Quantum computers to test fundamental physics or viceversa

Abstract

We present two complementary viewpoints for combining quantum computers and the foundations of quantum mechanics. On one hand, ideal devices can be used as testbeds for experimental tests of the foundations of quantum mechanics: we provide algorithms for the Peres test of the superposition principle and the Sorkin test of Born's rule. On the other hand, noisy intermediate-scale quantum (NISQ) devices can be benchmarked using these same tests. These are deep-quantum benchmarks based on the foundations of quantum theory itself. We present test data from Rigetti hardware.