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arXiv:0708.0261quant-ph

An Introduction to Quantum Computing

Noson S. Yanofsky

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.

arXiv comments
33 pages
Journal reference
DOI
Subjects
quant-phQuantum Physics

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Linked by 5 identifiable commenters in 6 comments across 6 threads, from Aug 2015 to Feb 2020. Found in 2 HN submissions from Aug 2019 to Sep 2022. Open submission discussions.

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Discussed in comments6 threads

  1. An Intuitive Guide to Linear Algebra (2012) 1 comment

    • OP Here: I just wanted to give some context to how I found this page, and why I thought it would be good to post. I may be putting myself on the spot here: I never took a linear algebra course in undergrad. It was a heavily encouraged option, of course, but I felt I understood…

      PNWChrisView on HNParent context

  2. Gilbert Strang Teaches Linear Algebra 1 comment

    • I gained some great intuition from http://matrixmultiplication.xyz/ and (of all things) a paper named "An Introduction to Quantum Computing"[0]. Page 3 of that paper lays out matrix multiplication (e.g.: applying a "transformation matrix" in the spatial parlance of 3blue1brown's…

      PNWChrisView on HNParent context

  3. Graduate Student Solves Quantum Verification Problem 1 comment
  4. Intel's 49-Qubit Chip Shoots for Quantum Supremacy 1 comment
  5. Ask HN: Where can I find open course materials on Quantum Computing? 1 comment

    • Linear Algebra is very important for Quantum Computing. You have a masters in engineering, so you shouldn't have any problems with the math. I suggest you review the basics of Linear Algebra if you haven't applied that knowledge in a while. John Preskill's lecture notes are…

      drdre2001View on HNParent context

  6. NSA announces plans for transitioning to quantum resistant algorithms 1 comment

    • The paper http://arxiv.org/abs/0708.0261 is a reasonably good introduction with a fair amount of math. If you're looking for a non-technical overview, you might try https://uwaterloo.ca/institute-for-quantum-computing/quantum... but I don't think English alone is precise enough…

      ThorondorView on HNParent context

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