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Applied Sciences
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(Quantum) Physical Informatics
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(Quantum) Physical Informatics

A special issue of Applied Sciences (ISSN 2076-3417). This special issue belongs to the section "Quantum Science and Technology".

Deadline for manuscript submissions: closed (31 May 2019) | Viewed by 28494

Special Issue Editors

Prof. Dr. David K. Ferry

E-Mail Website
Guest Editor
School of Electrical, Computer, and Energy Engineering, Arizona State University, Tempe, AZ 85287-5706, USA
Interests: quantum effects in submicron semiconductor devices and nanostructures; general development of quantum transport in open systems; quantum-to-classical transition; two-dimensional materials; quantum transport in mesoscopic device structures
Prof. Dr. Laszlo B. Kish

E-Mail Website
Guest Editor
Department of Electrical & Computer Engineering, Texas A&M University, TX 77843, USA
Interests: physical informatics; unconditional security; nanomaterials/structures; aging/degradation; percolation; fluctuation-enhanced sensing; noise-based computation; thermal demons/engines; noise: origin, fundamental limits, applications, mitigation; stochastic resonance
Special Issues, Collections and Topics in MDPI journals
Prof. Dr. He Wen

E-Mail Website
Guest Editor
College of Electrical and Information Engineering, Hunan University, Changsha 410082, China
Interests: artificial intelligence; electrical measurement; measurement and control technology and instruments

Special Issue Information

Dear Colleagues,

In 1968, Urdal, in his book The Nature of Information, suggested that one should use information theory to study the properties of physical systems, particularly the concepts of space-time as an additional approach to the use of standard laws of physics and chemistry. In 2012, Gurevich went further and defined “physical informatics” as the information background of physics and chemistry. In this sense, informatics laws have their own life and universal behavior in conjunction with our understandings of the physical world. While these ideas seem simple enough, the phrase “physical informatics” has taken on a life of its own, and the field has grown well beyond the simple views expressed by these authors. Thus, we wish to constrain this Special Issue of the journal Applied Sciences to the narrower view of the connections between the field of information and communications theory and the physical laws which govern the systems that are utilized in communications and computation systems. However, even this can be construed to be far too broad, in that there are many decades of work in these areas in just the classical world. Far less studied is how these ideas are conveyed into the quantum world. Thus, special attention in this issue will be given to the field of quantum (physical) informatics.

There have been a great many debates and heated discussions over the past few decades on physical informatics. However, many questions remain unresolved, even as physical systems are proceeding forward for applications, for example in quantum communications and computing. Consequently, it is worthwhile to bring the various views on a number of such unresolved issues together in a Special Issue that allows for their open discussion. Some of these issues are:

  • What are the key quantum computer chips and prospects?
  • What is the difference between information entropy and physical entropy?
  • Are quantum key distribution schemes unconditionally secure? Under what conditions?
  • What are the true dissipation limits in real quantum computers?
  • How will physical noise limit quantum computing at various level?
  • What is the truth of Landauer’s and Brillouin’s limiting principles?
  • Can classical physical systems provide exponential speedup and random algorithm implementations?
  • Are there analog computing schemes that could provide exponential speedup?
  • Are Brownian computers possible, and are they sufficiently energy efficient?
  • In what situations might stochastic resonance, noise excitation, give a viable method of enhanced performance?
  • What effects of computational complexity have an effect on dissipation?

Papers due December 21, 2018, and are to be submitted to the journal’s website, while designating they are for the Special Issue.

Prof. Dr. David K. Ferry
Prof. Dr. Laszlo B. Kish
Prof. Dr. He Wen
Guest Editors

Manuscript Submission Information

Manuscripts should be submitted online at www.mdpi.com by registering and logging in to this website. Once you are registered, click here to go to the submission form. Manuscripts can be submitted until the deadline. All submissions that pass pre-check are peer-reviewed. Accepted papers will be published continuously in the journal (as soon as accepted) and will be listed together on the special issue website. Research articles, review articles as well as short communications are invited. For planned papers, a title and short abstract (about 100 words) can be sent to the Editorial Office for announcement on this website.

Submitted manuscripts should not have been published previously, nor be under consideration for publication elsewhere (except conference proceedings papers). All manuscripts are thoroughly refereed through a single-blind peer-review process. A guide for authors and other relevant information for submission of manuscripts is available on the Instructions for Authors page. Applied Sciences is an international peer-reviewed open access semimonthly journal published by MDPI.

Please visit the Instructions for Authors page before submitting a manuscript. The Article Processing Charge (APC) for publication in this open access journal is 2400 CHF (Swiss Francs). Submitted papers should be well formatted and use good English. Authors may use MDPI's English editing service prior to publication or during author revisions.

Keywords

• quantum computer chips and implementations
• new physical logic gates: their performance and limitations
• energy dissipation of logic operations: fundamental and practical limits
• stochastic computation: physics, hardware, performance
• stochastic resonance: perception, sensing, communications
• unconditional (information theoretic) security: physical schemes, hardware, attacks, defense
• signal and random noise in nanostructures
• signal and random noise at low temperatures
• fundamental differences between information entropy and thermal entropy
• debates in physical informatics: entropy, energy dissipation, security, passivity-activity of devices

Published Papers (7 papers)

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Research

12 pages, 3597 KiB  
Article
Entanglement, and Unsorted Database Search in Noise-Based Logic
by Laszlo B. Kish and Walter C. Daugherity
Appl. Sci. 2019, 9(15), 3029; https://doi.org/10.3390/app9153029 - 27 Jul 2019
Cited by 4 | Viewed by 2406
Abstract
We explore the collapse of “wavefunction” and the measurement of entanglement in the superpositions of hyperspace vectors in classical physical instantaneous-noise-based logic (INBL). We find both similarities with and major differences from the related properties of quantum systems. Two search algorithms utilizing the [...] Read more.
We explore the collapse of “wavefunction” and the measurement of entanglement in the superpositions of hyperspace vectors in classical physical instantaneous-noise-based logic (INBL). We find both similarities with and major differences from the related properties of quantum systems. Two search algorithms utilizing the observed features are introduced. For the first one we assume an unsorted names database set up by Alice that is a superposition (unknown by Bob) of up to n = 2N strings; those we call names. Bob has access to the superposition wave and to the 2N reference noises of the INBL system of N noise bits. For Bob, to decide if a given name x is included in the superposition, once the search has begun, it takes N switching operations followed by a single measurement of the superposition wave. Thus, the time and hardware complexity of the search algorithm is O[log(n)], which indicates an exponential speedup compared to Grover’s quantum algorithm in a corresponding setting. An extra advantage is that the error probability of the search is zero. Moreover, the scheme can also check the existence of a fraction of a string, or several separate string fractions embedded in an arbitrarily long, arbitrary string. In the second algorithm, we expand the above scheme to a phonebook with n names and s phone numbers. When the names and numbers have the same bit resolution, once the search has begun, the time and hardware complexity of this search algorithm is O[log(n)]. In the case of one-to-one correspondence between names and phone numbers (n = s), the algorithm offers inverse phonebook search too. The error probability of this search algorithm is also zero. Full article
(This article belongs to the Special Issue (Quantum) Physical Informatics)
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21 pages, 2095 KiB  
Article
A Proposal for Evading the Measurement Uncertainty in Classical and Quantum Computing: Application to a Resonant Tunneling Diode and a Mach-Zehnder Interferometer
by Devashish Pandey, Laura Bellentani, Matteo Villani, Guillermo Albareda, Paolo Bordone, Andrea Bertoni and Xavier Oriols
Appl. Sci. 2019, 9(11), 2300; https://doi.org/10.3390/app9112300 - 04 Jun 2019
Cited by 4 | Viewed by 2783
Abstract
Measuring properties of quantum systems is governed by a stochastic (collapse or state-reduction) law that unavoidably yields an uncertainty (variance) associated with the corresponding mean values. This non-classical source of uncertainty is known to be manifested as noise in the electrical current of [...] Read more.
Measuring properties of quantum systems is governed by a stochastic (collapse or state-reduction) law that unavoidably yields an uncertainty (variance) associated with the corresponding mean values. This non-classical source of uncertainty is known to be manifested as noise in the electrical current of nanoscale electron devices, and hence it can flaw the good performance of more complex quantum gates. We propose a protocol to alleviate this quantum uncertainty that consists of (i) redesigning the device to accommodate a large number of electrons inside the active region, either by enlarging the lateral or longitudinal areas of the device and (ii) re-normalizing the total current to the number of electrons. How the above two steps can be accommodated using the present semiconductor technology has been discussed and numerically studied for a resonant tunneling diode and a Mach-Zehnder interferometer, for classical and quantum computations, respectively. It is shown that the resulting protocol formally resembles the so-called collective measurements, although, its practical implementation is substantially different. Full article
(This article belongs to the Special Issue (Quantum) Physical Informatics)
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13 pages, 860 KiB  
Article
The Enigma of the Muon and Tau Solved by Emergent Quantum Mechanics?
by Theo van Holten
Appl. Sci. 2019, 9(7), 1471; https://doi.org/10.3390/app9071471 - 08 Apr 2019
Viewed by 7032
Abstract
This paper addresses the long-standing question of how it may be explained that the three charged leptons (the electron, muon and tau particle) have different masses, despite their conformity in other respects. In the field of Emergent Quantum Mechanics non-singular electron models are [...] Read more.
This paper addresses the long-standing question of how it may be explained that the three charged leptons (the electron, muon and tau particle) have different masses, despite their conformity in other respects. In the field of Emergent Quantum Mechanics non-singular electron models are being revisited, and from this exploration has come a possible answer. In this paper a deformable droplet model is considered. It is shown how the model can be made self-consistent, whilst obeying the laws of momentum and energy conservation as well as Larmor’s radiation law. The droplet appears to have three different static equilibrium configurations, each with a different mass. Tentatively, these three equilibrium masses were assumed to correspond with the measured masses of the charged leptons. The droplet model was tuned accordingly, and was thereby completely quantified. The dynamics of the droplet then showed a “De Broglie-like” relation p = K / λ . Beat patterns in the vibrations of the droplet play the role of the matter waves of usual quantum mechanics. The value of K , calculated by the droplet theory, practically equals Planck’s constant: K ≅ h . This fact seems to confirm the correctness of identifying the three types of charged leptons with the equilibria of a droplet of charge. Full article
(This article belongs to the Special Issue (Quantum) Physical Informatics)
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10 pages, 2847 KiB  
Article
Investigating Quantum Coherence by Negative Excursions of the Wigner Quasi-Distribution
by Mauro Ballicchia, David K. Ferry, Mihail Nedjalkov and Josef Weinbub
Appl. Sci. 2019, 9(7), 1344; https://doi.org/10.3390/app9071344 - 30 Mar 2019
Cited by 6 | Viewed by 2608
Abstract
Quantum information and quantum communication are both strongly based on concepts of quantum superposition and entanglement. Entanglement allows distinct bodies, that share a common origin or that have interacted in the past, to continue to be described by the same wave function until [...] Read more.
Quantum information and quantum communication are both strongly based on concepts of quantum superposition and entanglement. Entanglement allows distinct bodies, that share a common origin or that have interacted in the past, to continue to be described by the same wave function until evolution is coherent. So, there is an equivalence between coherence and entanglement. In this paper, we show the relation between quantum coherence and quantum interference and the negative parts of the Wigner quasi-distribution, using the Wigner signed-particle formulation. A simple physical problem consisting of electrons in a nanowire interacting with the potential of a repulsive dopant placed in the center of it creates a quasi two-slit electron system that separates the wave function into two entangled branches. The analysis of the Wigner quasi-distribution of this problem establishes that its negative part is principally concentrated in the region after the dopant between the two entangled branches, maintaining the coherence between them. Moreover, quantum interference is shown in this region both in the positive and in the negative part of the Wigner function and is produced by the superposition of Wigner functions evaluated at points of the momentum space that are symmetric with respect to the initial momentum of the injected electrons. Full article
(This article belongs to the Special Issue (Quantum) Physical Informatics)
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15 pages, 432 KiB  
Article
Quantum Classification Algorithm Based on Competitive Learning Neural Network and Entanglement Measure
by Mohammed Zidan, Abdel-Haleem Abdel-Aty, Mahmoud El-shafei, Marwa Feraig, Yazeed Al-Sbou, Hichem Eleuch and Mahmoud Abdel-Aty
Appl. Sci. 2019, 9(7), 1277; https://doi.org/10.3390/app9071277 - 27 Mar 2019
Cited by 70 | Viewed by 6987
Abstract
In this paper, we develop a novel classification algorithm that is based on the integration between competitive learning and the computational power of quantum computing. The proposed algorithm classifies an input into one of two binary classes even if the input pattern is [...] Read more.
In this paper, we develop a novel classification algorithm that is based on the integration between competitive learning and the computational power of quantum computing. The proposed algorithm classifies an input into one of two binary classes even if the input pattern is incomplete. We use the entanglement measure after applying unitary operators to conduct the competition between neurons in order to find the winning class based on wining-take-all. The novelty of the proposed algorithm is shown in its application to the quantum computer. Our idea is validated via classifying the state of Reactor Coolant Pump of a Risky Nuclear Power Plant and compared with other quantum-based competitive neural networks model. Full article
(This article belongs to the Special Issue (Quantum) Physical Informatics)
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17 pages, 1556 KiB  
Article
Wide Area Key Distribution Network Based on a Quantum Key Distribution System
by Hua Dong, Yaqi Song and Li Yang
Appl. Sci. 2019, 9(6), 1073; https://doi.org/10.3390/app9061073 - 14 Mar 2019
Cited by 5 | Viewed by 2489
Abstract
The point-to-point quantum key distribution (QKD) system is limited by the transmission distance. So, the wide area QKD network with multiple endpoints is the research focus of this study. The relay-node scenario and key relay protocols provide the solutions to the QKD network. [...] Read more.
The point-to-point quantum key distribution (QKD) system is limited by the transmission distance. So, the wide area QKD network with multiple endpoints is the research focus of this study. The relay-node scenario and key relay protocols provide the solutions to the QKD network. The early key relay protocols require the relay nodes to be reliable. Once the relay nodes become compromised, the whole network is insecure. In this paper, we extend the chain structure of the public-XOR(exclusive OR)-key scheme with two endpoints to the complex network with multiple endpoints. The relay nodes in our scheme do not need encryption actions, decryption actions, or storage XOR keys, which simplifies the system compared with other key distribution schemes based on trusted relay nodes. Our scheme not only improves the practical performance and simplifies the system’s complexity, but it also ensures that the security is not reduced. Specifically, we rigorously demonstrate that an eavesdropper can never access the key shared by the users of the network as long as the process of generating XOR keys and destroying the original keys is secure. In addition, we discuss the information leakage of the practical QKD network from the perspective of the unicity distance. Full article
(This article belongs to the Special Issue (Quantum) Physical Informatics)
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17 pages, 448 KiB  
Article
Quantum Bits with Macroscopic Topologically Protected States in Semiconductor Devices
by Błażej Jaworowski and Paweł Hawrylak
Appl. Sci. 2019, 9(3), 474; https://doi.org/10.3390/app9030474 - 30 Jan 2019
Cited by 5 | Viewed by 3599
Abstract
Current computers are made of semiconductors. Semiconductor technology enables realization of microscopic quantum bits based on electron spins of individual electrons localized by gates in field effect transistors. This results in very fragile quantum processors prone to decoherence. Here, we discuss an alternative [...] Read more.
Current computers are made of semiconductors. Semiconductor technology enables realization of microscopic quantum bits based on electron spins of individual electrons localized by gates in field effect transistors. This results in very fragile quantum processors prone to decoherence. Here, we discuss an alternative approach to constructing qubits using macroscopic and topologically protected states realized in semiconductor devices. First, we discuss a synthetic spin-1 chain realized in an array of quantum dots in a semiconductor nanowire or in a field effect transitor. A synthetic spin-1 chain is characterized by two effective edge quasiparticles with spin 1 / 2 protected from decoherence by topology and Haldane gap. The spin-1 / 2 quasiparticles of Haldane phase form the basis of a macroscopic singlet-triplet qubit. We compare the spin one chain with a Kitaev chain. Its edge states are Majorana zero modes, possessing non-Abelian fractional statistics. They can be used to encode the quantum information using the braiding processes, i.e., encircling one particle by another, which do not depend on the details of the particle trajectory and thus are protected from decoherence. Full article
(This article belongs to the Special Issue (Quantum) Physical Informatics)
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