Quantum mechanics, the subfield of physics that describes the behavior of very small (quantum) particles, provides the basis for a new paradigm of computing. First proposed in the 1980s as a way to improve computational modeling of quantum systems, the field of quantum computing has recently garnered significant attention due to progress in building small-scale devices. However, significant technical advances will be required before a large-scale, practical quantum computer can be achieved.
Quantum Computing: Progress and Prospects provides an introduction to the field, including the unique characteristics and constraints of the technology, and assesses the feasibility and implications of creating a functional quantum computer capable of addressing real-world problems. This report considers hardware and software requirements, quantum algorithms, drivers of advances in quantum computing and quantum devices, benchmarks associated with relevant use cases, the time and resources required, and how to assess the probability of success.
Author(s): Emily Grumbling, Mark Horowitz
Publisher: National Academies of Sciences, Engineering, and Medicine
Year: 2019
Language: English
Commentary: All digital copies including ebooks had the start of the book have an invasive reminder to pay for it. Removed it and it does not count as a page. No BS, just only the content of the book with no "reminders" to pay up.
Pages: 272
SUMMARY 1
1 PROGRESS IN COMPUTING 12
1.1 Origins of Contemporary Computing, 12
1.2 Quantum Computing, 14
1.3 Historical Progress in Computing: Moore’s Law, 16
1.4 Converting Transistors to Cheap Computers, 19
1.5 A Slowdown in Scaling, 20
1.6 Quantum: A New Approach to Computing, 21
1.7 Notes, 22
2 QUANTUM COMPUTING: A NEW PARADIGM 24
2.1 The Nonintuitive Physics of the Quantum World, 25
2.2 The Landscape of Quantum Technology, 27
2.3 Bits and Qubits, 30
2.4 Computing with Qubits, 38
2.5 Quantum Computer Design Constraints, 46
2.6 The Potential for Functional Quantum Computers, 51
2.7 Notes, 55
3 QUANTUM ALGORITHMS AND APPLICATIONS 57
3.1 Quantum Algorithms for an Ideal Gate-Based
Quantum Computer, 60
3.2 Quantum Error Correction and Mitigation, 71
3.3 Quantum Approximation Algorithms, 793.4 Applications of a Quantum Computer, 82
3.5 The Potential Role of Quantum Computers in the
Computing Ecosystem, 86
3.6 Notes, 87
4 QUANTUM COMPUTING’S IMPLICATIONS FOR
CRYPTOGRAPHY 95
4.1 Cryptographic Algorithms in Current Use, 96
4.2 Sizing Estimates, 104
4.3 Post-Quantum Cryptography, 105
4.4 Practical Deployment Challenges, 108
4.5 Notes, 112
5 ESSENTIAL HARDWARE COMPONENTS OF A
QUANTUM COMPUTER 113
5.1 Hardware Structure of a Quantum Computer, 114
5.2 Trapped Ion Qubits, 119
5.3 Superconducting Qubits, 122
5.4 Other Technologies, 127
5.5 Future Outlook, 129
5.6 Notes, 130
6 ESSENTIAL SOFTWARE COMPONENTS OF A SCALABLE
QUANTUM COMPUTER 135
6.1 Challenges and Opportunities, 136
6.2 Quantum Programming Languages, 137
6.3 Simulation, 145
6.4 Specification, Verification, and Debugging, 146
6.5 Compiling from a High-Level Program to Hardware, 149
6.6 Summary, 152
6.7 Notes, 153
7 FEASIBILITY AND TIME FRAMES OF
QUANTUM COMPUTING 156
7.1 The Current State of Progress, 156
7.2 A Framework for Assessing Progress in Quantum
Computing, 161
7.3 Milestones and Time Estimates, 169
7.4 Quantum Computing R&D, 179
7.5 Targeting a Successful Future, 187
7.6 Notes, 189APPENDIXES
A Statement of Task 195
B Trapped Ion Quantum Computers 196
C Superconducting Quantum Computers 205
D Other Approaches to Building Qubits 212
E Global R&D Investment 226
F Committee and Staff Biographical Information 230
G Briefers to the Committee 239
H Acronyms and Abbreviations 241
I Glossary
