Book Image

Dancing with Qubits

By : Robert S. Sutor
5 (1)
Book Image

Dancing with Qubits

5 (1)
By: Robert S. Sutor

Overview of this book

Quantum computing is making us change the way we think about computers. Quantum bits, a.k.a. qubits, can make it possible to solve problems that would otherwise be intractable with current computing technology. Dancing with Qubits is a quantum computing textbook that starts with an overview of why quantum computing is so different from classical computing and describes several industry use cases where it can have a major impact. From there it moves on to a fuller description of classical computing and the mathematical underpinnings necessary to understand such concepts as superposition, entanglement, and interference. Next up is circuits and algorithms, both basic and more sophisticated. It then nicely moves on to provide a survey of the physics and engineering ideas behind how quantum computing hardware is built. Finally, the book looks to the future and gives you guidance on understanding how further developments will affect you. Really understanding quantum computing requires a lot of math, and this book doesn't shy away from the necessary math concepts you'll need. Each topic is introduced and explained thoroughly, in clear English with helpful examples.
Table of Contents (16 chapters)
Preface
13
Afterword

11.9 The cat

In this section we look at a well known discussion from the 1930s. We’ll use it to show an example of simulating quantum physics with quantum computing.

In 1935, physicist Erwin Schrödinger proposed a thought experiment that would spawn close to a century of deep scientific and philosophical thought, as well as many bad jokes. Thought experiments are common among mathematicians and scientists.

The basic premise is that the idea is not something you would really do, but something you want to think through to understand the implications and consequences.

This was his attempt to show how the Copenhagen interpretation promoted by Niels Bohr and Werner Heisenberg in the late 1920s could lead to a ridiculous conclusion for large objects. This is one of the popular theories for how and why quantum mechanics works, though there are others.


IF YOU CAN SEE THIS, AN IMAGE IS MISSING

Niels Bohr in 1922. Photo is in the public domain.


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