An Introduction to Quantum Computing Algorithms (Progress in Computer Science and Applied Logic (PCS)) [Hardcover]

Arthur O. Pittenger (Author)

Book Description

ISBN-10: 0817641270 | ISBN-13: 978-0817641276 | Publication Date: November 12, 1999

The purpose of this monograph is to provide the mathematically literate reader with an accessible introduction to the theory of quantum computing algorithms, one component of a fascinating and rapidly developing area which involves topics from physics, mathematics, and computer science. The author briefly describes the historical context of quantum computing and provides the motivation, notation, and assumptions appropriate for quantum statics, a non-dynamical, finite dimensional model of quantum mechanics. This model is then used to define and illustrate quantum logic gates and representative subroutines required for quantum algorithms. A discussion of the basic algorithms of Simon and of Deutsch and Jozsa sets the stage for the presentation of Grover's search algorithm and Shor's factoring algorithm, key algorithms which crystallized interest in the practicality of quantum computers. A group theoretic abstraction of Shor's algorithms completes the discussion of algorithms. The last third of the book briefly elaborates the need for error- correction capabilities and then traces the theory of quantum error- correcting codes from the earliest examples to an abstract formulation in Hilbert space. This text is a good self-contained introductory resource for newcomers to the field of quantum computing algorithms, as well as a useful self-study guide for the more specialized scientist, mathematician, graduate student, or engineer. Readers interested in following the ongoing developments of quantum algorithms will benefit particularly from this presentation of the notation and basic theory.

Editorial Reviews

Review

"Pittenger's book, as the title suggests, explains the mathematics at the basis of quantum computing and the fundamental algorithms, including Shor's factoring, Grover's search and error correction algorithms....

Since quantum computing is a highly interdisciplinary science, the author has tried to capture the attention of a large variety of readers and he has mostly achieved this objective.  The book can be used as a formal introductory text for graduate students as well as a fascinating, but still engaging resource for interested readers who are comfortable with linear algebra....  Pittenger helps the reader into focusing attention on the algorithmic aspects rather than the formal content and uses examples as [an] integral part of the book, illustrating the substantial meaning of quantum theory applied to computing.  He also proposes some exercises to stimulate an insightful reading....  The bibliography is complete and the interested reader can improve the understanding of the book and of the entire matter by following the numerous references, acquiring in this way more tools for the comprehension of a subject of such complexity...."   —SIGACT News

"An Introduction to Quantum Computing Algorithms reflects its author's own experience in learning the mathematics and theoretical physics required for the subject, as he writes in the acknowledgements.  It is generally written in a pleasant and informal style, with much motivation in between the mathematics.... In just 150 pages this book manages to explain much of the core of quantum computing, and to explain it well."   —Quantum Information and Computation (QIC)

"If you have a general (fuzzy) background on quantum physics and on computer science, I recommend reading this book....  It is well written, easy to read, with many illustrating examples, and many exercises."   —Zentralblatt Math

Product Details

• Hardcover: 172 pages
• Publisher: Birkhäuser Boston (November 12, 1999)
• Language: English
• ISBN-10: 0817641270
• ISBN-13: 978-0817641276
• Product Dimensions: 9.3 x 6.1 x 0.7 inches
• Shipping Weight: 12.8 ounces (View shipping rates and policies)
• Average Customer Review: 4.3 out of 5 stars  See all reviews (3 customer reviews)
• Amazon Best Sellers Rank: #2,696,945 in Books (See Top 100 in Books)

More About the Author

Discover books, learn about writers, read author blogs, and more.

Customer Reviews

Most Helpful Customer Reviews

16 of 17 people found the following review helpful:

5.0 out of 5 stars what I was looking for., September 8, 2000

By A Customer

This review is from: An Introduction to Quantum Computing Algorithms (Progress in Computer Science and Applied Logic (PCS)) (Hardcover)

Do a search for "quantum computing" on amazon and you'll find a lot of duff books. I wanted an exposition that begins with the simplest possible mathematics and the least possible necessary background in quantum theory, and progresses nicely into being able to comprehend papers in the field. Here it is. All you need to carry around with this is a nice, rigorous linear algebra text (I recommend FIS). Word 'em up.

13 of 15 people found the following review helpful:

3.0 out of 5 stars Not for a Computer Scientist or Mathematician, February 19, 2002

By 

"passionblue" (Albany, NY United States) - See all my reviews

This review is from: An Introduction to Quantum Computing Algorithms (Progress in Computer Science and Applied Logic (PCS)) (Hardcover)

who don't have a strong background in Physics. The first "basic" example is a particle spin interaction that displays quantum entanglement. Well, maybe that's easy for a physics major, but a math and computer science major will be totally clueless! It assumes too much quantum physics for non-physics people, myself included. Quantum Computing by Mika Hirvensalo is a much better starting point for these who have traditional background in math and computer science. Also, if you want to build a good intuition about quantum systems before doing algorithms, QED by Richard Feynman would be a good reading for the same audience.

1 of 1 people found the following review helpful:

5.0 out of 5 stars Friendly, January 11, 2003

By 

Palle E T Jorgensen "Palle Jorgensen" (Iowa City, Iowa United States) - See all my reviews
(VINE VOICE)    (REAL NAME)   

This review is from: An Introduction to Quantum Computing Algorithms (Progress in Computer Science and Applied Logic (PCS)) (Hardcover)

A handful of good introductions to ideas in quantum computing have appeared in the past two years. The present one stands out in being both friendly and brief. There is no way into the subject, getting around the fundamentals in quantum physics and in math. Through this little book, an uninitiated reader can get some insight into the ideas of Deutsch-Jozsa, and the algorithms of Peter Shor and Lov Grover. The author does his job, as well as any, and the book is pleasant reading.