Introduction to Quantum Computing

Full course description

This course offers an introduction to the interdisciplinary field of quantum computation. The focus will lie on an accessible introduction to the elementary concepts of quantum mechanics, followed by introducing the mathematical formalism and a comparison between computer science and information science in the quantum domain. The theoretical capability of quantum computers will be illustrated by analysing fundamental algorithms of quantum computation and its potential applications.

Quantum technology has become one of the most prominent interdisciplinary fields of recent research. This course will focus on introducing the mathematical concepts underpinning quantum computation, and on explaining how this new computational paradigm might potentially offer possibilities beyond the scope of conventional computers. Topics that will be introduced and discussed include: (i) most common models of quantum computation (e.g., quantum circuits and measurement-based quantum computing). (ii) An exposition of the machinery borrowed from quantum mechanics, such as superposition of states, quantum entanglement, (de)coherence etc., which gives rise to the potential speed-up of quantum algorithms over their classical analogs. (iii) Some of the most common quantum algorithms (searching, factoring etc.) and protocols (quantum teleportation, EPR paradox). The course will finish with an exposition of potential applications of quantum computation and algorithms in other fields (such as security/cryptography, AI, optimization etc.)

Important: no prior knowledge in quantum mechanics is assumed or required, and all necessary concepts will be introduced and motivated from a mathematical and theoretical computer science point of view. Possible quantum architectures and/or related hardware issues will not be discussed.

This is an optional course: Third year students choose three electives per period out of the optional courses during period 1 and 2.