Book Image

Quantum Computing Algorithms

By : Barry Burd
5 (1)
Book Image

Quantum Computing Algorithms

5 (1)
By: Barry Burd

Overview of this book

Navigate the quantum computing spectrum with this book, bridging the gap between abstract, math-heavy texts and math-avoidant beginner guides. Unlike intermediate-level books that often leave gaps in comprehension, this all-encompassing guide offers the missing links you need to truly understand the subject. Balancing intuition and rigor, this book empowers you to become a master of quantum algorithms. No longer confined to canned examples, you'll acquire the skills necessary to craft your own quantum code. Quantum Computing Algorithms is organized into four sections to build your expertise progressively. The first section lays the foundation with essential quantum concepts, ensuring that you grasp qubits, their representation, and their transformations. Moving to quantum algorithms, the second section focuses on pivotal algorithms — specifically, quantum key distribution and teleportation. The third section demonstrates the transformative power of algorithms that outpace classical computation and makes way for the fourth section, helping you to expand your horizons by exploring alternative quantum computing models. By the end of this book, quantum algorithms will cease to be mystifying as you make this knowledge your asset and enter a new era of computation, where you have the power to shape the code of reality.
Table of Contents (19 chapters)
Free Chapter
2
Part 1 Nuts and Bolts
7
Part 2 Making Qubits Work for You
10
Part 3 Quantum Computing Algorithms
14
Part 4 Beyond Gate-Based Quantum Computing

What is reducibility?

In The Karate Kid (Sony Pictures, 1984), Mr. Miyagi teaches Daniel to do defensive blocks by having him repeatedly wax Miyagi’s car. The idea is to learn how to block an attack, starting by training yourself to apply and remove car wax. Start with the problem you want to solve (blocking an attacker’s approach) and turn it into a different problem (rubbing metal to make it shine). At first sight, the two problems seem to be unrelated, but in the movie, Daniel learns that the skills underlying both problems are identical. A solution to the waxing problem tells Daniel how to solve the defensive blocking problem.

In the formal terminology of algorithms, we might say that the defensive blocking problem is reducible to the car-waxing problem. The word reducible suggests that, in some way, waxing a car is simpler than defensive blocking. Indeed, the simplicity of polishing metal is what helps Daniel to learn movements so naturally.

In the same way...