3 ms·
Well, the interferometer is not programmable by typing in commands into a classical computer, but it is programmable by instructing the relevant grad students.
by abdullahkhalids 6y ago
Well, the interferometer is not programmable by typing in commands into a classical computer, but it is programmable by instructing the relevant grad students. In other words, we do have an algorithm to create any interferometer we choose.
I agree, the rabbit hole goes deep.
- mrfox321 6y agoHaha I forgot about grad student control. Apologies, this is definitely a quantum computer operating on yearly timescale qubit flipping.
- abdullahkhalids 6y agoIt's funny, but I am also serious. Historically speaking, the idea that computational devices could have internal stored programs that could be used to drive any function, rather than humans putting in effort every time to program, had to invented. Some of this historical progression is discussed here https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=njwQgz63rIs https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=njwQgz63rIs
- mrfox321 6y agoOh don't get me wrong, I'm taking you seriously. But it's also hilarious!
- unishark 6y agoYeah but our standards for computers are higher nowadays. I covered analog computers in school, which as I recall consisted of integrating blocks made with linear circuits. You combine them up as needed to simulate systems of linear differential equations. There was still a degree of programmability in that sense.
- lumost 6y agoit doesn't strike me as impossible or impractical that programmable interferometers could be constructed in the near future. Is there any limit blocking this today?