Quantum computation

Throughout this article The Many Worlds Interpretation(MWI) of quantum mechanics is used.

Differences with classical computation

In classical computation there is the concept of a discrete bit, taking only one of two values. However , the world which classical physics describes is that of continua. Thus this is obviously not an ideal way of attempting to describe or simulate the world in which we live. Feynman was the first to consider the idea of a quantum computer being necessary to simulate the quantum mechanical world in which we live.

Quantum computers & information theory

The quantum mechanical analogue of the classical bit is the qubit. A qubit is an actual physical system, all of whose observables are Boolean.

References

Based on a talk given by Charles Blackham to 6P at Winchester College, UK on 7/3/07

1. Lectures on Quantum Computation by David Deutsch
2. Cambridge Centre for Quantum Computation