Quantum Computing since Democritus

Takes students and researchers on a tour through some of the deepest ideas of maths, computer science and physics.

Scott Aaronson (Author)

9780521199568, Cambridge University Press

Paperback, published 14 March 2013

398 pages, 25 b/w illus.
22.8 x 15.2 x 2 cm, 0.55 kg

'… a wonderful, personal exploration of topics in theory of computation, complexity theory, physics, and philosophy. His witty, informal writing style makes the material approachable as he weaves together threads of complexity theory, computing theory, mathematical logic, and the math and physics of quantum mechanics (QM) and quantum computing to show how these topics interrelate to each other, what that says about the universe, and something about us … this book is a treat.' G. R. Mayforth, Computing Reviews

Written by noted quantum computing theorist Scott Aaronson, this book takes readers on a tour through some of the deepest ideas of maths, computer science and physics. Full of insights, arguments and philosophical perspectives, the book covers an amazing array of topics. Beginning in antiquity with Democritus, it progresses through logic and set theory, computability and complexity theory, quantum computing, cryptography, the information content of quantum states and the interpretation of quantum mechanics. There are also extended discussions about time travel, Newcomb's Paradox, the anthropic principle and the views of Roger Penrose. Aaronson's informal style makes this fascinating book accessible to readers with scientific backgrounds, as well as students and researchers working in physics, computer science, mathematics and philosophy.

1. Atoms and the void
2. Sets
3. Gödel, Turing, and friends
4. Minds and machines
5. Paleocomplexity
6. P, NP, and friends
7. Randomness
8. Crypto
9. Quantum
10. Quantum computing
11. Penrose
12. Decoherence and hidden variables
13. Proofs
14. How big are quantum states?
15. Skepticism of quantum computing
16. Learning
17. Interactive proofs and more
18. Fun with the Anthropic Principle
19. Free will
20. Time travel
21. Cosmology and complexity
22. Ask me anything.

Subject Areas: Quantum physics [quantum mechanics & quantum field theory PHQ], Physics [PH], Mathematics & science [P]