Chapter 14
Quantum Computing Algorithms
IN THIS CHAPTER
Connecting algorithms to applications
Taking a trip to the quantum zoo
Making Shor we can crack all the codes
Seeing what Simon says about periodicity
Quantum computing algorithms have been a topic of intense research in recent years due to their crucial role in enabling quantum computers to solve problems that classical computers are unable to complete — or at least, not in a reasonable amount of time.
The word algorithm comes from the name of a ninth-century Persian mathematician, Muhammad ibn Mūsā al'Khwārizm. The Latinized version of his name, Algoritmi, was used for centuries to refer to “the decimal number system” — but with quantum algorithms, we go well beyond decimal numbers.
Although the development of quantum algorithms is still in its early stages, notable progress has been made, and several quantum algorithms have already been proposed. These algorithms have the potential to revolutionize several fields, including cryptography, optimization, and pharmaceuticals, as described in Chapter 13.
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