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We recently recorded a podcast (https://blog.ycombinator.com/scott-aaronson-on-computational-complexity-theory-and-quantum-computers/) where I discussed my research, AI, and advice for nerds in general or people who want careers in science.
We covered many but not all of the questions submitted over the internet so AMA!
Shtetl-Optimized's tagline is famously "Quantum computers would not solve hard search problems instantaneously by simply trying all the possible solutions at once". What phrase do you think should replace 'trying all the possible solutions at once' in the public conciousness as a succinct description of the mechanisms of a quantum computer? Or is this topic simply too complex to be distilled into a neat synopsis while retaining accuracy?
Also, what is your take on Max Tegmark's quantum suicide experiment. Would it work? If yes would that imply that each of us should expect to live a really long time subjectively?
Hi Scott. I did not listen to the podcast (yet), so sorry if you answered this already, but what, in your opinion, could be the greatest impact quantum computing has in society? I know its a broad question, but curious of a few bullet points.
Long answer: See my recent blog post https://www.scottaaronson.com/blog/?p=3848 about exactly this!
Can you explain why Grover's algorithm has a runtime of root N? It seems like the runtime should be log2(n) because of exponential qubits or 1 because there must be a way for all the qubits to interfere.
Also, What resources do you reccomend for self study? Are there quantum computing meetups in San Francisco that you can recommend?