The physics of information, and applications in quantum gravity, cosmology and engineering

信息物理学及其在量子引力、宇宙学和工程学中的应用

• 批准号: 250424-2011
• 负责人: Kempf, Achim
• 金额: $ 2.7万
• 依托单位: University of Waterloo
• 依托单位国家: 加拿大
• 项目类别: Discovery Grants Program - Individual
• 财政年份: 2015
• 资助国家: 加拿大
• 起止时间: 2015-01-01 至 2016-12-31
• 项目状态: 已结题
• 来源: https://www.nserc-crsng.gc.ca/ase-oro/Details-Detailles_eng.asp?id=570917
• 关键词: physics; information; applications; quantum; gravity

Whichever way information is physically represented in the real world, it is subject to the laws of quantum theory and relativity. In the case of traditional physical representations of information, such as letters on paper, the laws of classical physics suffice, of course, for a good description. Research over the past few years has shown, however, that there are dramatic new effects when information is represented or processed on the subatomic level and/or in the presence of strong gravity. Then, the laws of quantum theory, such as the uncertainty principle and entanglement, and the laws of relativity, such as the finite maximum speed of communication and unpenetrable horizons, yield a very profound impact on the way that information can be represented and processed, both in principle and in practice. This field of research, the Physics of Information, is the subject of the present project. The potential applications are wide-ranging, from fundamental new insights into the era of quantum gravity at the origin of the universe to practical applications in quantum computing and signal processing. The present project is pioneering, in particular, research into the crucial connection between discrete and continuous information. The basic aspects of this research concern the maximal physically possible information density, thought to have occurred close to the big bang. This subject is generating significant interest in the cosmology community, as these processes have the potential to come within reach of experimental observation through satellite-based telescopes. Canada is well known as a world leader in the fields of quantum information, gravity and cosmology. The present project contributes to Canada's standing in these fields. The applied aspects of this research range from contributing to the development of extraordinarily fast quantum computer technology to improvements of down-to-earth-technology such as ground penetrating radar for the detection of landmines.

无论信息在真实的世界中以何种物理方式表现，它都要服从量子理论和相对论的定律。在传统的信息物理表示的情况下，例如纸上的信件，经典物理定律当然足以进行良好的描述。然而，过去几年的研究表明，当信息在亚原子水平上和/或在强引力存在的情况下表示或处理时，会产生引人注目的新效果。然后，量子理论的定律，如不确定性原理和纠缠，以及相对论的定律，如有限的最大通信速度和不可穿透的视界，对信息的表示和处理方式产生了非常深远的影响，无论是在原则上还是在实践中。 这个研究领域，信息物理学，是本项目的主题。潜在的应用是广泛的，从对宇宙起源的量子引力时代的基本新见解到量子计算和信号处理的实际应用。目前的项目是开创性的，特别是研究离散和连续信息之间的关键联系。 这项研究的基本方面涉及到最大的物理上可能的信息密度，被认为发生在大爆炸附近。这一主题引起了宇宙学界的极大兴趣，因为这些过程有可能通过卫星望远镜进行实验观测。众所周知，加拿大在量子信息、重力和宇宙学领域处于世界领先地位。本项目有助于提高加拿大在这些领域的地位。这项研究的应用范围从促进超快速量子计算机技术的发展到改进诸如探测地雷的探地雷达等实际技术。