Computational complexity with experiments as oracles. II. Upper bounds

Abstract

Earlier, to explore the idea of combining physical experiments with algorithms, we introduced a new form of analogue–digital (AD) Turing machine. We examined in detail a case study where an experimental procedure, based on Newtonian kinematics, is used as an oracle with classes of Turing machines. The physical cost of oracle calls was counted and three forms of AD queries were studied, in which physical parameters can be set exactly and approximately. Here, in this sequel, we complete the classification of the computational power of these AD Turing machines and determine precisely what they can compute, using non-uniform complexity classes and probabilities.