Quantum Machine Learning: Class Notes for
Beginners
Introduction to Quantum Computing
Quantum computing is a new paradigm of computation that leverages quantum mechanical
phenomena like superposition and entanglement. Unlike classical bits (0 or 1), quantum bits
(qubits) can exist in multiple states simultaneously, enabling parallel computation. This makes
quantum computers promising for solving complex problems that classical systems struggle with.
Basics: Qubits, Superposition, Entanglement
- **Qubits**: The basic unit of quantum information. A qubit can represent 0, 1, or a superposition of
both.
- **Superposition**: Ability of qubits to exist in multiple states at once. Example: |ψ■ = α|0■ + β|1■.
- **Entanglement**: A phenomenon where qubits become correlated such that the state of one
depends on the other, even if separated by distance.
Quantum Gates & Circuits
Quantum gates manipulate qubits similarly to how logic gates manipulate bits in classical
computing. Examples:
- **Pauli-X Gate**: Flips |0■ to |1■ and vice versa.
- **Hadamard Gate**: Creates superposition states.
- **CNOT Gate**: Entangles two qubits.
Quantum circuits are sequences of such gates designed to perform a computation. (Diagram: A set
of qubit lines with boxes representing gates).
Introduction to Machine Learning
Machine Learning (ML) enables systems to learn from data and make predictions. Core types:
- **Supervised Learning**: Learning from labeled datasets.
- **Unsupervised Learning**: Discovering hidden patterns.
- **Reinforcement Learning**: Learning through trial-and-error interactions.
Where Quantum Meets ML
Quantum Machine Learning (QML) combines quantum computing with machine learning to
enhance data processing and learning efficiency.
Key techniques:
- **Quantum Data Encoding**: Representing classical data in quantum states.
- **Variational Quantum Algorithms (VQAs)**: Hybrid methods using quantum circuits with classical
optimizers.
- **Quantum Support Vector Machines**: Using quantum kernels for classification tasks.
Applications of QML
- **Finance**: Portfolio optimization and risk modeling.
- **Drug Discovery**: Simulating molecular structures more efficiently.
- **Optimization**: Solving NP-hard problems in logistics.
- **Natural Language Processing**: Quantum-enhanced embeddings for text analysis.
Advantages vs Classical ML
- Potential exponential speedups for certain algorithms.
- Better handling of high-dimensional data spaces.
- Natural alignment with probabilistic models.
However, current quantum hardware is noisy and small-scale (NISQ era).
Challenges & Research Directions
- Hardware limitations: Qubit coherence and error rates.
- Scalability of quantum circuits.
- Need for hybrid approaches until fully scalable quantum systems exist.
Research is exploring error correction, better encodings, and integration with classical ML pipelines.
Summary Notes / Cheat Sheet
- Qubits = Quantum version of bits.
- Superposition & Entanglement = Core quantum phenomena.
- QML = Quantum Data Encoding + VQAs + Quantum SVMs.
- Applications = Finance, Healthcare, NLP, Optimization.
- Current Status = Promising but limited by hardware.
References
1. Nielsen, M. & Chuang, I. (2010). *Quantum Computation and Quantum Information*.
2. Biamonte, J. et al. (2017). 'Quantum Machine Learning.' *Nature*.
3. Schuld, M. & Petruccione, F. (2018). *Supervised Learning with Quantum Computers*.
4. Preskill, J. (2018). 'Quantum Computing in the NISQ era and beyond.' *Quantum*.
