[ExI] teachers

[efc at swisscows.email]

Upon some thought I decided to follow Bills modus operandi of asking 
iask.ai the following questions about my scenarios below:

1. How does a quantum computer store the information in 4000 qubits when 
there are only 2^260 atoms in the universe?

2. What is the biggest quantum computer ever built in terms of qubits?

3. Are there any limits to how big a quantum computer can be in terms of 
qubits?

4. Is the brain a quantum computer?

And here I shorten the answers for the sake of the AI not rehashing all 
the quantum computer operations and drowning the relevant bits in a wall 
of text. For the curious, you have the original questions above and the 
site is iask.ai.

1. How does a quantum computer store the information in 4000 qubits when

While it is true that there are only approximately 2^260 atoms in the 
observable universe, it is not necessary for each qubit in a quantum 
computer to correspond to an individual atom. The physical implementation 
of qubits can vary depending on the technology used.

Different types of qubits have been proposed and developed, such as 
superconducting circuits, trapped ions, topological qubits, and more. 
These implementations do not necessarily rely on individual atoms but 
rather on manipulating certain physical properties or phenomena at the 
quantum level.

For example, superconducting qubits are typically implemented using tiny 
loops of superconducting wire where the current can flow clockwise or 
counterclockwise simultaneously. Trapped ion qubits use the internal 
energy levels of individual ions to represent quantum information. These 
physical systems allow for the creation and manipulation of qubits without 
relying on individual atoms.

Topological Quantum Computing:

One promising approach to quantum computing that may address the 
scalability issue is topological quantum computing. Topological qubits are 
based on anyons, which are exotic particles that emerge in certain 
two-dimensional systems.
...
number of classical bit combinations. The physical implementation of 
qubits does not necessarily rely on individual atoms, and alternative 
approaches like topological quantum computing may offer solutions to 
scalability challenges.

2. What is the biggest quantum computer ever built in terms of qubits?

In a groundbreaking achievement, IBM has successfully built the largest
quantum computer ever constructed, with a whopping 53 qubits! This
monumental breakthrough marks a significant milestone in the field of
quantum computing and paves the way for unprecedented computational
power and capabilities.

3. Are there any limits to how big a quantum computer can be in terms of 
qubits?

Furthermore, there are physical constraints on how large a quantum
computer can be built due to technological limitations. Currently, most
quantum computers are built using superconducting circuits or trapped
ions, which have their own limitations in terms of scalability and
physical size. Superconducting circuits require extremely low
temperatures near absolute zero to operate effectively, while trapped
ions require precise control over individual ions, which becomes
increasingly challenging as the number of qubits increases.

In addition to these technical limitations, there are also theoretical
limits to the size of a quantum computer. One such limit is known as the
Bekenstein bound, which states that the maximum amount of information
that can be contained within a given region of space is proportional to
its surface area rather than its volume. This implies that there is a
fundamental limit to how many qubits can be packed into a given physical
space.

It is important to note that the field of quantum computing is still in
its early stages, and researchers are actively working on overcoming
these limitations. There have been significant advancements in recent
years, with the number of qubits in quantum computers steadily
increasing. However, building large-scale, fault-tolerant quantum
computers that can outperform classical computers for a wide range of
applications remains a significant challenge.

4. Is the brain a quantum computer?

In conclusion, the question of whether the brain functions as a quantum
computer is still an open and active area of scientific inquiry. While
there are theories and studies suggesting that quantum processes may
play a role in brain function, there is currently no consensus among
scientists. Further research and experimentation are needed to determine
the extent to which quantum phenomena influence brain processes.

No definite answers, but who knows, maybe there is a theoretical limit
to the size of quantum computers after all?

Best regards, 
Daniel


On Sat, 16 Sep 2023, efc--- via extropy-chat wrote:

> Thank you Jason, I think this was very enlightening and made it much more 
> clear what the differences are.
>
> To answer your questions, I can only see some possibilities:
>
> 1. As the AI says, the information is not stored based on atoms. Comparing it 
> with the nr of atoms is like comparing apples and oranges. Of course, that 
> begs the question... where is the information? How is it encoded? And how 
> does it interface with the physical world if it is not based on atoms?
>
> 2. Is it possible to even build a quantum computer with 4000 qubits? Perhaps, 
> once we approach 260 qubits, a limit will emerge? Maybe, once we start to hit 
> more qubits, the model will break down? Who knows? Will quantum computing be 
> stuck in the "we'll have it in 10 years" loop like fusion power?
>
> 3. It is based on atoms (or more fundamental particles) but we do not yet 
> understand it.
>
> And when it comes to nr 1, then there are the interpretations, some are more 
> specific in their attemps at explaining MWI, and some "shut up and calculate" 
> and some probably (I don't know) have some other explanation. And finally, 
> some say "we don't currently know".
>
> I do wish that a strong proponent of the other interpretations would take the 
> stage on the list. I think it would be incredibly interesting to hear and 
> compare.
>
> Best regards,
> Daniel
>
>
> On Sat, 16 Sep 2023, Jason Resch via extropy-chat wrote:
>
>> I asked the question using Bing's chat. I don't know how  this AI compares 
>> to the others, but these are the answers it provided for:
>> Copenhagen Interpretation: 
>> (426 words, 3 links)
>>
>>       Shor’s algorithm is a quantum algorithm that can factor large numbers 
>> exponentially faster than classical algorithms. It
>>       does so by finding the period of a function, which is a problem that 
>> is believed to be hard for classical computers. The
>>       algorithm uses a quantum computer to represent every number from 0 to 
>> 2^4000 - 1 using qubits, and then performs a
>>       distinct mathematical calculation against each one to get a distinct 
>> result. Finally, it uses interference to cancel out
>>       the wrong answers to produce a correct result 1.
>> 
>> In quantum mechanics, the Copenhagen interpretation is one of the most 
>> widely accepted interpretations. According to this
>> interpretation, the wave function of a quantum system describes all 
>> possible states of the system. When a measurement is made,
>> the wave function collapses into one of these states with a probability 
>> given by the Born rule 2.
>> 
>> In Shor’s algorithm, the quantum computer uses qubits to represent all 
>> possible states of the system. These states are
>> represented by complex numbers, which are stored in the amplitudes of the 
>> qubits. The number of possible states that can be
>> represented by n qubits is 2^n. In other words, each qubit can represent 
>> two possible states (0 or 1), and n qubits can
>> represent 2^n possible states 3.
>> 
>> The number of qubits required to factor a number of size N using Shor’s 
>> algorithm is proportional to log(N). For example, if N
>> has 4000 bits, then approximately 8000 qubits are required . While this may 
>> seem like an enormous number of qubits, it is
>> important to note that these qubits do not represent physical objects like 
>> atoms. Rather, they are abstract mathematical
>> objects that exist in a superposition of states until they are measured.
>> 
>> When a measurement is made on a quantum system, the wave function collapses 
>> into one of its possible states with a probability
>> given by the Born rule. In Shor’s algorithm, measurements are made on the 
>> qubits at various stages in order to extract
>> information about the period of the function being analyzed. The 
>> interference between different paths in the quantum
>> computation allows for incorrect answers to cancel out and correct answers 
>> to be amplified .
>> 
>> In summary, Shor’s algorithm uses a quantum computer to represent all 
>> possible states of a system using qubits. These qubits do
>> not represent physical objects like atoms, but rather abstract mathematical 
>> objects that exist in a superposition of states
>> until they are measured. The interference between different paths in the 
>> quantum computation allows for incorrect answers to
>> cancel out and correct answers to be amplified.
>> 
>> 
>> Many-Worlds:
>> (234 words, 0 links)
>>
>>       Shor’s algorithm is a quantum algorithm that can factor large numbers 
>> exponentially faster than classical algorithms. It
>>       works by finding the period of a function, which is used to factor 
>> the number. The algorithm requires a quantum computer
>>       with a sufficient number of qubits to represent the number being 
>> factored.
>> 
>> In Shor’s algorithm, the qubits are used to represent every number from 0 
>> to 2^4000 - 1, and a distinct mathematical
>> calculation is performed against each one to get a distinct result. The 
>> qubits are then measured, and the result is used to
>> determine the period of the function. Finally, interference is used to 
>> cancel out the wrong answers to produce a correct
>> result.
>> 
>> The question of where these computations are being performed is an 
>> interesting one. In the many-worlds interpretation of
>> quantum mechanics, there are an infinite number of parallel universes, each 
>> containing a different version of reality. In this
>> interpretation, the computations are being performed in all possible 
>> universes simultaneously. The interference that occurs in
>> Shor’s algorithm is due to the fact that some universes will produce 
>> correct results while others will not. The correct results
>> are then selected by interference between these universes.
>> 
>> It’s important to note that this is just one interpretation of quantum 
>> mechanics, and there are other interpretations that do
>> not involve parallel universes. However, the many-worlds interpretation is 
>> one of the most popular and widely studied
>> interpretations.
>> 
>> 
>> Quantum Bayesianism:
>> (376 words, 4 links)
>>
>>       Quantum computers are designed to harness the principles of quantum 
>> mechanics to perform complex calculations. Unlike
>>       classical computers that use bits to represent information as either 
>> 0 or 1, quantum computers use qubits, which can
>>       represent multiple states simultaneously through a phenomenon called 
>> superposition1. This allows quantum computers to
>>       perform computations on a vast number of possibilities in parallel.
>> 
>> In the case of Shor’s algorithm, the quantum computer uses its qubits to 
>> represent every number from 0 to 2^4000 - 1
>> simultaneously2. This is made possible by exploiting the superposition 
>> property of qubits. By performing a distinct
>> mathematical calculation against each possible number, the quantum computer 
>> obtains a set of results that contain both correct
>> and incorrect answers.
>> 
>> Here’s where interference comes into play. Interference is another 
>> fundamental principle of quantum mechanics. It allows the
>> quantum computer to manipulate the probability amplitudes associated with 
>> each possible result3. Through carefully designed
>> operations, the quantum computer can enhance the probability amplitudes of 
>> correct answers while suppressing those of incorrect
>> answers. This process is analogous to constructive and destructive 
>> interference in wave phenomena.
>> 
>> The final step involves measurement, which collapses the superposition of 
>> qubits into a single state. The measurement process
>> reveals one of the possible results, and with high probability, it will be 
>> a correct factorization of the input number4. The
>> computations are not performed in a physical sense on atoms or particles 
>> but rather through the manipulation of qubits and
>> their associated probability amplitudes.
>> 
>> It’s important to note that while Shor’s algorithm demonstrates the 
>> potential power of quantum computers for certain tasks,
>> building practical large-scale quantum computers is still an ongoing 
>> scientific and engineering challenge. Researchers are
>> actively working on improving qubit stability, reducing errors, and 
>> developing error-correcting codes to make quantum computers
>> more reliable and scalable.
>> 
>> Regarding Quantum Bayesianism, it is an interpretation of quantum mechanics 
>> that emphasizes subjective probabilities and
>> Bayesian reasoning. It provides an alternative perspective on how to 
>> interpret and understand quantum phenomena but does not
>> directly address the technical aspects of how quantum computers work.
>> 
>> I hope this explanation helps shed some light on how quantum computers can 
>> represent and process an enormous number of
>> possibilities simultaneously while leveraging principles from quantum 
>> mechanics. Let me know if you have any further questions!
>> 
>> 
>> 
>> 
>> 
>> 
>> I leave it to the reader to consider which answer explained the most and 
>> was the least obfuscatory.
>> 
>> I note that only one answer even addresses my question of "where are the 
>> computations performed?"
>> 
>> Jason
>> 
>> 
>> 
>> On Sat, Sep 16, 2023 at 11:34 AM BillK via extropy-chat 
>> <extropy-chat at lists.extropy.org> wrote:
>>       On Sat, 16 Sept 2023 at 15:44, Jason Resch via extropy-chat
>>       <extropy-chat at lists.extropy.org> wrote:
>>       >
>>       > Interesting results Bill.
>>       > If you are interested, you might try Deutsch's question on it. For 
>> example, prompting it with something like:
>>       >
>>       > ------
>>       > "A quantum computer of 8000 qubits can, using Shor's algorithm, 
>> factor a 4000-bit number. This algorithm does so by
>>       using the qubits to represent every number from 0 to 2^4000 - 1, and 
>> performing a distinct mathematical calculation
>>       against each one to get a distinct result. Finally, it uses 
>> interference to cancel out the wrong answers to produce a
>>       correct result.
>>       >
>>       > My question is: how is it that the quantum computer can represent 
>> 2^4000 distinct numbers, and perform 2^4000 distinct
>>       computations as it performs Shor's algorithm? Our universe only has 
>> some 2^260 atoms in it, there's not enough atoms in
>>       the universe to represent all these values. So then, where are all 
>> these numbers being represented? Where in reality are
>>       all these computations being performed? They must be done somewhere 
>> given we get the correct result, where are they all
>>       happening?
>>       >
>>       > Please explain as best you can, answers to these questions assuming 
>> that XXXXX is the correct description of quantum
>>       mechanics."
>>       > ------
>>       >
>>       > You could experiment having the AI answer this question in 
>> different sessions but change XXXXX to different
>>       interpretations, such as:
>>       >
>>       > "The Copenhagen Interpretation"
>>       > "Many-Worlds"
>>       > "Pilot-wave Theory"
>>       > "Quantum Bayesianism"
>>       >
>>       > The great thing about AI is we can have it answer these questions, 
>> where someone who believes in CI, for example, might
>>       refuse to answer or ignore the question.
>>       >
>>       > Jason
>>       > _______________________________________________
>> 
>> 
>>
>>       Well, the AI has already said that the different interpretations are
>>       not relevant, as the quantum computer just calculates regardless. It
>>       doesn't care what nearby humans might think is happening during the
>>       calculation.
>>       A bit like we use GPS without bothering about the continual
>>       Einsteinian relativistic adjustments that need to be applied.
>>
>>       I fear that I am getting to the stage where I don't understand either
>>       the question asked or the answer received!  :)
>>       Daniel has my sympathies.  :)
>>
>>       BillK
>>
>>       Anyway, I asked the AI -
>>       How can a quantum computer represent 2^4000 distinct numbers, and
>>       perform 2^4000 distinct computations as it performs Shor's algorithm?
>>
>>       The AI immediately replied (no thinking time required!) —
>>       A quantum computer can represent 2^4000 distinct numbers and perform
>>       2^4000 distinct computations due to its unique property of leveraging
>>       quantum bits, or qubits, which can exist in multiple states
>>       simultaneously. Unlike classical bits that can only be in a state of 
>> 0
>>       or 1, qubits can be in a superposition of both states at the same
>>       time. This allows quantum computers to perform parallel computations
>>       on a massive scale.
>>
>>       To understand how a quantum computer can represent such a large 
>> number
>>       of distinct numbers, we need to delve into the concept of qubit
>>       superposition. In classical computing, an n-bit register can 
>> represent
>>       2^n distinct numbers by assigning each bit a value of either 0 or 1.
>>       In contrast, a quantum computer with n qubits can represent 2^n
>>       complex numbers simultaneously. This is because each qubit can be in 
>> a
>>       superposition of both 0 and 1 states, resulting in an exponential
>>       increase in the number of possible combinations.
>>
>>       In the case of representing 2^4000 distinct numbers, a quantum
>>       computer would require a register consisting of 4000 qubits. Each
>>       qubit can independently exist in a superposition of both 0 and 1
>>       states, allowing for an astronomical number of possible combinations.
>>       The total number of distinct numbers that can be represented is given
>>       by 2^4000.
>>
>>       Similarly, when performing Shor's algorithm on a quantum computer, 
>> the
>>       ability to represent and manipulate such a large number of distinct
>>       numbers becomes crucial. Shor's algorithm is a quantum algorithm that
>>       efficiently factors large integers, which has significant 
>> implications
>>       for cryptography.
>>
>>       The key component of Shor's algorithm is the quantum Fourier 
>> transform
>>       (QFT), which enables the efficient computation of periodicity. By
>>       representing the input number as a superposition of different values,
>>       the QFT allows for simultaneous evaluation of multiple potential
>>       factors. This parallelism is what gives quantum computers their
>>       exponential speedup over classical computers for certain problems.
>>
>>       During the execution of Shor's algorithm, the quantum computer
>>       performs a series of operations on the qubits, including modular
>>       exponentiation and QFT. These operations exploit the unique 
>> properties
>>       of qubits to efficiently find the factors of the input number. The
>>       final result is obtained through a measurement process that collapses
>>       the superposition into a single outcome.
>>
>>       It is important to note that while a quantum computer can represent
>>       and perform computations on an exponentially large number of states,
>>       extracting useful information from these superpositions requires
>>       careful design and implementation. Quantum error correction 
>> techniques
>>       are necessary to mitigate the effects of noise and decoherence, which
>>       can disrupt the delicate quantum states.
>>
>>       In summary, a quantum computer can represent 2^4000 distinct numbers
>>       and perform 2^4000 distinct computations by utilizing qubit
>>       superposition. The ability of qubits to exist in multiple states
>>       simultaneously allows for an exponential increase in the number of
>>       possible combinations, enabling quantum computers to tackle complex
>>       problems like factoring large integers using algorithms such as 
>> Shor's
>>       algorithm.
>>       ----------------------
>>
>>       _______________________________________________
>>       extropy-chat mailing list
>>       extropy-chat at lists.extropy.org
>>       http://lists.extropy.org/mailman/listinfo.cgi/extropy-chat
>> 
>> 
>