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Counterfactual quantum computation through quantum interrogation

Author

Listed:
  • Onur Hosten

    (University of Illinois at Urbana-Champaign)

  • Matthew T. Rakher

    (University of Illinois at Urbana-Champaign
    University of California Santa Barbara)

  • Julio T. Barreiro

    (University of Illinois at Urbana-Champaign)

  • Nicholas A. Peters

    (University of Illinois at Urbana-Champaign)

  • Paul G. Kwiat

    (University of Illinois at Urbana-Champaign)

Abstract

An off day for computing Reset your perceptions for a foray into the quantum world. Counterfactual computation has been proposed as a logical consequence of quantum mechanics. Using appropriate algorithms, the theory goes, it should be possible to infer the outcome of a quantum computation without actually running the computer. Hosten et al. now report experimental confirmation that this does indeed happen. Their all-optical quantum computer was prepared in a superposition of interacting with and not interacting with an algorithm, and they obtained information about the result even when the photon did not interact with the algorithm. Surprisingly, the counterfactual approach worked better than randomly guessing the solution. It should be possible to use a similar approach in other systems, including the trapped ions popular in quantum computing architecture.

Suggested Citation

  • Onur Hosten & Matthew T. Rakher & Julio T. Barreiro & Nicholas A. Peters & Paul G. Kwiat, 2006. "Counterfactual quantum computation through quantum interrogation," Nature, Nature, vol. 439(7079), pages 949-952, February.
    • Handle: RePEc:nat:nature:v:439:y:2006:i:7079:d:10.1038_nature04523
    DOI: 10.1038/nature04523
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