RICHARD FEYNMAN: SIMULATING PHYSICS WITH COMPUTERS

RICHARD FEYNMAN: SIMULATING PHYSICS WITH COMPUTERS

| Michael Demmer, Rodrigo Fonseca, Farinaz Koushanfar
This paper examines Richard Feynman's keynote address at the California Institute of Technology in May 1981, where he proposed the idea of a computer capable of simulating quantum mechanics. Feynman, known for his diverse interests and contributions to physics, including quantum electrodynamics and the development of Feynman diagrams, laid the groundwork for the concept of a general quantum computing device. The paper explores Feynman's background, the key aspects of quantum mechanics such as superposition and entanglement, and the historical context of quantum computing. It discusses the challenges of simulating quantum physics with classical computers, particularly in handling probabilities and complex states. Feynman's proposal for a quantum mechanical simulator aimed to address these challenges and open up new avenues for understanding and simulating quantum systems. The paper concludes by reflecting on the significance of Feynman's work and its impact on the field of quantum computing, highlighting the potential for further advancements and the possibility of a deeper understanding of quantum mechanics through quantum computing.This paper examines Richard Feynman's keynote address at the California Institute of Technology in May 1981, where he proposed the idea of a computer capable of simulating quantum mechanics. Feynman, known for his diverse interests and contributions to physics, including quantum electrodynamics and the development of Feynman diagrams, laid the groundwork for the concept of a general quantum computing device. The paper explores Feynman's background, the key aspects of quantum mechanics such as superposition and entanglement, and the historical context of quantum computing. It discusses the challenges of simulating quantum physics with classical computers, particularly in handling probabilities and complex states. Feynman's proposal for a quantum mechanical simulator aimed to address these challenges and open up new avenues for understanding and simulating quantum systems. The paper concludes by reflecting on the significance of Feynman's work and its impact on the field of quantum computing, highlighting the potential for further advancements and the possibility of a deeper understanding of quantum mechanics through quantum computing.
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