Document 6: [Class Notes] – Introduction to Quantum Computing
Subject: Computer Science – Quantum Computing
Level: Undergraduate (B.Sc. / B.Tech.)
🧠 Topic: Basics of Quantum Computing
1. Classical vs. Quantum Bit (Qubit)
Classical bit: 0 or 1
Qubit: Superposition of 0 and 1
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∣
𝛼
=
∣
0
⟩
𝛽
+
∣
1
⟩
,
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∣
∣
2
+
𝛽
∣
∣
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=
1
∣ψ⟩=α∣0⟩+β∣1⟩,∣α∣
2
+∣β∣
2
=1
2. Key Principles:
Superposition: A qubit can exist in multiple states at once.
Entanglement: Qubits can be linked such that the state of one affects the other.
Interference: Probabilities can cancel or reinforce based on phase.
3. Quantum Gates (unitary):
X gate (NOT): Flips the qubit
Hadamard gate (H): Creates superposition
CNOT gate: Conditional flip, key for entanglement
4. Use Cases:
Cryptography (Shor’s Algorithm: factor integers in polynomial time)
Database search (Grover’s Algorithm)
Drug discovery and materials simulation
5. Real-World Quantum Devices:
IBM Qiskit
Google Sycamore (53-qubit quantum supremacy test)
D-Wave (quantum annealing, not universal QC)
Homework:
Q1. Explain the difference between classical and quantum gates.
Q2. Why is decoherence a challenge in real quantum computers?