Building Quantum Computers
A Practical Introduction

An accessible and practical introduction to quantum computers, the physical technologies behind them, and how they are built.

Shayan Majidy (Author), Christopher Wilson (Author), Raymond Laflamme (Author)

9781009417013, Cambridge University Press

Hardback, published 11 July 2024

272 pages
26 x 18.3 x 1.7 cm, 0.7 kg

'This book treats the reality of building quantum computing hardware for several of the most advanced technologies (nuclear spins, optics, ions, superconductors). For each topic, both the theoretical framework as well as the gory details of the actually needed physical resources are discussed. The book is a very good resource for advanced students interested in quantum information technology and will be a main resource for my next classes on the topic.' Wolfgang Harneit, University of Osnabruck

The global race to build the world's first quantum computer has attracted enormous investment from government and industry, and it attracts a growing pool of talent. As with many cutting-edge technologies, the optimal implementation is not yet settled. This important textbook describes four of the most advanced platforms for quantum computing: nuclear magnetic resonance, quantum optics, trapped ions, and superconducting systems. The fundamental physical concepts underpinning the practical implementation of quantum computing are reviewed, followed by a balanced analysis of the strengths and weaknesses inherent to each type of hardware. The text includes more than 80 carefully designed exercises with worked solutions available to instructors, applied problems from key scenarios, and suggestions for further reading, facilitating a practical and expansive learning experience. Suitable for senior undergraduate and graduate students in physics, engineering, and computer science, Building Quantum Computers is an invaluable resource for this emerging field.

List of symbols
Foreword
Preface
1. Introduction to quantum computing
2. Review of quantum mechanics for quantum computing
3. Nuclear magnetic resonance
4. Optics
5. Trapped ions
6. Superconducting circuits
7. Benchmarking
References
Index.

Subject Areas: Quantum physics [quantum mechanics & quantum field theory PHQ]