Published March 30, 2012 | Version v1
Journal article

Quantum duel revisited

  • 1. Departamento de Física, Instituto de Ciências Exatas, Universidade Federal Fluminense, R. Des. Ellis Hermydio Figueira 783, Volta Redonda RJ, CEP 27215-350 (Brazil)
  • 2. Departamento de Engenharia de Produção, Escola de Engenharia Industrial Metalúrgica, Universidade Federal Fluminense, Av. dos Trabalhadores 420, Volta Redonda RJ, CEP 27255-125 (Brazil)

Description

We revisit the quantum two-person duel. In this problem, both Alice and Bob each possess a spin-1/2 particle which models dead and alive states for each player. We review the Abbott and Flitney result—now considering non-zero α1 and α2 in order to decide if it is better for Alice to shoot or not the second time—and we also consider a duel where players do not necessarily start alive. This simple assumption allows us to explore several interesting special cases, namely how a dead player can win the duel shooting just once, or how can Bob revive Alice after one shot, and the better strategy for Alice—being either alive or in a superposition of alive and dead states—fighting a dead opponent. (paper)

Availability note (English)

Available from http://dx.doi.org/10.1088/1751-8113/45/12/125304

Additional details

Publishing Information

Journal Title
Journal of Physics. A, Mathematical and Theoretical (Online)
Journal Volume
45
Journal Issue
12
Journal Page Range
[11 p.]
ISSN
1751-8121

INIS

Country of Publication
United Kingdom
Country of Input or Organization
International Atomic Energy Agency (IAEA)
INIS RN
43092932
Subject category
S97: MATHEMATICAL METHODS AND COMPUTING;
Descriptors DEI
GAME THEORY; MATHEMATICAL EVOLUTION; MATHEMATICAL LOGIC; MATHEMATICAL MODELS; QUANTUM MECHANICS
Descriptors DEC
EVOLUTION; MATHEMATICS; MECHANICS; STATISTICS