Linking Quantum Physics and Game Theory

(University of Geneva, July 09, 2013)

Physicists at the University of Geneva and the University of Bristol have identified a close relationship between some concepts underlying quantum physics and game theory, bringing together two seemingly unrelated worlds. Game theory often features in economics, political science, biology or philosophy. It uses mathematical concepts to model options that put players in a given situation and predict the likelihood of possible outcomes, whereas quantum physics focuses on events occurring on the atomic scale. The researchers discovered i.a. that quantum non-locality offers new ways for players to optimize their performance. They were able to characterize games for which quantum resources are a real advantage in terms of classical theoretical resources. The findings are published in Nature Communications.