What is Quantum Computing?
Quantum computing is a new type of computing that
uses the laws of quantum physics (like superposition
and entanglement) to process information.
A classical computer uses bits (0 or 1).
A quantum computer uses qubits (quantum bits) that
can be 0, 1, or both at the same time (superposition).
This allows quantum computers to perform many
calculations in parallel, making them extremely powerful
for solving complex problems.
Classical Bit
A bit is a binary unit of information used in
classical computation. It stores only two
values 0 or 1. Either there is a current flow
i.e. 1 or no current flow i.e., 0. There is 2^n
possible states, only one at a time.
Everything i.e. our computers,
supercomputers, servers, calculators etc
stores the information using classical bit.
Creating a classical Bit
In modern day computers, transistors act as switches.
Using the electricity flow to denote which information
is saved. If flowing electrons or voltage is applied to
base of circuit then 1, if voltage is removed then 0.
Quantum Qubit
The bit in quantum world is called Qubit. A qubit or
quantum bit is the basic unit of quantum information.
Qubits can be in a 1 or 0 states just like as classical bit,
but there is a catch here
there can be a 0 and 1 state at the same time.
This property called superposition of quantum particles
is used in quantum computing.
How Qubit is faster than a bit?
A classical bit can only do one single calculation at a given period of time, whereas Qubit can exist
simultaneously in multiple states. This is the great advantage when doing parallel processing tasks.
How Qubit is created?
Qubits are made using physical systems, such as the spin of an electron or the orientation of photon.
For classical bit, we are considering only flow of electrons to determining the bit whether it is ‘0’ or ‘1’
but for qubit we are considering a spin of electron or orientation of photon to determine a state of qubit.
The Quantum Superpowers: Superposition and
Entanglement
Superposition: Multiple States at Once
Imagine a spinning coin. While it's spinning,
it's neither heads nor tails, but a combination
of both. A qubit in superposition can be 0, 1,
or a combination of both, simultaneously. This
allows quantum computers to explore many
possibilities at once, dramatically speeding up
calculations for certain problems.
Entanglement: Spooky
Connection
When two qubits become entangled, they
become deeply linked, no matter how far
apart they are. Measuring the state of one
instantly tells you the state of the other.
This interconnectedness allows quantum
computers to perform incredibly complex
correlations and computations.
⚡ Quantum Gates and circuits
🔹 1. What are Quantum Gates?
● In classical computers → we have logic gates (AND, OR, NOT).
● In quantum computers → we use quantum gates to change the
state of qubits.
● They are represented as matrices in math, but you can imagine
them as “rotations” or “flips” of the qubit state.
● Gates are combined to form a Quantum Circuit (like a program).
Important Quantum Gates
c) CNOT Gate (Controlled-NOT)
a) Pauli-X Gate (Quantum NOT b) Hadamard Gate (H Gate)
● Works on two qubits (control +
Gate) ● Creates superposition.
target).
● Flips the qubit:
● If input = 0, output becomes
● If control qubit = 1, then it flips
a mix of 0 and 1.
○ If qubit = 0 → becomes 1 the target qubit.
● Example: Like tossing a
○ If qubit = 1 → becomes 0 ● If control qubit = 0, nothing
coin in the air (not just
happens.
heads/tails, but both at
● Example: Like a light switch once).
toggle. ● Example: Like saying “Flip the
second switch only if the first
one is ON.”
Example
1. Start with one light bulb (qubit) OFF (0).
1. Start with a qubit in state 0.
2. Hadamard Gate: Makes the bulb half ON and half OFF at
the same time (superposition).
2. Apply Hadamard Gate → qubit is now in
superposition (0 + 1). 3. Bring another bulb OFF (0).
4. CNOT Gate: Connects the two bulbs in such a way that they
3. Add another qubit in state 0.
become twins.
4. Apply CNOT Gate → now the two qubits are
Now:
entangled.
● If you check the first bulb and it’s OFF (0), the second one
will also be OFF (0).
○ If you measure one qubit as 0, the other will also
be 0. ● If you check the first bulb and it’s ON (1), the second one will
also be ON (1).
○ If you measure one as 1, the other will also be 1.
This “twin behavior” is entanglement.
That’s how quantum computers slowly build powerful tricks for
This is how quantum computers build powerful algorithms solving problems.
step by step.
Quantum Algorithms: Solving the
Unsolvable
Quantum computers, while powerful, aren't faster at everything. Their strength lies in specific "quantum algorithms"
designed to leverage superposition and entanglement for problems classical computers struggle with.
Shor's Algorithm: Grover's Algorithm: Quantum Machine
Revolutionises cryptography by Speeds up unstructured database Learning:
efficiently factoring large numbers, searches, finding specific items Enhances AI capabilities, leading to
potentially breaking current much faster than classical more powerful pattern recognition
encryption methods. methods. and data analysis.
Real-World Impact: Applications of Quantum Computing
Cybersecurity
Developing unbreakable encryption and quickly breaking existing ones (post-quantum cryptography).
Drug Discovery & Materials Science
Simulating molecular interactions to design new drugs and materials with unprecedented accuracy.
Artificial Intelligence
Powering next-generation AI, leading to more intelligent systems and complex problem-solving.
Finance
Optimising portfolio management, fraud detection, and financial modelling.
Optimisation
Solving complex logistics problems, like supply chain management and traffic flow optimisation.
Advantages
Speed: Quantum computers can perform certain calculations much faster than classical computers, making them
well-suited for tasks that involve a large amount of data or complex mathematical calculations.
Parallelism: Quantum computing allows for the parallel processing of information, which means that multiple
computations can be performed simultaneously. This can significantly speed up certain tasks, such as searching
large databases.
Cryptography: Quantum computing has the potential to break many of the encryption methods currently used to
secure data. However, it also has the potential to develop new and more secure encryption methods, which could
be more resistant to attacks by hackers.
Chemistry: Quantum computing can simulate the behavior of molecules at a level of detail that is not possible with
classical computing. This could lead to new discoveries in drug design, materials science, and other areas.
The Road Ahead: Challenges and Limitations
Despite its immense promise, quantum computing faces significant hurdles.
Decoherence
Qubits are fragile and easily lose their quantum properties due to environmental interference, making them
hard to control.
Error Correction
Maintaining the integrity of quantum information requires sophisticated error correction, which is extremely
challenging.
Cooling & Cost
Many quantum computers require extremely low temperatures, making them expensive to build and maintain.
The Future of Quantum: Hybrid Systems and Cloud Computing
The future likely involves "hybrid systems," where classical computers handle parts of a
problem and quantum computers tackle the computationally intensive quantum parts.
Quantum cloud platforms are also emerging,
allowing researchers and businesses to access
quantum computing power without needing to
build their own hardware.
Conclusion: A Quantum Leap Forward
"Quantum computing isn't about replacing classical computers; it's about solving problems that were
previously out of reach."
Quantum computing is not just a technological advancement; it's a paradigm shift. While still in its early
stages, it promises to revolutionise industries, unlock new scientific discoveries, and redefine the
boundaries of computation.
Thank you for joining this introduction to quantum computing!
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