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Cosmological limits on computation

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Abstract

A true universal Turing machine can be constructed only if it is possible to actually process and store an infinite number of bits between now and the end of the universe. Conditions on the universe are derived that must hold if such processing and storage is to be possible. In particular, it is shown that it is possible only if the universe is closed and only if its futurec-boundary consists of a single point.

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Authors and Affiliations

  1. Departments of Mathematics and Physics, Tulane University, 70118, New Orleans, Louisiana

    Frank J. Tipler

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  1. Frank J. Tipler
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Tipler, F.J. Cosmological limits on computation. Int J Theor Phys 25, 617–661 (1986). https://doi.org/10.1007/BF00670475

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  • DOI: https://doi.org/10.1007/BF00670475

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