Quantum Computing For Dummies

Chapter 5

Unveiling Quantum Computing

IN THIS CHAPTER

Creating a framework for quantum computing

Using theory to fashion the future

Making quantum computing universal

Demonstrating real quantum computing

Quantum computing is the result of the fusion of early and classical computing (Chapter 2) and quantum mechanics (Chapter 3), aided by the use of the technologies developed as part of Quantum Technology 1.0 (Chapter 4).

All of us alive today are living in the time of Quantum Technology 2.0. In this continuing revolution, quantum information science (QIS), a new discipline, extends quantum mechanics in new directions. The result is three emerging disciplines: quantum sensing, quantum communications, and quantum computing, with quantum computing as the largest area of work.

In this chapter, we share a timeline of key developments in quantum computing to bring us from its origins up to the turn of the century. We're describing the beginnings of an earthquake while the ground is still in open revolt against gravity, so we're probably missing some key turnings, but please accept this ...