A Simulation for Neurophotonic Quantum Computation in Visual Pathways
H. Valian, H. Bassereh, A. Barkhordari, V. Salari
arXiv Preprint Archive December 23, 2014 via arXiv
Summary
The paper explores whether quantum effects in the brain could support the Copenhagen Interpretation, where wave function collapse occurs in the observer's mind. It simulates delayed luminescence of photons in neurons using a Brassard-like teleportation circuit, modeling the transfer of quantum states from retina to visual cortex. The simulation incorporates both classical and quantum processing in neurons. Results suggest it is possible for the brain to receive exact quantum states of photons in the visual cortex, which could then be collapsed by consciousness, supporting the Copenhagen Interpretation of the measurement problem.
Study at a glance
| Characteristics | Theoretical or philosophical paper with simulation Peer reviewed |
|---|---|
| Keywords | Q-bio.ot Quantum-biology Neuroscience Consciousness-studies Visual-perception |
| Key finding | The simulation suggests it is possible for the brain to receive exact quantum states of photons in the visual cortex to be collapsed by consciousness, supporting the Copenhagen Interpretation. |
Abstract
One of the answers to the measurement problem in quantum theory is given by the Copenhagen-Interpretation of quantum theory (i.e. orthodox quantum theory) in which the wave function collapse happens in (by) the mind of observer. In fact, at first, great scientists like Von Neumann, London, Bauer and Wigner (initially) believed that the wave function collapse occurs in the brain or is caused by the consciousness of observer. However, this issue has been stayed yet very controversial. In fact, there are many challenging discussions about the survival of quantum effects in microscopic structures of the human brain, which is mainly because of quick decoherence of quantum states due to hot, wet and noisy environment of the brain that forbids long life coherence for brain processing. Nevertheless, there are also several arguments and evidences that emergence of large coherent states is feasible in the brain. In this paper, our approach is based on the latter in which macroscopic quantum states are probable in the human brain. Here, we simulate the delayed luminescence of photons in neurons with a Brassard-like teleportation circuit, i.e. equivalent to the transfer of quantum states of photons through the visual pathways from retina to the visual cortex. Indeed, our simulation considers both classical and quantum mechanical aspects of processing in neurons. As a result and based on our simulation, it is possible for our brain to receive the exact quantum states of photons in the visual cortex to be collapsed by our consciousness, which supports the Copenhagen-Interpretation of measurement problem in quantum theory.