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Theoretical analysis demonstrates thermodynamic limits on quantum computing error correction, indicating reversible computing alone can approach fundamental physical boundaries.
Phase III of the Qubit Delusion series. Examines fundamental physical limits on computation: Landauer bound, Margolus-Levitin theorem, Bremermann limit, Bekenstein bound. Shows that quantum error-correction overhead (1e2-1e3 physical operations per logical operation) multiplies thermodynamic cost beyond what any polynomial algorithmic speedup can overcome. Proposes a falsifiable criterion: joules per solution on commercially relevant problems. Assesses all major quantum platforms against this criterion. Identifies reversible computing as the only paradigm that can approach the true physical limits.
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Collective et al. (2026) studied this question.