Introduction to Quantum Computing
A Primer on Quantum Mechanics and Quantum Computing
Quantum computing is a rapidly developing field that has the potential to revolutionize computing as we know it. While classical computing is based on bits that can be either 0 or 1, quantum computing uses quantum bits, or qubits, which can be in a superposition of states that can represent both 0 and 1 at the same time. This allows quantum computers to perform certain computations much faster than classical computers.
However, quantum computing is not simply a faster version of classical computing. It is based on the principles of quantum mechanics, which is a completely different way of looking at the world than classical mechanics. In this primer on quantum computing, we will introduce readers to the basics of quantum mechanics and the fundamental concepts of quantum computing.
Superposition
The first concept that we will explore is superposition. In classical mechanics, objects have definite properties that can be measured with certainty. For example, a coin is either heads or tails, and a photon is either polarized vertically or horizontally. However, in quantum mechanics, objects can exist in a superposition of states, where they have multiple properties at the same time. For example, a qubit can be in a…
