The Universe as a Quantum Computer

Invited

Abstract

Every elementary particle carries with it bits of information that describe its type, charge, mass, position, and velocity. Every time two or more particles interact, that information is transformed and processed. The universe computes; and it computes in a way that is governed by the laws of quantum mechanics. The computational nature of the universe has nontrivial implications for its history, including how complex structures are generated, and the future of these structures. This talk discusses the implications of quantum information processing for the history and future of the universe.

–

Presenters

  • Seth Lloyd

    Dept. of Mechanical Engineering and Research Laboratory of Electronics, Masachussetts Institute of Technology, Department of Mechanical Engineering, MIT, Massachusetts Institute of Technology

Authors

  • Seth Lloyd

    Dept. of Mechanical Engineering and Research Laboratory of Electronics, Masachussetts Institute of Technology, Department of Mechanical Engineering, MIT, Massachusetts Institute of Technology