An Overview of Quantum Computing

Quantum computing uses the phenomena of quantum mechanics to perform it's calculations. The computational speed would be orders of magnitude greater than present day digital computers that we have become used to using whether it be a large scale mainframe or a desktop, laptop, tablet or phone. The digital computer uses bits which are a binary form of utilizing information in one of two states - either a 1 or a 0. The quantum computer uses quantum bits or qbits which can utilize data in a variety of states due to the quantum mechanical principles of superposition and entanglement. These principles allow multiple states to exist at the same time in the qbit which is what allows the qbit to operate at a drastically higher efficiency than the digital computer. Currently the field of quantum computing is in the beginning stages but proof of concept has already taken place using a very small number of qbits. Given that this field will be a revolution in computing, the technological implications are nothing short of phenomenal. This book discusses the fundamentals and applications of quantum computing and is designed to be a reference and provide an overview of the topic and give the reader a structured knowledge to familiarize yourself with the topic at the most affordable price possible. The accuracy and knowledge is of an international viewpoint as the edited articles represent the inputs of many knowledgeable individuals and some of the most current knowledge on the topic, based on the date of publication.