Quantum Computing Research: Math & Mechanics Needed?

[ehrenfest]

I'm interested in doing research in quantum computing. By that I mainly mean the algorithms and theoretical computer science part, not the experimental part. How much quantum mechanics do I need to know for that? Is the standard undergraduate Griffiths level enough? Do I need to know quantum field theory? What kind of math should I study for that? Is topological quantum computing something an applied mathematician should study or is it just pure mathematics?

 

[G01]

Hey ehrenfest. I really don't know how much QM you'd need to know to work in theory but I do work as an internin an Exp Quantum computing lab. I have a griffiths level education in quantum and I am able to get by. a lot still goes over my head though.

 

[will.c]

The TCS people in quantum computing generally know as much QM as you can get out of the Nielsen and Chuang book.