CIS 4930.1194X/6930.1078X Spr.'00
Assignment #7 (Course Part V, Weeks 9-10)
Quantum Computing

Please continue to follow the general advice on reading assignments from the first week's assignment.  Note: This section's lecture slides should be available on reserve.

Reading assignment:

For these two weeks we will be covering Quantum Computing, meaning computation that leverages the effects of large-scale coherent quantum superposititions, entanglement, and interference - "Many Universes" computing, as David Deutsch might call it.

Introduction to quantum computing (Lec. 24) slides in .pdf another version

Introductory Articles for General Readers:

If you find that you can't make heads or tails of any of the more technical articles in the list, then read some of this fluff instead.  But, please do try to read some more technical articles, if you possibly can.

"Introductory" Technical Reviews/Tutorials:

My own rather abbreviated summary of the field:

After looking through these Williams-Clearwater books, I feel they are a little bit lacking in terms of technical thoroughness and clarity of explication.  However, they do gather a lot of moderately technical information in one place.  The Mathematica programs look fun to play with, but I haven't been able to try them yet. Some pretty good technical overview articles. Historic articles, if you're interested:

First theoretical construction of a computer based solely on quantum mechanical principles.  This one only had the power of a classical computer, however.

Points out that classical computers seem unable to efficiently simulate physics.  First suggestion that a quantum-based computer might be exponentially faster. Feynman's quantum computer construction, similar to but independent of Benioff's. First demonstration of a theoretical computational advantage from a quantum computer.  (But only a small advantage on a contrived problem.) Quantum Logic Gates & Circuits (Lec. 25): Lec25-qcgates.pdf Shor's Quantum Factoring Algorithm (Lec. 26): Lec26-shoralg.pdf

The original paper that turned quantum computing into an academic mega-industry:

A nice re-explication of it. Quantum Unstructured Search & Physics Simulations (Lec. 27): Lec27-qcapps.pdf

Unstructured search:

Physics simulations: Decoherence, Error Correction & Quantum Cryptography (Lec. 28): Lec28-qcmisc.pdf Physical Implementations:

This is a very nice overview of the requirements for physical implementations:

Lloyd's early paper which foresaw the common features of many schemes: Examples of some early, concrete but difficult-to-scale schemes: Liquid-state NMR quantum computing: A promising idea for quantum computing in microlithographed superconducting circuits. Quantum computing using spins in doped semiconductors: Some Relevant Web Sites: Other Recommended Readings:

Written assignment #7: (due Mon. 3/27)

This is our standing written assignment.  It should be on the subject of the above lectures and reading material.