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Quantum Computing — A Short Introduction (Level 3)

Quantum computing uses quantum phenomena to represent and process information. It is not a general replacement for classical computers but can provide advantages for some specialised problems.

Key ideas (intuitive)​

  • Qubits can exist in superposition — roughly, they can represent multiple states simultaneously.
  • Entanglement links qubits so the state of one can depend on another.

Potential applications​

  • Simulation of molecules and materials
  • Certain optimisation and cryptographic problems (research ongoing)

Limitations today​

  • Current devices are noisy and small (NISQ era).
  • Many algorithms remain theoretical and require error-corrected machines.

Short exercise​

  1. Read a short popular science article about quantum computing. Summarise in 6 bullets what quantum computing might enable and one reason it remains challenging.