I want to learn about Quantum Computing

[Thomas Rigby]

I want to learn about Quantum Computing (QC). I am familiar with Quantum Mechanics. So far I have found two types of literature: (1.) Introductions to QC for the layman, and (2) Literature for people who are already knowledgeable about the field. Can someone recommend a mid-level source along the lines of "Quantum Computing for People that know Quantum Mechanics"?

Secondary question - I have read this old Feynman lecture where he introduces the idea of a Quantum Computer. Is there a relationship between those ideas and what is nowadays referred to as Quantum Computing? Or have the ideas somehow diverged?

 

[pbuk]

I want to learn about Quantum Computing (QC). I am familiar with Quantum Mechanics. So far I have found two types of literature: (1.) Introductions to QC for the layman, and (2) Literature for people who are already knowledgeable about the field. Can someone recommend a mid-level source along the lines of "Quantum Computing for People that know Quantum Mechanics"?

I have never seen such a thing, in the same way as I have never seen a book on "Digital computing for people that know electronics". Understanding how a QC device works is very little help in understanding how to use it.

Secondary question - I have read this old Feynman lecture where he introduces the idea of a Quantum Computer. Is there a relationship between those ideas and what is nowadays referred to as Quantum Computing?

Not really. Feynman posited that in order to simulate a quantum system you needed to use a quantum computer. In QC we mainly try to solve problems that have nothing to do with quantum systems, such as problems in number theory and combinatorics. Also we have learned that it is possible to simulate a QC device in software running on a classical computer, contrary to Feynman's supposition.

These Cambridge University course notes are a useful overview; if you want you can skim over Lectures 3 and 4 as fast as you are able to.

 

[anorlunda]

https://www.amazon.com/Programming-Quantum-Computers-Essential-Algorithms

That is an O'Reilly Book, which is usually the middle ground you seek. But the book is about using quantum computers, not how quantum computers work.

 

[FactChecker]

I wouldn't reject a book just because it addresses the QM subjects. If you really know that part, you can quickly skim through it and you should be well prepared for the other parts of the book.
You should be aware that the field is rapidly evolving and there are a variety of approaches to the large number of challenges remaining.

 

[jedishrfu]

Theres another Orielly book called Programming Quantum Computers that would help get your feet wet. Its written by a peogrammer and a physicist for programmers.

https://www.amazon.com/dp/1492039683/?tag=pfamazon01-20

 

[Filip Larsen]

As a software engineer just seeking a basic understanding of the subject, I found Quantum Computing for Computer Scientists quite readable, but I can't say how it compares to other relevant textbooks like those already mentioned.

https://www.cambridge.org/core/book...r-scientists/8AEA723BEE5CC9F5C03FDD4BA850C711

Later: It seems to have good reviews on Amazon:
https://www.amazon.com/dp/0521879965/?tag=pfamazon01-20

 

[DrClaude]

The goto textbook is Nielsen and Chang: https://www.amazon.com/dp/1107002176/?tag=pfamazon01-20

Another good one is Quantum Approach to Informatics by Stenholm and Suominen: https://www.amazon.com/dp/0471736104/?tag=pfamazon01-20