal-off states, but in making an account of quantum signals we will need to maintain an accurate record of cause and effect when superposition provides no measurable difference of their order in time.
Topological quantum computing could set the path to resolving error correction challenges in today’s quantum computers. The technology uses braiding and other mathematical concepts to map quantum signals in two, three, and four dimensions, and holds promise in combination with photonic qubits.
Both memory and forgetfulness may be requirements for error-free quantum computing. New research shows the potential of non-Abelian anyons, which retain enduring memory, to operate with quantum maze-solving algorithms, which sacrifice memory for efficiency. Could eliminating noise among qubits be close at hand?
Error correction is a major challenge in connecting qubits, the unit of information in quantum computers. In a recent breakthrough, Harvard-led scientists have created the first-ever quantum circuit with error-correcting logical qubits, opening the potential for large-scale processing.
In Part 2 of our series, we find that to balance the quantum account, zero must remain in the middle of the qubit sphere, but we face the problem and paradox of locating that point. We conclude the only way to pinpoint the middle is to define – simultaneously – the radius of the debit and credit.
The theory of Quantum Accounting begins with the meaning of two words: “account” and “quantum”. We start with “account” and its dual application in the record of quantum computer functions.
Computing technology is on the brink of a revolutionary change. With prototypes already in operation, the quantum computer will deliver huge – possibly unlimited – increases in speed and accuracy to existing and new applications when the technology is available for widespread use.
As accounting moves from one dimension to three, it will require the use of complex numbers and two values in particular – zero and one-half – that are the basis of Bernhard Riemann’s famous hypothesis.
The Quantum Record is a non-profit journal of philosophy, science, technology, and time. The potential of the future is in the human mind and heart, and in the common ground that we all share on the road to tomorrow. Promoting reflection, discussion, and imagination, The Quantum Record highlights the good work of good people and aims to join many perspectives in shaping the best possible time to come. We would love to stay in touch with you, and add your voice to the dialogue.