Science & Technology
Quantum computing
Computer hardware technology that uses quantum mechanics
Overview
A quantum computer is a computer that represents and processes information using quantum states. Quantum computations exploit phenomena such as superposition, interference, and entanglement. Quantum computers have the potential to complete some calculations exponentially faster than classical computers. For example, a large-scale quantum computer could break widely used encryption schemes and aid physicists in performing physical simulations. However, current hardware implementations of quantum computation are largely experimental and suitable for only certain specialized tasks.
Source: Wikipedia — Quantum computing (CC BY-SA)
Key concepts
How Quantum computing connects to the ideas, people and events around it.
A computer is a machine that can be programmed to automatically carry out sequences of arithmetic or logical operations (computation).
In quantum physics, a quantum state is a mathematical entity that represents a physical system. Quantum mechanics specifies the construction, evolution, and measurement of a quantum state.
Quantum superposition is a fundamental principle of quantum mechanics that states that linear combinations of solutions to the Schrödinger equation are also solutions of the Schrödinger equation.
In physics, interference is a phenomenon in which two coherent waves are combined by adding their intensities or displacements with due consideration for their phase difference.
Quantum entanglement is the phenomenon in which the quantum state of each particle in a group cannot be described independently of the state of the others, even when the particles are separated by a large distance.
Post-quantum cryptography (PQC), sometimes referred to as quantum-proof, quantum-safe, or quantum-resistant, is the development of cryptographic algorithms that are currently thought, but not proven, to be secure against a cryptanalytic attack by a quantum computer.
Quantum simulators permit the study of a quantum system in a programmable fashion. In this instance, simulators are special purpose devices designed to provide insight about specific physics problems.
A unit of information is any unit of measure of digital data size. In digital computing, a unit of information is used to describe the capacity of a digital data storage device.
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Questions about Quantum computing
What is Quantum computing?
A quantum computer is a computer that represents and processes information using quantum states. Quantum computations exploit phenomena such as superposition, interference, and entanglement. Quantum computers have the potential to complete some calculations exponentially faster than classical computers.
What are the key concepts related to Quantum computing?
The main concepts connected to Quantum computing include Computer, Quantum state, Quantum superposition, Wave interference, Quantum entanglement, Post-quantum cryptography, Quantum simulator, Units of information. Each is linked on the map above with its own summary.
Which exams cover Quantum computing?
Quantum computing is part of Science & Technology, which appears in the syllabus of UPSC CSE, UPSC CAPF, NDA, CDS, AFCAT, RRB NTPC and 32 more exams.