Quantum Computing Made Easy

Description

To the layperson, books on the highly complicated subject of quantum computing are almost universally impenetrable to understand. In fact, the Nobel laureate Richard Feynman once said about quantum theory that: “I think I can safely say that nobody really understands quantum mechanics”. Despite this colossal obstacle, this book is an attempt to rectify this situation. Using a simple-as-possible approach, we first describe the quantum theory that acts as the foundation for a quantum computer. This knowledge is vital for the understanding of such a device and it is often explained poorly in quantum computing books. A description of the building block of a quantum computer, called a qubit, is given. Followed by an account of the quantum logic gates that manipulate them and the criteria required for a viable quantum computer is then presented. Quantum computing is a highly mathematical subject, but this book limits the mathematics – only six simplified equations are used – in favor of a set of visual representations (33 images in total) that are more amenable for the layperson. Each chapter closes with a set of ‘take-home messages’ that summarizes the text. A Glossary, towards the end of the book, will also be helpful to the reader. The book concludes with pen portraits of the scientists that contributed to the quantum physics concepts that are vital for a quantum computer.