The Physics of Can and Can't

The theory of quantum computation has brought us rapid technological developments, together with remarkable improvements in how we understand quantum theory. In this talk, I shall describe the foundations of a theoretical programme to extend the quantum theory of computation beyond quantum theory itself, based on the recently proposed constructor theory. I will then explain a recent application of this new approach to the problem of witnessing quantum effects in gravity.

Short bio

Chiara's research interests are in fundamental quantum physics. She holds degrees from the University of Oxford and from the Politecnico di Torino. Her research has focused on issues in Quantum Information Theory, Condensed-Matter Physics, Quantum Biology and Thermodynamics. Some of her recent work has utilised a recently proposed generalisation of the quantum theory of information — constructor theory-- to address issues at the foundations of the theory of control and causation in physics. These include applications to defining general principles encompassing classical, quantum and post-quantum theories of information; and to assessing the compatibility of essential features of living systems, such as the ability to self-reproduce and evolve, with fundamental laws of physics, in particular with quantum theory. They also include the definition of a new class of witnesses of non-classicality in systems that need not obey quantum theory, such as gravity; and a scale-independent definition of irreversibility, work and heat, based on constructor-theoretic ideas. Her first popular book on these ideas, the Science of Can and Can’t, is published by Allen Lane.