Testing quantum observers on quantum computers with Dr Will Zeng

Testing quantum observers on quantum computers with Dr Will Zeng

From Quantum Foundations Podcast by Maria Violaris

January 22, 2026 · 1h 18m · Episode 11

About this episode

Dr Will Zeng discusses the implications of placing an observer in superposition on quantum computers and the potential to redefine our understanding of physical reality.

What if you could put an observer in superposition on a quantum computer? Dr Will Zeng suggests that this experiment could stretch standard quantum theory so far that it might break — and radically update our understanding of physical reality. However, today's proof-of-principle experiments on quantum computers use single qubits to model observers. Zeng explains how a new programme of research aims to quantify "observer-ness" and conduct experiments with increasingly realistic observers, pushing quantum computers to the limits until they can run actual quantum Artificial General Intelligence experiments.

People in this episode

Host: Maria Violaris

Guest: Dr Will Zeng

Topics covered

  • quantum computing
  • quantum theory
  • observers
  • Artificial General Intelligence
  • superposition
  • physical reality

Keywords

  • quantum observers
  • superposition
  • quantum computers
  • observer-ness
  • quantum theory
  • Artificial General Intelligence

Mentioned in this episode

Organizations: quantum computers, quantum theory, Artificial General Intelligence

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