I've read a few articles on Pilot Wave theory. Part of the theory describes how particles have a deterministic path and particles can't be in two places at once. If this turned out to be true would this mean that it is impossible to build a quantum computer. As quantum computers rely on a qubit being in two places at once?
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4$\begingroup$ But (without specifically endorsing the pilot wave view of things) the wave can be in two places at once, and it is the wave (and the combination of them from multiple sources) that the particle follows. $\endgroup$– SteveJan 12, 2018 at 14:40
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2$\begingroup$ Since quantum computers have already been built, I'd say they are safe enough from the "implications". In other words, any alternative interpretation of quantum mechanics shouldn't go against experimental facts $\endgroup$– Yuriy SJan 12, 2018 at 14:40
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3$\begingroup$ the pilot wave theory , bohmian mechanics, (en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Pilot_wave ) gives the exact same predictions for non relativistic quantum mechanics, so there can be no problem. I do not think quantum computers work at relativistic energies, so there would be no problem. $\endgroup$– anna vJan 12, 2018 at 15:15
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$\begingroup$ Moose, I'd just say moreover on this subject generally (not specifically on the Bohmian view), it's not entirely clear whether the "particle" has any physical reality. In other words, it is a shorthand for a net transfer of energy. The wave is the carrier of the transfer, but the transfer itself is not a physical object, and it's easier to understand how the whole thing reconciles itself (and "knows" which path to take) if you postulate the existence of a contra-wave in the opposite direction from the receiver (which simultaneously carries the contra for the transfer back to the source). $\endgroup$– SteveJan 12, 2018 at 16:09
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First off, quantum computing requires particles to be in 2 states at once, not 2 locations. Second, as far as I understand (and I am not an expert in the field) the mechanics behind quantum computing should still work as long as quantum entanglement exists, which it certainly does in Bohmian Mechanics.
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$\begingroup$ I don't think quantum entanglement is a requirement but a quantum superposition of states is. $\endgroup$– Brad SJan 25, 2018 at 15:06
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$\begingroup$ Brad S, check out this link: phys.org/news/2016-09-quantum-advances-entanglement.html $\endgroup$– ChrisJan 25, 2018 at 16:52