Quantum Computing Terms Glossary: Quantum Computing Terms in 2024
A
Adiabatic Quantum Computing
Adiabatic Quantum Computing is an approach to quantum computing based on the adiabatic theorem, which allows for the gradual transformation of a quantum state to the desired solution.
B
Bell'S Theorem
Bell's Theorem is a fundamental result in quantum mechanics that establishes the non-local nature of entangled quantum systems.
Boson Sampling
Boson Sampling is a computational problem that demonstrates the potential of quantum computers to outperform classical computers.
Bra-Ket Notation
Bra-Ket Notation is a mathematical notation used to describe and manipulate quantum states and operations in quantum mechanics.
C
Circuit
A Quantum Circuit is a sequence of quantum gates applied to qubits to perform a specific calculation or operation.
Circuit Model
The Circuit Model is a representation of a quantum algorithm as a sequence of quantum gates applied to qubits.
D
Decoherence
Decoherence refers to the loss of quantum coherence in a qubit due to interactions with its external environment, leading to errors in quantum computation.
E
Entanglement
Entanglement is a phenomenon in which two or more qubits become correlated in such a way that the state of one qubit cannot be described independently of the others.
Error Correcting Codes
Error Correcting Codes are codes used to detect and correct errors that occur during the transmission or storage of information.
Error Rate
Error Rate in quantum computing refers to the probability of an error occurring in the computation or transmission of quantum information.
Exponential Speedup
Exponential Speedup refers to the ability of quantum algorithms to solve certain problems exponentially faster than the best known classical algorithms.
F
Fault-Tolerant Quantum Computing
Fault-Tolerant Quantum Computing refers to the ability of a quantum system to continue functioning properly even in the presence of noise and errors, thanks to error correction techniques.
G
Gate
A Quantum Gate is a fundamental building block in quantum computing that manipulates qubits to perform quantum operations.
Google Quantum Ai
Google Quantum AI is a division of Google focused on quantum computing research, developing quantum hardware and software.
Grover'S Algorithm
Grover's Algorithm is a quantum algorithm that can search a database with N entries in O(√N) time, providing a quadratic speedup compared to classical search algorithms.
H
Hadamard Transform
The Hadamard transform is a fundamental quantum gate that maps the basis states of a qubit to superpositions of those states, providing a way to create and manipulate qubits in a superposition.
Hybrid Quantum-Classical Algorithms
Hybrid Quantum-Classical Algorithms are algorithms that combine classical and quantum steps to leverage the advantages of both types of computation.
I
Ibm Q
IBM Q is an industry-leading quantum computing platform provided by IBM to enable researchers and developers to access cloud-based quantum systems.
M
Measurement
Measurement is the process of extracting information from a quantum system, collapsing the superposition into a definite classical state.
Measurement-Based Quantum Computing
Measurement-Based Quantum Computing is a model of quantum computation where entangled qubits are measured sequentially to perform calculations.
Microsoft Quantum
Microsoft Quantum is Microsoft's initiative in the field of quantum computing, providing a comprehensive ecosystem for quantum development.
Multiqubit System
A multiqubit system refers to a collection of qubits that are collectively manipulated and allowed to interact with each other, enabling more complex quantum computations.
N
No-Cloning Theorem
No-Cloning Theorem is a fundamental result in quantum mechanics that states it is impossible to create an identical copy of an arbitrary unknown quantum state.
Noisy Intermediate-Scale Quantum (Nisq) Computers
NISQ computers are a class of intermediate-scale quantum devices that have a limited number of qubits and suffer from noise and errors.
Noisy Intermediate-Scale Quantum (Nisq) Devices
NISQ devices are quantum devices that have a limited number of qubits and high error rates, making them suitable for exploring quantum algorithms and applications.
Noisy Intermediate-Scale Quantum (Nisq) System
A Noisy Intermediate-Scale Quantum (NISQ) system is a type of quantum computer that has a limited number of qubits and high error rates, but is still useful for certain applications.
O
Oracles
Oracles in quantum computing refer to black-box functions that can provide information about a problem that is not easily accessible classically.
P
Photonic Qubits
Photonic Qubits are qubits based on the principles of quantum optics, which use photons as information carriers in quantum information processing.
Polynomial-Time
Polynomial-Time refers to an algorithm or problem that can be solved in a number of steps that is polynomial in the size of its input.
Q
Quantum Advantage
Quantum advantage refers to the capability of a quantum computer to outperform classical computers, offering a significant improvement in computational power for certain tasks or problems.
Quantum Algorithm
A Quantum Algorithm is a step-by-step procedure designed to run on a quantum computer to solve specific computational problems more efficiently than classical algorithms.
Quantum Annealer
A quantum annealer is a type of quantum computer specifically designed for solving optimization problems by mimicking the physical process of annealing in materials.
Quantum Annealing
Quantum Annealing is a heuristic approach to solving optimization problems using a quantum system.
Quantum Annealing Hardware
Quantum Annealing Hardware refers to the physical devices designed and built specifically to perform quantum annealing operations.
Quantum Approximate Optimization Algorithm (Qaoa)
The Quantum Approximate Optimization Algorithm (QAOA) is a quantum algorithm designed to solve optimization problems by preparing a quantum state that represents a near-optimal solution.
Quantum Biology
Quantum Biology is the study of quantum phenomena and processes in biological systems, exploring how quantum mechanics influences biological processes.
Quantum Bit (Qubit)
A Quantum Bit, or Qubit, is the basic unit of information in quantum computing, analogous to a classical bit but allowing for superposition and entanglement.
Quantum Black-Box Complexity
Quantum black-box complexity is a branch of quantum complexity theory that focuses on understanding the limitations and possibilities of quantum algorithms when accessing an unknown input via quantum queries.
Quantum Chemistry
Quantum Chemistry is the branch of chemistry that utilises quantum mechanical principles to study the behaviour of atoms and molecules.
Quantum Chemistry Simulation
Quantum Chemistry Simulation uses quantum computers to simulate the behavior and properties of atoms and molecules, aiding in drug discovery, materials science, and chemical reactions.
Quantum Circuit
A Quantum Circuit is a representation of quantum computation as a sequence of quantum gates acting on a set of qubits.
Quantum Circuit Compilation
Quantum circuit compilation is the process of converting a high-level quantum algorithm into a sequence of elementary quantum gates, taking into account the limitations and constraints of a specific quantum hardware architecture.
Quantum Circuit Model
The Quantum Circuit Model is a computational model that describes quantum algorithms as sequences of quantum gates operating on qubits.
Quantum Circuit Optimization
Quantum Circuit Optimization techniques aim to reduce the number of gates and gates' depth in a quantum circuit to improve its efficiency and reduce decoherence effects.
Quantum Circuit Synthesis
Quantum Circuit Synthesis is the process of automatically generating a quantum circuit that performs a specific task or computation.
Quantum Cloning
Quantum Cloning is the process of creating multiple identical copies of an unknown quantum state, which is typically prohibited by the No-Cloning Theorem in quantum mechanics.
Quantum Cloud Computing
Quantum Cloud Computing involves accessing and utilizing quantum computing resources and capabilities through cloud-based platforms and services.
Quantum Communication
Quantum Communication involves the use of quantum systems to securely transmit and process information, leveraging the principles of quantum mechanics for encryption and decryption.
Quantum Computation Complexity Theory
Quantum computation complexity theory explores the computational complexity of quantum algorithms and the classification of problems based on their difficulty for quantum computers.
Quantum Computational Biology
Quantum Computational Biology applies quantum computing techniques to biological problems, such as protein folding, genetic analysis, and drug discovery.
Quantum Computing
Quantum Computing is an area of computing that utilizes the principles of quantum mechanics to perform complex computations.
Quantum Convolutional Neural Networks (Qcnns)
Quantum Convolutional Neural Networks (QCNNs) are quantum counterparts of classical convolutional neural networks, adapted for quantum information processing tasks.
Quantum Cryptanalysis
Quantum Cryptanalysis is the study of using quantum computers to break classical cryptographic systems.
Quantum Cryptography
Quantum Cryptography is a field of study that focuses on using quantum mechanics to secure the exchange of cryptographic keys and communications.
Quantum Dense Coding
Quantum dense coding is a protocol that allows the transmission of classical information at a higher rate by utilizing previously shared entanglement between sender and receiver.
Quantum Entanglement Swapping
Quantum Entanglement Swapping is a protocol that allows entanglement to be transferred between distant qubits without a direct physical connection.
Quantum Error Correction
Quantum Error Correction is a set of techniques used to protect quantum information from errors caused by decoherence and other sources of noise.
Quantum Error Correction Code
A Quantum Error Correction Code is a coding scheme that enables the detection and correction of errors in quantum information without causing significant decoherence.
Quantum Error Detection
Quantum error detection is a subset of quantum error correction techniques that focuses on detecting the presence of errors in quantum computations and communication, without necessarily correcting them.
Quantum Error Rate
The quantum error rate measures the error probability for the operations performed on qubits in a quantum computer. A lower error rate is desirable for accurate and reliable quantum computations.
Quantum Field Theory
Quantum field theory is a theoretical framework that combines quantum mechanics with special relativity to describe the behavior of fundamental particles and the forces between them.
Quantum Fourier Transform
The Quantum Fourier Transform (QFT) is a quantum algorithm that performs a Fourier transform on the amplitudes of a quantum state.
Quantum Gate
A Quantum Gate is a basic quantum circuit element that operates on qubits, transforming their state based on specific mathematical operations.
Quantum Generative Adversarial Networks (Qgans)
Quantum Generative Adversarial Networks (QGANs) are quantum variants of generative adversarial networks, used for generating and learning from quantum data distributions.
Quantum Gravitational Waves
Quantum gravitational waves are hypothetical quantum fluctuations in the fabric of spacetime, analogous to classical gravitational waves, but manifesting at quantum scales.
Quantum Hacking
Quantum hacking refers to security vulnerabilities and attacks on quantum communication and quantum encryption systems, taking advantage of weaknesses in the implementation or protocols.
Quantum Hamiltonian
A quantum Hamiltonian is an operator that represents the total energy of a quantum system, including the kinetic and potential energy of its constituents.
Quantum Image Processing
Quantum image processing explores the potential of using quantum computing techniques to enhance image analysis, compression, and synthesis tasks, enabling advancements in image-based applications.
Quantum Interference
Quantum interference is a phenomenon observed in quantum systems, where the superposition of quantum states leads to constructive or destructive interference, affecting the probability of measurement outcomes.
Quantum Key Distribution
Quantum Key Distribution (QKD) is a secure key distribution method that uses principles of quantum mechanics to exchange cryptographic keys between two parties.
Quantum Key Distribution (Qkd)
Quantum Key Distribution (QKD) is a secure communication method that uses the principles of quantum mechanics to establish a shared secret key between two parties.
Quantum Learning Algorithm
A Quantum Learning Algorithm is a quantum analog of classical machine learning algorithms that takes advantage of the quantum properties to achieve improved performance.
Quantum Logic Gate
A Quantum Logic Gate is a type of quantum gate that represents a logical operation on one or more qubits.
Quantum Machine Code
Quantum Machine Code is a low-level programming language specifically designed for programming quantum computers and implementing quantum algorithms.
Quantum Machine Instruction
A quantum machine instruction is a basic operation or instruction that can be executed on a quantum computer, allowing for the manipulation and processing of quantum information.
Quantum Machine Learning
Quantum Machine Learning is the application of quantum computing techniques to improve machine learning algorithms and solve complex computational problems.
Quantum Memory
Quantum memory refers to the ability to store and retrieve quantum information reliably and efficiently, which is essential for scalable quantum computing and quantum communication.
Quantum Metamaterials
Quantum metamaterials are artificially engineered materials that exhibit quantum mechanical properties, offering unique capabilities for controlling light and other electromagnetic waves.
Quantum Metrology
Quantum Metrology is the application of quantum physics to measurement science, offering enhanced precision and accuracy beyond classical limits.
Quantum Natural Language Processing (Qnlp)
Quantum Natural Language Processing (QNLP) is the application of quantum principles to the processing and analysis of natural language, aiming to achieve improved language understanding and generation capabilities.
Quantum Neural Networks
Quantum neural networks are computational models that combine elements of quantum computing and neural networks, with the aim of improving the processing power and capabilities of machine learning systems.
Quantum Nonlocality
Quantum nonlocality refers to the phenomenon where entangled quantum particles exhibit correlations that cannot be explained by classical physics, even when separated by large distances.
Quantum Oracle
A quantum oracle is an abstract black box that provides information about a specific problem to a quantum algorithm, allowing it to efficiently solve problems for which classical algorithms have exponential time complexity.
Quantum Parallelism
Quantum parallelism is a property of quantum systems that enables multiple computations to be performed simultaneously, exploiting the superposition and entanglement of qubits.
Quantum Phase Estimation
Quantum phase estimation is an algorithm that enables the estimation of unknown phases in a quantum system, playing a crucial role in many quantum algorithms.
Quantum Processor
A quantum processor is a physical device or system that implements qubits and performs quantum operations, forming the core component of a quantum computer.
Quantum Random Number Generator
A Quantum Random Number Generator (QRNG) is a device that generates random numbers based on unpredictable quantum processes.
Quantum Randomness
Quantum randomness refers to the inherently random outcomes observed in quantum systems, which cannot be predicted with certainty but follow probabilistic distributions.
Quantum Register
A Quantum Register is a collection of qubits that can be used to store and manipulate quantum information.
Quantum Reinforcement Learning
Quantum Reinforcement Learning is a combination of quantum computing and reinforcement learning, with the goal of finding quantum-enhanced solutions for complex optimization problems.
Quantum Repeaters
Quantum repeaters are devices or protocols used in quantum communication to extend the range over which entanglement can be shared, overcoming issues like signal degradation over long distances.
Quantum Robotics
Quantum Robotics explores the synergy between quantum computing and robotics, leveraging quantum techniques to improve robot perception, control, and decision-making.
Quantum Secret Sharing
Quantum Secret Sharing is a cryptographic protocol that allows the distribution of a secret among multiple parties in a way that the secret can only be reconstructed through quantum operations and shared information.
Quantum Sensing
Quantum sensing involves using quantum properties to achieve higher precision and sensitivity in measurement devices, enabling advancements in fields like navigation, imaging, and medical diagnostics.
Quantum Sensor
Quantum sensors are devices that leverage the principles of quantum mechanics to achieve high sensitivity and precision in measuring physical quantities such as magnetic fields or gravitational waves.
Quantum Simulation
Quantum Simulation refers to the use of quantum computers to simulate and study quantum systems that are beyond the capabilities of classical computers.
Quantum Simulator
A quantum simulator is a device or software that simulates the behavior of quantum systems, allowing researchers to understand and test quantum algorithms and protocols.
Quantum Software
Quantum software refers to the programs and algorithms specifically designed to run on quantum computers, enabling the execution of quantum computations and solving quantum problems.
Quantum Software Development Kit (Sdk)
A Quantum Software Development Kit (SDK) is a collection of tools, libraries, and documentation that helps developers write quantum programs and run them on quantum systems.
Quantum Speedup
Quantum speedup refers to the ability of a quantum computer to solve certain problems significantly faster than classical computers, taking advantage of quantum parallelism and interference.
Quantum Supremacy
Quantum Supremacy refers to the hypothetical point at which a quantum computer can solve a problem that is infeasible for classical computers to solve within a reasonable time frame.
Quantum Teleportation
Quantum Teleportation is a quantum communication protocol that allows the transfer of an unknown quantum state from one location to another.
Quantum Tomography
Quantum tomography is a set of techniques that aim to reconstruct the complete quantum state of a system by performing measurements along different bases and analyzing the resulting statistics.
Quantum Volume
Quantum volume is a metric that evaluates the overall capability of a quantum computer, taking into account factors like gate fidelity, qubit connectivity, and noise levels.
Quantum Walk
A Quantum Walk is a quantum-mechanical generalization of classical random walks, which can be used in algorithms for quantum search and optimization.
Quantum Walk-Based Search
Quantum Walk-Based Search algorithms leverage quantum walks to perform search tasks with potential speedup compared to classical search algorithms.
Quantum Walks On Graphs
Quantum Walks on Graphs use quantum superposition and entanglement to sample the properties of graphs, with applications in optimization, search, and algorithm design.
Quantum-Assisted Optimization
Quantum-assisted Optimization involves utilizing quantum systems or quantum-inspired methods to aid in solving combinatorial optimization problems.
Quantum-Enhanced Data Science
Quantum-enhanced Data Science combines quantum computing techniques with classical data science methods to address challenges in big data analytics, machine learning, and data visualization.
Quantum-Enhanced Fourier Transform
Quantum-enhanced Fourier Transform algorithms utilize quantum properties to achieve faster computation of Fourier transforms compared to classical algorithms.
Quantum-Enhanced Optimization
Quantum-enhanced Optimization aims to leverage quantum computation to solve optimization problems more efficiently and find optimal solutions.
Quantum-Enhanced Sensing
Quantum-enhanced Sensing uses quantum properties such as entanglement to achieve improvements in measurement precision and sensitivity beyond classical limits.
Quantum-Resistant Cryptography
Quantum-resistant Cryptography involves developing cryptographic algorithms and protocols that are resistant to attacks by quantum computers.
Qubit
A qubit, short for quantum bit, is the basic unit of quantum information. Unlike classical bits, qubits can exist in multiple states simultaneously due to the principles of superposition and entanglement.
Qubit Leakage
Qubit Leakage refers to the undesired loss of information from a qubit due to errors or imperfections in the quantum system.
S
Shor'S Algorithm
Shor's Algorithm is a quantum algorithm capable of efficiently factoring large numbers, which has significant implications for cryptography.
Superconducting Qubits
Superconducting Qubits are a type of qubit that uses superconducting circuits and properties to encode and manipulate quantum information.
Superposition
Superposition is a fundamental principle in quantum mechanics where a qubit can exist in multiple states simultaneously until it is measured.
T
Topological Quantum Computing
Topological Quantum Computing is an approach to quantum computing that relies on manipulating the topological properties of states to perform quantum operations.
Topological Qubits
Topological Qubits are a type of qubit that relies on topological properties of particles and their braiding operations for fault-tolerant quantum computing.
Trapped Ion Qubits
Trapped Ion Qubits use ion technology to trap and manipulate individual ions in a controllable quantum state to perform quantum operations.