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arXiv:0708.0261

An Introduction to Quantum Computing

Noson S. Yanofsky

Published Aug 2, 2007• 5 citations
arXivHTMLPDF

Abstract

Quantum Computing is a new and exciting field at the intersection of mathematics, computer science and physics. It concerns a utilization of quantum mechanics to improve the efficiency of computation. Here we present a gentle introduction to some of the ideas in quantum computing. The paper begins by motivating the central ideas of quantum mechanics and quantum computation with simple toy models. From there we move on to a formal presentation of the small fraction of (finite dimensional) quantum mechanics that we will need for basic quantum computation. Central notions of quantum architecture (qubits and quantum gates) are described. The paper ends with a presentation of one of the simplest quantum algorithms: Deutsch's algorithm. Our presentation demands neither advanced mathematics nor advanced physics.

DOI
10.48550/arxiv.0708.0261

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Quantum Computing is a new and exciting field at the intersection of mathematics, computer science and physics. It concerns a utilization of quantum mechanics to improve the efficiency of computation. Here we present a gentle introduction to some of the ideas in quantum computing. The paper begins by motivating the central ideas of quantum mechanics and quantum computation with simple toy models. From there we move on to a formal presentation of the small fraction of (finite dimensional) quantum mechanics that we will need for basic quantum computation. Central notions of quantum architecture (qubits and quantum gates) are described. The paper ends with a presentation of one of the simplest quantum algorithms: Deutsch's algorithm. Our presentation demands neither advanced mathematics nor advanced physics.
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In this article, we present an introduction to quantum computing (QC) tailored for computing professionals such as programmers, machine learning engineers, and data scientists. Our approach abstracts away the physics underlying QC, which can be challenging to grasp, and frames it as a model of computation similar to, for instance, Turing machines. This helps readers grasp the fundamental principles of QC from a purely logical perspective. We begin by defining quantum states and qubits, establishing their mathematical representation and role in computation. We introduce fundamental concepts such as basis states, quantum gates, and tensor products, illustrating how these form the building blocks of quantum computation. Then we present the Deutsch-Josza algorithm, one of the simplest quantum algorithms that demonstrate how quantum computers can outperform classical computers. Finally, we provide guidance for further study, recommending resources for those interested in exploring quantum algorithms, implementations, and industry applications.
The basic ideas of quantum computation are introduced by a brief discussion of Bennett (1973, 1982) and Fredkin's (1982, 1997) ideas of reversible computation. After some remarks about Deutsch's (1985) pioneering work on quantum complexity and Shor's (1996) factorisation algorithm, quantum logic gates, qubits and registers are discussed. The role of quantum entanglement is stressed and Grover's (1997) quantum search algorithm described in detail. The paper ends with a review of the current experimental status of quantum computers.
A challenging question in the overlap of computer science, mathematics, and physics, is the exploration of potential capabilities of quantum computers. Milestones were the factoring algorithm of Shor (1994) and the search algorithm of Grover (1996). So far, major research was concentrated on discrete and algebraic problems. Much less was known about computational problems of analysis, including such a prominent example as high dimensional numerical integration, which is well-studied in the classical settings. We seek to understand how efficiently this and related problems can be solved in the quantum model of computation (i.e., on a quantum computer) and how the outcome compares to the efficiency of deterministic or randomized algorithms on a classical (i.e. non-quantum) computer. In this paper we give a survey of the state of the art in this field, including also a brief introduction to the general ideas of quantum computing. Introduction A quantum computer is a computing device based on quantum mechanical laws of the (sub)atomic world. The idea of such a computer was developed by Feynman [8] in 1982. He emphasized that simulating quantum mechanics on a classical computer is extremely hard, probably infeasible. So why not try to simulate quantum mechanics using quantum devices themselves. (Thoughts in this direction were also expressed by Manin [21] in 1980, see also [22].) In 1985 Deutsch [6] presented a formal model of computation for quantum computing.
Quantum computing is an emerging paradigm of computing that represents and processes informationusing the principles of quantum mechanics, with its operation fundamentally different fromclassical systems. As it gains popularity and as interest in it grows across computer science andengineering, many who may wish to dive into the field encounter introductory resources that areoften either too mathematically demanding or too vague. This paper places attention on conceptuallearning and intuitive understanding by providing a clear accessible introduction to the field ofquantum computing without any advanced formal derivations. Using natural language, the bedrockideas such as superposition, entanglement, measurement, qubits, and quantum gates are unfoldedwith little mathematics, including a well-constructed comparison between the respective advantagesof classical and quantum computing. A short Qisit example is also included to demonstratereal-world uses of these ideas. Even as a beginner familiar with only classical computing and highschool-level mathematics, this material is aimed at you. This paper functions as an instructionalpathway that helps its readers to move from their existing knowledge of classical computing intoquantum computing, while still acknowledging the current technological limitations.