The many-worlds interpretation is a theory in quantum mechanics that suggests the existence of multiple parallel universes or "worlds." According to this interpretation, every quantum event, such as the measurement of a particle's position or momentum, results in the splitting of the universe into different branches, each representing a different possible outcome.
In the many-worlds interpretation, all possible outcomes of a quantum event actually occur, but they exist in separate and non-interacting universes. This idea was proposed by physicist Hugh Everett in the 1950s as a way to address the measurement problem in quantum mechanics, which concerns the collapse of the wave function upon observation.
It's important to note that the many-worlds interpretation is just one of several interpretations of quantum mechanics. Other popular interpretations include the Copenhagen interpretation, the pilot-wave theory, and the de Broglie-Bohm interpretation, among others. These interpretations offer different ways of understanding and explaining the mathematical formalism of quantum mechanics.
As for the connection between the many-worlds interpretation and the existence of a working universal quantum computer, it's important to understand that the many-worlds interpretation is a theoretical framework for understanding the nature of quantum phenomena. Its validity or correctness is not dependent on the existence of any particular technological device or experimental result.
A universal quantum computer, on the other hand, is a hypothetical device that could perform computations using quantum bits or qubits, taking advantage of quantum phenomena such as superposition and entanglement. While the development of a universal quantum computer would be a significant technological achievement, it wouldn't directly prove or disprove the many-worlds interpretation.
The many-worlds interpretation is primarily a philosophical and interpretational framework for understanding quantum mechanics. Its validity is subject to ongoing debate and investigation within the scientific community, and it is difficult to definitively prove or disprove any particular interpretation at this time.