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

6.4 Probability and error detection

Let’s return to our repetition code for error detection from section 2.1 0 to a 1 or a 1 to a 0 is p. The probability that no error occurs is 1 - p, as above.

This is called a binary symmetric channel. We have two representations for information, the bits, and hence ‘‘binary.’’ The probability of something bad happening to a 0 or 1 is the same, and that’s the symmetry.

Here is the scheme:

  • Create a message to be sent to someone.
  • Transform that message by encoding it so that it contains extra information. This will allow it to be repaired if it is damaged en route to the other person.
  • Send the message. ‘‘Noise’’ in the transmission may introduced errors in the encoded message.
  • Decode the message, using the extra information stored in it to try to fix any transmission errors.
  • Give the message to the intended recipient.
  • ...