Quantum Computer Science
An Introduction

A concise introduction to quantum computation for computer scientists who know nothing about quantum theory.

N. David Mermin (Author)

9780521876582, Cambridge University Press

Hardback, published 30 August 2007

233 pages, 67 b/w illus.
25.4 x 19.5 x 1.6 cm, 0.678 kg

'It is evident that the author has a great deal of experience communicating the subject matter. … the text is both clear and engaging. It is also lightened, and enlightened, by the author's wry sense of humour. Far greater and more learned reviewers than I have heaped praise on this book, and deservedly so. All I can do is add my small voice to their chorus or recommendations. For anyone interested in quantum computer science, or just seeking an engaging read on a topic at the forefront of science, this text comes highly recommended.' Mathematics Today

In the 1990's it was realized that quantum physics has some spectacular applications in computer science. This book is a concise introduction to quantum computation, developing the basic elements of this new branch of computational theory without assuming any background in physics. It begins with an introduction to the quantum theory from a computer-science perspective. It illustrates the quantum-computational approach with several elementary examples of quantum speed-up, before moving to the major applications: Shor's factoring algorithm, Grover's search algorithm, and quantum error correction. The book is intended primarily for computer scientists who know nothing about quantum theory, but will also be of interest to physicists who want to learn the theory of quantum computation, and philosophers of science interested in quantum foundational issues. It evolved during six years of teaching the subject to undergraduates and graduate students in computer science, mathematics, engineering, and physics, at Cornell University.

Preface
1. Cbits and Qbits
2. General features and some simple examples
3. Breaking RSA encryption with a quantum computer
4. Searching with a quantum computer
5. Quantum error correction
6. Protocols that use just a few Qbits
Appendices
Index.

Subject Areas: Computing & information technology [U], Quantum physics [quantum mechanics & quantum field theory PHQ]