Using AI to Understand the Mysteries of Quantum Physics

A research team, under the guidance of Mobileye founder Amnon Shashua, at Hebrew University of Jerusalem's School of Engineering and Computer Science has confirmed that artificial intelligence (AI) can help man comprehend the world on an infinitesimally small scale known as quantum physics phenomena.

Quantum physics phenomena are one of the most recent topics in contemporary physics. It examines how particles in nature "come together" and deliver their exceptional properties, such as magnetism or electrical conductivity. However, it has been almost difficult for even the most experienced researchers to get more than a preview of these complex phenomena. This is because of the massive number of particles these phenomena hold (over one billion billions in each gram) and the massive number of interactions between them. Up to now.

Prof. Shashua's computer science doctoral students at Hebrew University—Yoav Levin, Or Sharir, and Nadav Cohen—have shown mathematically that algorithms grounded on deep neural networks can be applied to better comprehend the realm of quantum physics, as well. Their efforts have been explained in Physical Review Letters.

These algorithms, the very same ones that delivered computers facial- and voice-recognition capabilities, can at present be harnessed to improve one’s understanding of the quantum behavior of nature.

What we have here is nothing short of extraordinary: a leading physics journal publishing computer science research. This cross-pollination has created a new and important tool that will help us understand the quantum nature of the world around us.

Amnon Shashua, Founder of Mobileye and Professor, School of Engineering and Computer Science, Hebrew University of Jerusalem.

Similar to the technological upheavals of the 20^th century, attaining a better understanding of quantum physics through AI has the potential to transform all areas of man’s life, from computing and transportation to energy.