Factoring integers with Young's N slit interferometer: Classical-analog versus quantum-digital computers

Summary form only given. We show that a Young's N-slit interferometer can be used to factor the integer N. When the number of slits is a product of integer factors, then an analysis of the diffraction pattern can be used to determine these factors. This work provides a simple example of number...

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Bibliographic Details
Main Authors: Clauser, J.F., Dowling, J.P.
Format: Conference Proceeding
Language:English
Subjects:
Atom optics
Atomic measurements
Noise measurement
Optical modulation
Optimized production technology
Phase measurement
Phase modulation
Physics
Quantum computing
Quantum mechanics
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Summary:Summary form only given. We show that a Young's N-slit interferometer can be used to factor the integer N. When the number of slits is a product of integer factors, then an analysis of the diffraction pattern can be used to determine these factors. This work provides a simple example of number theory's appearance in physics, and can be helpful in understanding the advantages of quantum-digital over classical-analog computers in handling integer factoring problems.