A monetary system built using a combination of quantum computers and the mathematics of knots could be impossible to counterfeit
Quantum money would live on quantum computers
Nerthuz / Alamy Stock Photo
Quantum money underpinned by the mathematics of knots could be impossible to forge.
In a quantum monetary system, money is represented as a collection of quantum bits – qubits – on a quantum computer. There is a secret procedure for creating the money that only the authority in charge, such as a mint, can perform. And copying the quantum money is impossible thanks to a law of physics called the no-cloning theorem. Effectively, if someone learned enough information about the quantum money to duplicate …
No commitment, cancel anytime*
Offer ends 14th March 2023. *Cancel anytime within 14 days of payment to receive a refund on unserved issues.
Existing subscribers, please log in with your email address to link your account access.
Inclusive of applicable taxes (VAT)
MORE FROM NEW SCIENTIST
The hunt for dark matter: The universe's mysterious gravitational glue
In pursuit of dark matter, researchers are doing everything from burying vats of xenon deep underground to sending a balloon floating above the Antarctic. When will their creativity pay off?
Quantum computers can break major encryption method, researchers claim
It has long been known that one day quantum computers will probably be able to crack the RSA encryption method we use to keep data safe, but a team of researchers is now claiming it is already possible, while others say the results require more scrutiny
Is our evolving relationship with tech shifting our view of reality?
This year saw the launch of ChatGPT, an AI that anyone can converse with, and the news that a quantum computer simulated a wormhole. Are our sensibilities about what is real changing, asks Chanda Prescod-Weinstein
Light-based computer could outpace traditional electrical chip designs
A computer that uses light rather than electricity to transmit and manipulate data could carry out the same tasks faster and using less power
