Quantum Information and Computing

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Discussion Overview

The discussion centers around self-directed learning in quantum information and computing, particularly for an undergraduate student seeking to deepen their understanding of quantum mechanics (QM) in preparation for a PhD. The focus is on recommended resources and the prerequisites necessary for comprehending the material.

Discussion Character

  • Exploratory, Technical explanation, Homework-related

Main Points Raised

  • One participant expresses a desire to learn more about quantum information and computing after completing their second year of undergraduate study in QM.
  • Another participant recommends the book by Chuang and Nielsen, noting that while some experimental chapters may be outdated, the theoretical content remains relevant.
  • A subsequent reply reiterates the recommendation for Chuang and Nielsen's book and highlights that it is available at the university library.
  • One participant suggests that a basic understanding of QM should suffice to grasp most of the content in the book, as it includes an introduction to the necessary QM concepts.

Areas of Agreement / Disagreement

Participants generally agree on the value of Chuang and Nielsen's book for learning about quantum information and computing, but there is some uncertainty regarding the level of prior QM knowledge required to fully understand the material.

Contextual Notes

Some assumptions about the adequacy of basic QM knowledge and the accessibility of the book's content are present, but these remain unresolved.

Johnahh
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I have just finished my 2nd year of undergraduate study, which had the first pass of QM in it. I want to do a PhD in Quantum information/computing. What can I learn in my own time to get me closer to understanding QM information/computing? Currently I only know what we covered in lectures, and the well known concepts in QM.

Thanks!
 
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Find a copy of Chuang and Nielsen's book. It is getting a bit old so the experimental chapters are out of date, but the theory hasn't changed and will cover most of the basic topics (although will obviously not go into concepts that have emerged more recently, e.g. quantum annealing and surface codes)
 
f95toli said:
Find a copy of Chuang and Nielsen's book. It is getting a bit old so the experimental chapters are out of date, but the theory hasn't changed and will cover most of the basic topics (although will obviously not go into concepts that have emerged more recently, e.g. quantum annealing and surface codes)
Thanks, Just checked, its available from the university library, I will pick it up and start ready. Will this be accessible to me? or will I need further QM exposure?
 
You should be able to understand most of it with justsome basic QM. In fact, the book contains quite a good introduction to QM (at least the bit you need for QC) so as long as you know some basic algebra etc you should be OK.
 

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