Quantum auctions: Facts and myths

Edward Piotrowski () and Jan Sladkowski ()

Physica A: Statistical Mechanics and its Applications, 2008, vol. 387, issue 15, 3949-3953

Abstract: Quantum game theory, whatever opinions may be held due to its abstract physical formalism, have already found various applications even outside the orthodox physics domain. In this paper we introduce the concept of a quantum auction, its advantages and drawbacks. Then we describe the models that have already been put forward. A general model involves Wigner formalism and infinite dimensional Hilbert spaces — we envisage that the implementation might not be an easy task. But a restricted model advocated by the Hewlett–Packard group (Hogg et al.) seems to be much easier to implement. We focus on problems related to combinatorial auctions and technical assumptions that are made. Powerful quantum algorithms for finding solutions would extend the range of possible applications. Quantum strategies, being qubits, can be teleported but are immune from cloning — therefore extreme privacy of the agent’s activity could in principle be guaranteed. Then we point out some key problems that have to be solved before commercial use would be possible. With present technology, optical networks, single photon sources and detectors seems to be sufficient for an experimental realization in the near future.

Keywords: Quantum game; Quantum information theory; Quantum markets; Quantum finance; Auction theory (search for similar items in EconPapers)
Date: 2008
References: View references in EconPapers View complete reference list from CitEc
Citations: View citations in EconPapers (7)

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Related works:
Working Paper: Quantum Auctions: Facts and Myths (2007)
Working Paper: Quantum Auctions: Facts and Myths
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Persistent link: https://EconPapers.repec.org/RePEc:eee:phsmap:v:387:y:2008:i:15:p:3949-3953

DOI: 10.1016/j.physa.2008.02.071

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