Testing quantum foundations with quantum computers

Abstract

We present two complementary viewpoints for combining quantum computers and the foundations of quantum mechanics. On the one hand, ideal devices can be used as test beds for experimental tests of the foundations of quantum mechanics: We provide algorithms for the Peres test for complex numbers in quantum superpositions and the Sorkin test of Born's rule. On the other hand, noisy intermediate-scale quantum devices can be benchmarked using these same tests. These are deep quantum benchmarks based on the foundations of quantum theory itself. We present test data from Rigetti hardware.