Quantum Computing by Practice

Learn to write algorithms and program in the new field of quantum computing. This second edition is updated to equip you with the latest knowledge and tools needed to be a complex problem-solver in this ever-evolving landscape. The book has expanded its coverage of current and future advancements and investments by IT companies in this emerging technology. Most chapters are thoroughly revised to incorporate the latest updates to IBM Quantum's systems and offerings, such as improved algorithms, integrating hardware advancements, software enhancements, bug fixes, and more.

You’ll examine quantum computing in the cloud and run experiments there on a real quantum device. Along the way you’ll cover game theory with the Magic Square, an example of quantum pseudo-telepathy. You’ll also learn to write code using QISKit, Python SDK, and other APIs such as QASM and execute it against simulators (local or remote) or a real quantum computer. Then peek inside the inner workings of the Bell states for entanglement, Grover’s algorithm for linear search, Shor’s algorithm for integer factorization, and other algorithms in the fields of optimization, and more. Finally, you’ll learn the current quantum algorithms for entanglement, random number generation, linear search, integer factorization, and others.

By the end of this book, you’ll understand how quantum computing provides massive parallelism and significant computational speedups over classical computers

WHAT YOU'LL LEARN

* Write algorithms that provide superior performance over their classical counterparts
* Create a quantum number generator: the quintessential coin flip with a quantum twist
* Examine the quantum algorithms in use today for random number generation, linear search, and more
* Discover quantum teleportation
* Handle the counterfeit coin problem, a classic puzzle
* Put your knowledge to the test with more than 150 practice exercises

WHO THIS BOOK IS FOR

Developers, programmers, computer science researchers, teachers, and students.

Vladimir Silva was born in Quito, Ecuador. He received a System's Analyst degree from the Polytechnic Institute of the Army in 1994. In the same year, he came to the United States as an exchange student pursuing an M.S. degree in Computer Science at Middle Tennessee State University. After graduation, he joined the IBM WebAhead technology think tank. His interests include Grid Computing, Neural Nets, and Artificial Intelligence. He also holds numerous IT certifications including OCP, MCSD, and MCP. He has written many technical articles for IBM developerWorks and books in the fields of grid computing, and security. His previous books include: Grid Computing for Developers (Charles River Media), Practical Eclipse Rich Client Platform (Apress), Pro Android Games (Apress), and Advanced Android 4 Games (Apress).

CHAPTER 1: QUANTUM FIELDS - THE BUILDING BLOCKS OF REALITY

Enter Max Planck, the Father of Quantum Mechanics

Planck Hits the Jackpot, Einstein collects a Novel Prize

Quantum Mechanics comes in many flavors. Which is your favorite?

Many Worlds Interpretation

Supplementary Interpretations

From Quantum Mechanics to Quantum Fields: Evolution or Revolution

Chapter 1 Exercises

CHAPTER 2: RICHARD FEYNMAN, DEMIGOD OF PHYSICS, FATHER OF THE QUANTUM COMPUTER

Mysteries of QFT: The Plague on Infinities

Feynman Diagrams: Formulas in Disguise

Antimatter as Time Reverse Matter and the Mirror Universe

Chapter 2 Exercises

CHAPTER 3: THE QUBIT REVOLUTION IS AT HAND

Your Friendly Neighborhood Quantum Computer

Linear Optics vs Super Conducting Loops

The Many Flavors of Qubit

Chapter 3 Exercises

CHAPTER 4: ENTER THE IBM QUANTUM: A ONE OF A KIND PLATFORM FOR QUANTUM COMPUTING IN THE CLOUD

Getting your feet wet with IBM Quantum

Opus 1: Variations on Bell and GHZ States

Remote Access via the REST API

Chapter 4 Exercises

CHAPTER 5: MATHEMATICAL FOUNDATION: TIME TO DUST UP THAT LINEAR ALGEBRA

Qubit 101: Vector, Matrices and Complex Numbers

Euler’s Identity: A Wonderful Masterpiece

Algebraic Representation of the Qubit

Changing the State of a Qubit with Quantum Gates

Universal Quantum Computation delivers shortcuts over Classical Computation

Chapter 5 Exercises

CHAPTER 6: QISKIT, AWESOME SDK FOR QUANTUM PROGRAMMING IN PYTHON

Installing the QISKit

Your First Quantum ProgramQuantum Assembly: The Power behind the Scenes

Chapter 6 Exercises

CHAPTER 7: START YOUR ENGINES: FROM QUANTUM RANDOM NUMBERS TO TELEPORTATION, PIT STOP AT SUPER DENSE CODING

Quantum Random Number Generation

Super Dense Coding

Quantum Teleportation

CHAPTER 8: GAME THEORY: WITH QUANTUM MECHANICS ODDS ARE ALWAYS IN YOUR FAVOR

Counterfeit Coin Puzzle

Mermin-Peres Magic SquareAnswers for the Mermin-Peres Magic Square Exercise

CHAPTER 9: FASTER SEARCH PLUS THREATENING THE FOUNDATION OF ASYMMETRIC CRYPTOGRAPHY WITH GROVER AND SHOR

Quantum Unstructured Search

Integer Factorization with Shor’s Algorithm

CHAPTER 10: ADVANCED ALGORITHMS FOR QUANTUM CHEMISTRY

What in an Eigenvalue and why should I care

Variational Quantum Eigensolver

Molecule Ground State Experiment

Protein Folding Experiment