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Quantum computation notes

The document discusses the fundamentals of quantum computing, contrasting it with classical computing by highlighting the principles of quantum mechanics such as superposition and entanglement that enable quantum computers to perform exponentially more computations simultaneously. It emphasizes the potential advantages of quantum computing in fields like Artificial Intelligence and deep learning, including faster computations, enhanced optimization, and improved energy efficiency. Additionally, it introduces qubits as the basic units of quantum information, detailing various types and their significance in quantum computation.

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0% found this document useful (0 votes)
22 views

Quantum computation notes

The document discusses the fundamentals of quantum computing, contrasting it with classical computing by highlighting the principles of quantum mechanics such as superposition and entanglement that enable quantum computers to perform exponentially more computations simultaneously. It emphasizes the potential advantages of quantum computing in fields like Artificial Intelligence and deep learning, including faster computations, enhanced optimization, and improved energy efficiency. Additionally, it introduces qubits as the basic units of quantum information, detailing various types and their significance in quantum computation.

Uploaded by

ananyashettyg09
Copyright
© © All Rights Reserved
Available Formats
Download as PDF, TXT or read online on Scribd
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1|Elements of Quantum Computing 22PHYS22

Module 4: Elements of Quantum Computing


(Physics for Computer Engineering Stream – 22PHYS12/22)

1. Introduction to quantum computers

Background: The computer today is made by introducing several tiny transistors embedded on silicon
chips. We call these computers ‘classical computers’ throughout the discussion. Examples of classical
computers are Desktop computer, laptop, Tab, mobile, smart watch, etc. Tiny transistors act as switches
depicting the states 0 and 1. These discrete states are called bits which are readable by the classical
computer. Physically, state ‘1’ on a bit depicts a developed/high voltage (a ‘bit’ refers here as an
abstract physical segment on which 0 or 1 is assigned) in a capacitor in combination with transistors
on a chip (Ex - RAM - random access memory). A detailed discussion on physical processes about the
memory and processing units in a classical computer was given in module 1. On the other hand, state
‘0’ represents declined/low voltage in a capacitor in combination with transistors on a chip. All types
of calculations are made easy for computers by converting information (numbers, characters etc.) into
binary digit system. All arithmetic operations are carried out by the computers only when the numbers
are represented in binary digits as 0 and 1. The simple addition operation on 3 and 4 is 7. However, this
is an impossible task for a computer unless they are fed in the form of binary digits. Therefore, our job
is to convert it into the required binary form and feed it. The binary forms of 3 and 4 are 11 and 100
respectively. The addition of them made by the computer is 111. The “111” binary digit is again
reformed to decimal as “7” which is readable by a human. Increasing a greater number of such bits on
a processor chip speeds up the computation.
As technology developed over the decades the transistors fabricated on an integrated chip
within a certain area are being doubled, and price is halved every two years. This law was the
extrapolation of the observation made on the development of chip technology predicted by Gordon
Moore (one of the co-founders of Intel Company). This is popularly known as Moor’s Law. Today,
there can be 1.2 trillion transistors printed over 21 x 21 square cm. Such a big number enhanced the
speed of a processor by a significant magnitude which in turn squeezed the individual transistor to nano
dimension. This has made a single transistor to attain such a smaller size where roughly 100 electrons
are participating in switching action. Such miniaturization of the size of an individual transistor makes
switching of state 1 to 0 and vice-versa more difficult. This is because the quantum mechanical effects
will start playing a major role by not allowing electrons and atoms to behave as they were expected to
be before the size of a transistor was made smaller. This is a result of trapping electrons and atoms
within a small, confined nano area. Because of the quantum principles like quantum superposition,
energy discreteness, quantum tunneling, quantum interference etc., it is impossible for a transistor to
create a resistive path permanently when the state of a bit must be written as 0 or conductive path for
the state 1. As a result, resistive path may conduct electricity inevitably through quantum tunneling
effect. Such restriction has significantly hindered the further development of microprocessor fabrication
technology and showed the red flag. Physicists across the globe experienced the limitation of lowering
the size of a transistor by such quantum mechanical effects. However, this limitation turned the whole
picture upside down and became a milestone for the inception of an entirely new computational method
which is called “Quantum Computation”. They decided to exploit the same limitation as foundation to
open an entirely new area of computation which is even greater than the earlier “Classical
Computation.”
Quantum computers are not the replacement of classical computers with which we are working
today, they are not even the upgradation of the super computers which are being used to solve critical
problems, but they are fundamentally different in their basic principles of operations. They work on the
principles of quantum physics such as wave-particle duality, quantum superposition, quantum
entanglement, quantum Interference, quantum tunneling, Heisenberg’s uncertainty principle, etc. These

- Dr. Raju S.P., Assistant Professor, Physics, MCE


2|Elements of Quantum Computing 22PHYS22

principles enable the quantum computer to drastically boost computational power among all other
computers ever built.

A typical quantum computer would resemble the classical computer in its earlier development time
(middle of 19th century). The complexity and size of quantum computers’ hardware are enormous.

Quantum computer is a device which manipulates qubits for computation. Quantum computation is the
process of manipulating qubits in a quantum computer. Qubits are quantum binary digits who would
work under the principles of quantum mechanics like quantum superposition, quantum entanglement,
quantum interference, etc.

2. Differences between classical and quantum computers

2.1 Exponential growth of Power of computation in a quantum computer (for AI &ML)


Consider a qubit with |0⟩ and |1⟩ as its computational states. For qubits these two states are
available for computation at the same time. If there are two such qubits are there, then there
would be 4 states available at the same time. The vital aspect is the growth of the number of
- Dr. Raju S.P., Assistant Professor, Physics, MCE
3|Elements of Quantum Computing 22PHYS22

states available for computation after the addition of every single qubit. Because, after adding
a qubit, the total number of states doubles. This would follow the exponential trend as shown
in the above figure. Because, if there are N qubits, then there would be 2N states available at
the same time.

|W⟩ = 𝟏 |w1⟩ + 𝟐 |w2⟩ + 𝟑 |w3⟩ + … + 𝑵 |wN⟩

Here, 1 , 2 , 3 − − − 𝑁 are the coefficients of the computational basis states


|w1⟩, |w2⟩, ----, |wn⟩ respectively.
If there are 300 qubits in a
quantum computer, then the
number of available
computational basis states can
represent the total number of
atoms in the entire universe. Such
exponential power of growth of
number of computation states is
unique for quantum computer in
making it more powerful than
classical computers. Note: Even though the same trend is observed in the classical computers
case, not all the states are available for computation at the same time.

Artificial intelligence and deep learning: Exponential growth in the power of quantum
computers has the potential to bring several advantages to the fields of Artificial Intelligence
(AI) and deep learning.

1. Speeding Up Computations: Quantum computers have the ability to solve certain


types of problems much faster than classical computers due to their unique properties,
such as superposition and entanglement. This speedup could significantly accelerate
complex calculations involved in training deep learning models, which often require a
large number of iterations.
2. Optimization Problems: Many AI tasks involve optimization, such as finding the
optimal parameters for a neural network. Quantum computers could potentially provide
more efficient solutions to these optimization problems, leading to faster and more
accurate model training.
3. Parallelism: Quantum computers can perform multiple calculations simultaneously
through superposition, enabling parallelism that could be advantageous for tasks like
matrix operations and certain types of data processing commonly encountered in AI
and deep learning.
4. Handling Large Datasets: Quantum computers might be able to process and analyze
large datasets more efficiently than classical computers, which could be beneficial for
training and inference tasks in AI.
5. New Algorithms: Quantum computing could lead to the development of new
algorithms specifically designed for quantum hardware. These algorithms might
uncover novel ways to approach AI and deep learning problems, potentially yielding
better solutions or insights.

- Dr. Raju S.P., Assistant Professor, Physics, MCE


4|Elements of Quantum Computing 22PHYS22

6. Solving Complex Equations: Quantum computers have the potential to solve complex
differential equations and linear algebra problems, which are foundational in many AI
and deep learning applications. This capability could enhance the development of
advanced models and techniques.

7. Simulation and Quantum Machine Learning: Quantum computers might be used to


simulate quantum systems more accurately, which could have applications in fields like
materials science and drug discovery. This, in turn, could impact AI and deep learning
research by providing more accurate data for training and validation.

2.2 Parallel computation in a quantum computer


Quantum computers would work under the principle of quantum mechanical rules such
as quantum superposition, quantum entanglement, quantum interference, etc. Because of such
powerful rules, quantum computers can perform parallel computation. Particularly the quantum
interference would vanish
few of the unwanted states
and arrive at multiple results
obtained from multiple
processing at the same time
using a single quantum
processor as can be seen in
the below figure. Such
parallel computation is
impossible in classical
computers to perform using a
single processor. Therefore,
parallel computation feature of quantum computer has made it more powerful than any other
classical computers. Because the process of quantum computers would play multi processors
role during computation.

Artificial intelligence and deep learning: The parallel nature of quantum computers offers
several potential advantages for solving problems in the fields of Artificial Intelligence (AI)
and deep learning. While practical implementations are still in the early stages, the parallelism
inherent in quantum computing could bring significant benefits to these domains:

1. Speedup in Model Training: Quantum computers can perform multiple computations


simultaneously through superposition, allowing them to explore different solutions in
parallel. This property could significantly speed up the training of complex deep
learning models, which often involves iterative optimization processes.
2. Enhanced Optimization: Many AI and deep learning tasks involve optimization
problems, such as finding the optimal parameters for a neural network. Quantum
computers can explore multiple potential solutions simultaneously, potentially leading
to more efficient and effective optimization processes.
3. Large-scale Data Processing: Quantum computers can process and manipulate large
amounts of data in parallel, which is advantageous for tasks like data preprocessing,
feature extraction, and other data-centric operations common in AI and deep learning.

- Dr. Raju S.P., Assistant Professor, Physics, MCE


5|Elements of Quantum Computing 22PHYS22

4. Matrix Operations: Quantum computers are naturally suited for performing linear
algebra operations, which are fundamental to many AI and deep learning algorithms.
The ability to handle matrix operations in parallel could lead to faster and more efficient
computations.
5. Reduced Training Time: Quantum computers could accelerate the training time of AI
models by simultaneously exploring different parts of the parameter space. This could
lead to quicker convergence and faster model deployment.
6. Dimensionality Reduction: Quantum computers might enable more efficient
dimensionality reduction techniques, helping to streamline data representation and
processing in complex AI systems.
7. Exploration of Hyperparameters: Hyperparameter tuning is a critical aspect of deep
learning model optimization. Quantum computers could potentially explore different
combinations of hyperparameters in parallel, leading to faster identification of optimal
configurations.
8. Solving Complex Equations: Quantum computers excel at solving complex equations,
which are often encountered in AI and deep learning. This capability could be
particularly useful for advanced modeling and simulations.

9. Quantum Machine Learning: Quantum computers can be used to develop novel


quantum machine learning algorithms that leverage their parallelism for improved
performance on certain tasks.

2.3. Reversible computation in a quantum computer

In quantum computers, every input will have a corresponding output. Therefore, no


single input is erased. The truth table of a linear algebra of quantum computation would have
N number of outputs column for N number of inputs columns as can be seen in the below
figure.

Truth table of a quantum logic gates

Input 1 Input 2 Input 3 Input 4 Output 1 Output 2 Output 3 Output 4

q0 q1 q2 q3 Y1 Y2 Y3 Y4

Therefore, all the inputs can be recovered by tracking the outputs by performing reverse
operation. This is how computation is made
reversible.

Since no inputs are erased in a computation


process in a quantum computer its entropy will
remain the same. In the case of classical
computers, thousands of inputs will be erased in
computational processes which would increase
the entropy.

Artificial intelligence and deep learning: The reversible nature of quantum computers offers
several potential advantages for applications in Artificial Intelligence (AI) and deep learning.
Reversibility refers to the ability of quantum operations to be easily undone, allowing for
- Dr. Raju S.P., Assistant Professor, Physics, MCE
6|Elements of Quantum Computing 22PHYS22

precise control over computation steps. While the practical implementation of these advantages
is still a subject of ongoing research, the reversible nature of quantum computing could bring
significant benefits to these fields:

1. Energy Efficiency: Reversible computation is inherently more energy-efficient


compared to irreversible computation. In AI and deep learning, where large-scale
computations are common, quantum computers' reversible operations could help reduce
energy consumption and computational costs.
2. Algorithm Optimization: Quantum computers' reversibility could lead to more
efficient and optimized algorithms for AI and deep learning tasks. By leveraging the
ability to backtrack and undo operations, researchers could develop algorithms with
improved convergence and fewer redundant calculations.
3. Error Correction: Reversible operations are crucial for error correction techniques in
quantum computing. Applying these techniques effectively could lead to enhanced
stability and accuracy in quantum computations, which is particularly important for
complex AI and deep learning tasks.
4. Quantum Circuits and Gates: Quantum gates, the fundamental building blocks of
quantum circuits, are inherently reversible. This property can lead to the development
of more compact and efficient quantum circuits for performing operations required by
AI and deep learning algorithms.
5. Training and Inference: Reversible quantum operations could have applications in
the training and inference phases of deep learning. They might lead to more efficient
and accurate optimization methods and data processing steps.
6. Quantum Data Representation: The reversible nature of quantum computing can
influence how data is represented and manipulated in quantum machine learning
algorithms. This could potentially lead to more compact and information-rich data
representations.
7. Memory Management: Reversible computing could impact memory management and
storage techniques, enabling more efficient use of resources in AI and deep learning
applications.
8. Simulation and Analysis: Quantum computers' ability to reverse operations could be
valuable for simulations and analysis of complex systems, such as simulating molecular
interactions for drug discovery or analyzing large-scale neural networks.
9. Hybrid Quantum-Classical Approaches: Reversible quantum operations can be
integrated with classical computing methods, enabling the development of hybrid
algorithms that take advantage of both reversible quantum steps and classical
processing for AI and deep learning tasks.

3. Qubits

- Dr. Raju S.P., Assistant Professor, Physics, MCE


7|Elements of Quantum Computing 22PHYS22

Qubit is the acronym for quantum binary digits. This


is the building block of quantum computers who will
be manipulated for computation. These qubits are
made from quantum particles like electrons, protons,
molecules, quantum trapped systems etc.

Popular types of qubits


SQUID qubits
Photon qubits (Optical cavity or Microwave cavity)
NMR Qubits
Ion trap (Nuclear or Electron or Spin) qubits

Examples of types of qubits

Spin based qubits; atomic nuclei, spin of electrons, spin trapped ions. charge based qubits
electron charge in materials like Au, GaAs, quantum dots, etc. Cavity based qubits optical
cavity qubits, Microwave cavity qubits.

3.1 SQUID based qubits.

SQUID refers to Superconducting quantum


interferometer device. This device is sensitive to tiny
amount of magnetic field. With such sensitivity people
have used it to process quantum data. This consists of a
ring with two Josephson junctions. Each Josephson
jenction is made by introducing a thin insulating
material in between two superconducting segments as
shown in the figure which acts as an imposible barrier
for Cooper pair to be hopping across. Cooper pairs can
tunnel through it from one superconductor to the other
one if a suitable magnetic field is applied to the ring perpendicular to its plan. Because of the same,
there will be change in current density in the coil at the two Josephsen junctions when the ring is
carrying supercurrent in it. Direction of presence of current will be considered as the paramter for
representing two distintive states |0⟩ and|1⟩ in SQUID based quantum computers as an example. If
there is current in clockwise direction it is considered as |0⟩ state and otherway arround for the |1⟩
state. Current in both the direction at the same time is nothing but superposition state for the qubit.
In the same way all other features required for computation will be achieved.

3.2 Photon qubits (Optical cavity or Microwave cavity)

- Dr. Raju S.P., Assistant Professor, Physics, MCE


8|Elements of Quantum Computing 22PHYS22

Encoding of quantum information in photons-based qubits is through their polarization properties.


Polarization refers to the orientation of the electric field vector associated with a photon's
electromagnetic wave. Polarization can be represented using various bases, such as the horizontal
|H⟩ and vertical |V⟩ basis to represent |0⟩ and |1⟩ respectively, the diagonal basis for super position
states. Here, the quantum superposition is defined by the ability of a photon to exist in horizontal
and vertical polarization states
simultaneously as shown in the
figure. Quantum entanglement will
be achieved when two or more
photons become correlated in such a
way that the state of one photon is
dependent on the state of another,
even when they are separated by
large distances. When such
photonics-based qubits are
measured their superposition state
collapses into either |0⟩ or |1⟩ with a certain probability. This measurement process is a crucial step
in extracting information from quantum systems for computation.

3.3 NMR based qubits

In nuclear magnetic resonance (NMR) based quantum computing, superposition and entanglement are
achieved using the properties of
nuclear spins within molecules
placed in a strong external magnetic
field. Superposition: Manipulation
of nuclear spins of certain atoms
within a molecule is used for
computation. Such nucleus with
spins can act like tiny magnets
aligning themselves parallel or antiparallel to the direction of the applied external magnetic field. These
two directions will be used as two distinctive states to represent |0⟩ and |1⟩. Suitable radiofrequency
(RF) pulse with the specific frequency and pulse duration, nuclear spins will be manipulated from their
initial state into a superposition state. This is simply aligning them parallel and antiparallel at the same
time. Quantum entangled state will be achieved when multiple qubits are aligned to the same magnetic
field with suitable combination of frequencies.

3.4 Ion trapped qubits

In ion trap quantum computing, superposition is achieved by manipulating the internal energy levels of
trapped ions using laser pulses and electromagnetic
fields. Ion trap qubits are typically based on the
electronic states of ions, such as trapped ions in
suitable elements.

The first step is to trap individual ions using


electromagnetic fields in a vacuum chamber. The
ions are typically held in place using a combination
of radiofrequency (RF) and static electric fields.
Cooling techniques, such as laser cooling, are then
applied to bring the ions' motion to the ground state,
- Dr. Raju S.P., Assistant Professor, Physics, MCE
9|Elements of Quantum Computing 22PHYS22

reducing their thermal motion and interaction with the environment. The ground state and an excited
state of the ion can often be used as the two basis states of your qubit. The two states could be
represented as |0⟩ (ground state) and |1⟩ (excited state). If the ion is at ground state, the qubit is at |0⟩
state. Once the trapped ion is taken to higher energy, it gives electron for conduction which is considered
as |1⟩ state. The ion is at ground and excited states at the same state will make the quantum superposition
of the qubit.

4. Representation of qubits and their operations


Types of representations of qubits in quantum computing
Dirac bracket notation, Bloch sphere, and Matrix representation
4.1 Dirac bracket notation
Dirac bracket notation, also known as Dirac notation or bra-ket notation, is a mathematical
notation used in quantum mechanics to describe and manipulate quantum states, vectors, and
operators. It was introduced by physicist Paul Dirac as a concise and powerful way to represent
quantum concepts.
In Dirac notation, a quantum state is represented as a ket vector |ψ⟩, and its corresponding
dual vector (also known as a bra) is ⟨ψ|. The ket vector |ψ⟩ represents a column vector in a
complex vector space, while the bra vector ⟨ψ| represents a row vector in the same space.
Together, they form a bra-ket pair, and their inner product (also known as a scalar product or
bracket) ⟨ψ|ϕ⟩ represents the amplitude of transitioning from state |ψ⟩ to state |ϕ⟩.
Here's a breakdown of the notation and its components:
Ket vector (|ψ⟩): This represents a quantum state. It's a column vector in a complex vector
space. The vector can have components in various bases, depending on the choice of
representation.
Bra vector (⟨ψ|): The dual vector to the ket vector. It's a row vector in the same complex
vector space. The bra vector is used to represent the complex conjugate of the corresponding
ket vector.

Inner product (⟨ψ|ϕ⟩): The inner product of two states (bra and ket) gives a complex number
that represents the amplitude of transitioning from state |ψ⟩ to state |ϕ⟩.
Mathematically, this is the dot product of the bra vector ⟨ψ| and the ket vector |ϕ⟩. Dirac
notation makes many quantum mechanical operations more intuitive.
For example Normalization qubits: A state |ψ⟩ is normalized if ⟨ψ|ψ⟩ = 1. This ensures that
the probability of finding the system in state |ψ⟩ is 1.
Operators: Operators, such as observables and transformations, are represented by
matrices. Acting an operator on a state |ψ⟩ is written as the product of the operator and the ket
vector: A|ψ⟩.
Measurement: The probability of measuring a quantum state |ψ⟩ in a basis represented by
the ket vectors |a⟩ is given by |⟨a|ψ⟩|².
Superposition: A state can exist in a linear combination of other states. For example, |ψ⟩ =
α|0⟩ + β|1⟩ represents a qubit in a superposition of |0⟩ and |1⟩ states. In the context of quantum
computing, Dirac notation is used to represent quantum states, gates, and operations, making
it a concise and elegant way to describe and manipulate quantum information. It simplifies
calculations and allows for easy visualization of quantum concepts.

4.2 Bloch sphere


- Dr. Raju S.P., Assistant Professor, Physics, MCE
10 | E l e m e n t s o f Q u a n t u m C o m p u t i n g 22PHYS22

The Bloch sphere is a geometric


representation that provides a visual
way to understand and represent the
state of a qubit in quantum computing.
It is a sphere with a qubit's pure states
represented as points on the surface, and
mixed states represented within the
sphere. The Bloch sphere is a useful tool
to visualize qubit states and quantum
operations. Here's how qubits are
represented on the Bloch sphere:
Physical Representation: Imagine a
sphere where the north pole (the top) represents the state |0⟩ and the south pole (the bottom)
represents the state |1⟩. The equator of the sphere represents a superposition of |0⟩ and |1⟩ states.
Pure States on the Surface: The surface of the sphere represents all possible pure states of a
qubit. Any point on the surface corresponds to a unique state of the qubit. For example, the
state (|0⟩ + |1⟩) / √2 would be represented on the equator of the sphere.
Bloch Vector: To represent a qubit state on the Bloch sphere, you use a Bloch vector. The
Bloch vector is a three-dimensional vector that points from the center of the sphere to the
corresponding point on the surface. It is defined as:

where ⟨x⟩⟨y⟩⟨z⟩ are the expected values of the Pauli operators X, Y, and Z for the qubit
state.
The states |0⟩ is represented by the point at the north pole of the Bloch sphere (r = [0,0,1]).
The state |1⟩ is represented by the point at the south pole of the Bloch sphere (r = [0,0,-1]).
Superpositions like are represented on the equator of the sphere.
Phases and amplitudes of the superposition states are represented by the azimuthal angle
() and polar angle () on the sphere, respectively.
Quantum Operations: Quantum gates and operations can be visualized as rotations on the
Bloch sphere. Applying a gate to a qubit corresponds to rotating the Bloch vector by a certain
angle around a specific axis.
In summary, the Bloch sphere provides an intuitive way to visualize and understand the
behavior of qubits in quantum computing. It helps in grasping concepts like superposition,
phases, and quantum operations, making it a valuable tool for both beginners and experienced
practitioners in the field.

- Dr. Raju S.P., Assistant Professor, Physics, MCE


11 | E l e m e n t s o f Q u a n t u m C o m p u t i n g 22PHYS22

4.3 Matrix representation

Qubits can be represented using matrix methods through a formalism known as the matrix
representation of quantum states and operations. In this formalism, qubit states are represented
as column vectors, and quantum operations (gates) are represented as matrices that act on these
vectors. This approach is widely used in quantum computing and quantum mechanics to
perform calculations and analyze qubit behavior.

Qubit States: Qubit states are typically represented as two-component column vectors using
the Dirac notation. The basis states |0⟩ and |1⟩ are represented as:

A general qubit state |⟩ can be written as a linear combination of basis states:

Here  and are complex probability amplitudes.

Quantum gates are represented as unitary matrices that act on qubit states. A gate's action on a qubit
state |⟩ can be computed by matrix-vector multiplication. For example, the Pauli-X gate (bit-flip gate)
is represented by the following matrix:

To apply the Pauli-X gate to a qubit state |⟩, you multiply the X matrix with the state vector:

Similarly, other quantum gates are represented using their corresponding matrices, such as the Pauli-
Y gate, Pauli-Z gate, Hadamard gate, and more.

Quantum circuits are constructed using sequences of quantum gates. Each gate in a quantum circuit
corresponds to a matrix multiplication applied to the state vector. The entire circuit's operation is the
product of the individual gate matrices. For example, if you have a circuit with two qubits and apply
gates U and V to them, the combined operation of the circuit can be represented by the tensor product
of the gate matrices U and V.

Matrix methods provide a powerful way to analyze and compute the behavior of qubits in quantum
systems. They facilitate calculations involving quantum gates, transformations, and measurements,
making them an essential tool in quantum computing and quantum mechanics.

5. Principles for Quantum Computers ; Heisenberg’s uncertainty principle, Quantum


tunneling, Quantum superposition and Quantum entanglement.
Heisenberg’s uncertainty principle:
The Heisenberg Uncertainty Principle is a fundamental concept in quantum mechanics that
states that there is an inherent limit to the precision with which certain pairs of complementary
properties, such as a particle's position and momentum, can be simultaneously known.
Specifically, the more accurately one property is measured, the less accurately the other can be
- Dr. Raju S.P., Assistant Professor, Physics, MCE
12 | E l e m e n t s o f Q u a n t u m C o m p u t i n g 22PHYS22

determined. This principle arises from the wave-like nature of particles and sets a fundamental
bound on the predictability and measurement precision of quantum systems.
Quantum tunneling: Quantum tunneling is a fundamental quantum mechanical phenomenon
in which particles have a finite probability of crossing or passing through energy barriers that
would be classically impassable due to their insufficient energy. This phenomenon occurs due
to the wave-like nature of particles at the quantum scale and is a result of the uncertainty
principle. In essence, quantum tunneling allows particles to "leak" through barriers and explore
regions that would be classically forbidden, leading to a unique and counterintuitive behavior
in the realm of quantum physics.
Quantum superposition:
Quantum superposition is a fundamental principle of quantum mechanics whereby a quantum system
can exist in a linear combination or mixture of multiple distinct states simultaneously. This state of
superposition is not the same as a classical mixture; rather, it reflects the intrinsic uncertainty and wave-
like behavior of quantum particles. As a consequence, until measured or observed, the system's
properties are described by the combined probabilities of the various states, allowing for the coexistence
of multiple possibilities and outcomes.
Quantum entanglement:
Quantum entanglement is a profound phenomenon in quantum mechanics where two or more particles
become correlated in such a way that the properties of one particle instantaneously influence the
properties of another, regardless of the distance between them. These particles are said to be "entangled"
and share an interconnected state that cannot be described independently. Entanglement defies classical
intuition and highlights the non-local, interconnected nature of quantum systems, playing a crucial role
in various quantum phenomena and technologies, including quantum computing and cryptography.

***

- Dr. Raju S.P., Assistant Professor, Physics, MCE

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