Information and the Arrow of Time

What is information? What is entropy? How can the utterly reliable and predictable behavior of computers as we know them arise from subatomic particles governed by the wholly nondeterministic rules of quantum mechanics? Are quantum computers exponentially superior to their classical counterparts? Do the limits of classical computation apply to these machines? What are the philosophical implications of quantum computers; and, in particular, might they lend support to the many-worlds hypothesis? Will a practical quantum computer be built in the near future? If so, is it possible that these devices will demolish electronic privacy as we know it? This course will cover topics at the intersection of quantum physics and computer science, with an aim toward exploring how the fundamental laws of quantum mechanics impact the representation and manipulation of information on computers. Topics will include bits and qubits; the Nyquist limit; the basics of Shannon information theory; quantum computers and quantum cryptography; energy, entropy, and reversibility; the EPR paradox; and spooky action at a distance. This is a jointly taught seminar. Half the class will have conferences with Mr. Singh; half with Mr. Siff. Intermediate: Open to sophomores and above.