It is generally known that the passage of time only goes in one direction. But not for theoretical quantum physicists where the direction of time is considered something flexible.
It is theoretically possible to model, simulate and observe the backward flow of time in a way that is impossible to achieve in the real world.
Scientists have shown that simulating backward time travel can help solve physics problems that cannot be solved with normal physics.
Led by physicist David Arvidsson-Shukur of the University of Cambridge, the team of physicists conducted experiments in which states could be changed by simulating a rewind time loop that allowed them to change parameters once they were set.
Quantum entanglement
quantum physics illustration (pixabay.com/geralt)
Launching from the site Science Alertbackward time travel can be simulated using quantum teleportation circuits made with entangled particles or quantum entanglement to solve the problem mathematically.
“Imagine you want to send a gift to someone, you have to send it on the first day to ensure it arrives on the third day,” explains Arvidsson-Shukur.
“However, you only receive the person’s wish list on the second day. So it’s impossible for you to know in advance what they want as a gift and make sure you send the right gift,” he explains
Then imagine if you could change what was sent on day one with information from the wish list received on day two.
They used quantum entanglement manipulation simulations to show how humans can change previous actions to ensure the final outcome is as desired.
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Quantum entanglement
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Quantum entanglement is a state in which the properties of two particles become bound before being measured. Measuring the properties of one particle will determine the complementary states of other particles, regardless of how far away they are.
Scientists are even able to influence the properties of one particle and observe simultaneous changes in other particles over quite long distances, which is known as quantum teleportation.
The team’s work utilizes entangled particles, not only to move information across physical space, but also backwards in time.
According to physicist Nicole Yunger Halpern from the National Institute of Standards and Technology (NIST) and the University of Maryland, in their study two particles were entangled.
The first particles are sent to be used in experiments. After obtaining new information, the experimenter manipulates the second particle to effectively change the past state of the first particle, thereby changing the outcome of the experiment.
The team makes no argument that such a loop exists. However quantum theory allows for the simulation of spins which as a consequence can be exploited by entanglement.
Their calculations show that time loops can only be exploited successfully 25 percent of the time. The study was published in Physical Review Letters.
This experiment has not yet been carried out, but it could be done on a large scale by involving large numbers of photons and using time-travel simulations to change their state after being sent to a special camera, with filters designed only to detect photons with the most recent information.
Also Read: What is Conduction? Important Phenomena in Modern Physics
2023-11-01 12:04:00
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