Factoring integers with Young's N-slit interferometer

TL;DR

This paper demonstrates that a Young's N-slit interferometer can be used as a physical device to factor integers, potentially enabling practical factoring of four- or five-digit numbers and offering insights into quantum computing methods.

Contribution

It introduces a novel physical approach to integer factorization using optical interferometry, bridging number theory and quantum physics.

Findings

Interferometer can factor four- or five-digit numbers

Number theory can be applied in physical systems

Potential implications for quantum computing in factoring

Abstract

We show that a Young's N slit interferometer can be used to factor the integer N. The device could factor four- or five-digit numbers in a practical fashion. This work shows how number theory may arise in physical problems, and may provide some insight as to how quantum computers can carry out factoring problems by interferometric means.