FT News Briefing The quantum revolution: ‘Spooky action’
Mar 25, 2023
Sean Carroll, a theoretical physicist and philosopher from Johns Hopkins University, delves into the intriguing world of quantum mechanics. He explains the revolutionary potential of quantum computers by breaking down complex concepts like superposition and entanglement. The conversation also explores the relationship between Schrödinger's cat thought experiment and real-world applications in technology. Carroll discusses challenges in manipulating quantum states and highlights innovative methods that scientists use to harness the bizarre phenomena of the quantum realm.
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Qubits vs. Bits
- Classical computers store information as bits, which are either 0 or 1.
- Quantum computers use qubits, which can be both 0 and 1 simultaneously due to superposition.
Quantum Entanglement
- Entanglement links qubits, exponentially increasing computing power with each added qubit.
- Two entangled qubits exist in a superposition of all possible 0 and 1 combinations.
Spooky Action
- Einstein called entanglement "spooky action at a distance."
- Measuring one entangled particle instantly reveals the other's state, seemingly defying distance limitations.