Principles of Quantum Computing
Dr. Soumadip Ghosh
Professor, H.O.D. CSE Department
Introduction
Quantum computing is a multidisciplinary field that integrates aspects of computer science,
physics, and mathematics. It uses quantum mechanics to solve complex problems faster than
conventional computers. Quantum computing encompasses both hardware research and
application development. A real-life example of quantum computing is drug discovery. By
making it easier to model the behaviour of proteins, quantum computing can help researchers
understand existing drugs and create new drugs to treat diseases like Alzheimer's and cancer.
Quantum mechanics is the area of physics that studies the behaviour of particles at a
microscopic level. At sub-atomic levels, the equations that describe how particles behave is
different from those that describe the macroscopic world around us. Quantum computers take
advantage of these behaviours to perform computations in a completely new way.
Quantum bits, or qubits, are represented by quantum particles. The manipulation of qubits by
control devices is at the core of a quantum computer's processing power. Qubits in quantum
computers are analogous to bits in classical computers. At its core, a classical machine's
processor does all its work by manipulating bits. Similarly, the quantum processor does all its
work by processing qubits.
Figure 1: AI-generated view of quantum computing technology
Principles of quantum computing
A quantum computer works on the basis of quantum principles. One requires a new
vocabulary of terms like decoherence, entanglement, and superposition in order to understand
quantum concepts. Below, let's take a closer look at these concepts.
Superposition
Superposition holds that, similar to how waves function in classical physics, two or more
quantum states can be combined to form a new, valid quantum state. Alternatively, each
quantum state can be described as the sum of two or more independent states. The
superposition of qubits is what gives quantum computers their intrinsic parallelism, which
allows them to perform millions of operations simultaneously.
Entanglement
Quantum entanglement occurs when two systems are so closely coupled that, regardless of
their distance from one another, information about one immediately informs you about the
other. Quantum computers are able to draw conclusions about one particle by measuring
another. For example, they can determine that if the first qubit spins upward, the other will
always spin downward, and vice versa. Quantum entanglement allows quantum computers to
answer complex problems faster.
In the event that the wavefunction collapses during measurement, a quantum state is either a
zero or a one. In this known or predictable state, the qubit operates as a classical bit.
Entanglement is the ability of qubits to associate their states with those of other qubits.
Decoherence
Decoherence is the loss of a qubit's quantum state. Radiation and other external factors can
cause the quantum state of the qubits to collapse. One of the major engineering challenges in
building a quantum computer is designing the various components that attempt to delay the
state's decoherence, such as building specialized structures that shield the qubits from
external influences.
Conclusion
Quantum computing can handle some problems faster than conventional computers by
leveraging quantum mechanical features like superposition and quantum interference. This
speed boost could be useful for applications like optimization, machine learning, and
simulating physical systems. Future uses could address problems that are currently beyond
the capabilities of even the most powerful supercomputers, such as chemical system
simulation or financial portfolio optimization.
