Article | REF: H3600 V1

Introduction to quantum computing

Author: Frédéric LEMOINE

Publication date: April 10, 2025 | Lire en français

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Overview

ABSTRACT

Quantum computing is a constantly expanding field. It is based on the principles of quantum mechanics to perform calculations. Unlike classical computers that use bits representing 0 or 1, quantum computers use qubits. Qubits can represent a 0 or a 1 but also a superposition of the two thanks to a quantum phenomenon called superposition. This particularity allows quantum computers to process much more information at the same time as classical computers. They will be able to solve problems that are currently insoluble by classical computers in a reasonable time. This article will allow you to understand the basic concepts of quantum computing as well as the most well-known algorithms. You will learn how to program a quantum computer, to simulate the operation of your program before running it on a real quantum computer.

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AUTHOR

 INTRODUCTION

Quantum computing is a constantly expanding field. It relies on the principles of quantum mechanics to perform calculations. Unlike conventional computers, which use bits to represent 0s or 1s, quantum computers use qubits. A qubit can represent a 0 or a 1, but also a superposition of the two, thanks to a quantum phenomenon known as superposition.

This feature enables quantum computers to process much more information simultaneously than conventional computers. They will be able to solve problems currently unsolvable by conventional computers in a reasonable time. They will, for example, enable the development of new, more secure encryption methods, simulate the assembly of molecules to discover new drugs, break current encryption systems, or improve machine learning algorithms for Artificial Intelligence.

The quantum computer is based on three concepts: the qubit, superposition (being in a combined state of 0 and 1) and quantum entanglement. Two or more qubits can in fact be entangled, i.e. linked in such a way that their states are correlated. Measuring the state of one of the qubits instantly affects the state of the other, regardless of the distance separating them.

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Introduction to quantum computing