Fundamental causal bounds of quantum random access memories

Abstract

Our study evaluates the limitations and potentials of Quantum Random Access Memory (QRAM) within the principles of quantum physics and relativity. QRAM is crucial for advancing quantum algorithms in fields like linear algebra and machine learning, purported to efficiently manage large data sets with \({{{\mathcal{O}}}}(\log N)\) circuit depth. However, its scalability is questioned when considering the relativistic constraints on qubits interacting locally. Utilizing relativistic quantum field theory and Lieb–Robinson bounds, we delve into the causality-based limits of QRAM. Our investigation introduces a feasible QRAM model in hybrid quantum acoustic systems, capable of supporting a significant number of logical qubits across different dimensions-up to ~10⁷ in 1D, ~10¹⁵ to ~10²⁰ in 2D, and ~10²⁴ in 3D, within practical operation parameters. This analysis suggests that relativistic causality principles could universally influence quantum computing hardware, underscoring the need for innovative quantum memory solutions to navigate these foundational barriers, thereby enhancing future quantum computing endeavors in data science.