Quantum information and physics: some future directions
John Preskill
TL;DR
The article forecasts two main future directions for quantum information theory: enhancing precision measurements via distinguishability of quantum operations and leveraging many-body entanglement to understand strongly coupled quantum systems. It surveys concrete approaches, including entanglement-assisted sensing, Grover-type driving for better Hamiltonian discrimination, and adaptive semiclassical QFT for phase estimation, and connects these ideas to broader physics topics such as quantum error correction, RG flow, and holography. By linking information-theoretic concepts to precision metrology, condensed matter, and quantum gravity, the paper argues for a cross-disciplinary impact that could guide experimental techniques and theoretical frameworks. Overall, it envisions quantum information as a unifying lens that deepens our grasp of both measurement limits and the rich structure of entangled quantum matter, with substantial practical and foundational implications.
Abstract
I consider some promising future directions for quantum information theory that could influence the development of 21st century physics. Advances in the theory of the distinguishability of superoperators may lead to new strategies for improving the precision of quantum-limited measurements. A better grasp of the properties of multi-partite quantum entanglement may lead to deeper understanding of strongly-coupled dynamics in quantum many-body systems, quantum field theory, and quantum gravity.