Major Components of
Quantum Computers
Presented By:SACHITH KUGER KG
USN:1BY24CS243
Course: Quantum Computing and Photonics (BPHYCS22)
BMS Institute of Technology and Management, 26/06/2025
Major Components of Quantum
Computers
This presentation will demystify the core elements of quantum computing,
exploring how the enigmatic principles of quantum physics are harnessed to build
a new generation of computational power. We'll navigate through qubits, quantum
gates, circuits, and the crucial challenge of decoherence, providing a clear,
technical yet accessible overview for students of Computer Science and
Engineering.
Introduction to Quantum Computing
Quantum computing transcends classical computing's binary limits by
leveraging quantum mechanics. Unlike classical bits, which are either 0 or
1, quantum bits, or qubits, can exist in multiple states simultaneously due
to superposition. This allows for exponentially more information to be
processed.
Entanglement, another peculiar quantum phenomenon, links qubits in
such a way that the state of one instantly influences the state of another,
regardless of distance. This interconnectedness enables complex
computations that are impossible for classical machines.
What are Qubits?
Superposition EntanglementLinked qubits share
Qubits can be 0, 1, or both simultaneously, a deep connection, where
allowing for parallel processing of measuring one instantly reveals
information. information about the others.
These physical implementations each
Physical Implementations Qubits are
have unique strengths and challenges
realized through various physical systems,
regarding stability, scalability, and error 4 including photons, trapped ions, and
rates, making qubit design a critical area of
superconducting circuits.
research.
Quantum Gates
Manipulation Key Types Reversible Operations
Quantum gates are the fundamental Examples include Pauli-X (NOT), Unlike some classical gates, most
building blocks that manipulate qubit Hadamard (superposition), and CNOT quantum gates are reversible, meaning
states, analogous to logic gates in (entanglement) gates, each performing their operation can be undone.
classical circuits. specific unitary transformations.
These gates are essential for constructing complex quantum algorithms by precisely controlling the quantum information held by qubits.
Quantum Circuits
Quantum circuits are sequences of quantum gates applied to qubits to
perform computations. They represent the temporal evolution of qubits
as they undergo transformations.
The circuit depth refers to the number of gate operations in the longest
path, indicating the complexity and duration of the computation.
Measurement is the final step, where the quantum state is collapsed into
a classical bit, revealing the computation's outcome.
Designing efficient quantum circuits is a complex task that directly
impacts the feasibility and performance of quantum algorithms on real
hardware.
Quantum Hardware
Superconducting Qubits
Operate at extremely low temperatures (millikelvin), requiring advanced cryogenic systems to maintain
quantum coherence.
Ion Traps
Utilize electromagnetic fields to suspend and manipulate individual ions, offering high coherence and precision.
Control Electronics
Sophisticated systems manage precise microwave pulses or laser beams to control qubit states and gate
operations.
Readout Systems
Convert the quantum state of qubits into classical signals that can be interpreted as computational results.
Each hardware type presents unique engineering challenges, driving continuous innovation in quantum computing
infrastructure.
Quantum Algorithms
1000000x sqrt(N)
Speed-up for factoring large numbers compared to classical Quadratic speed-up for unstructured database searches compared to
computers (Shor's Algorithm). classical algorithms (Grover's Algorithm).
Quantum algorithms offer a significant computational advantage for specific problems. Shor's Algorithm has profound implications for modern
cryptography by efficiently factoring large numbers. Grover's Algorithm provides a quadratic speed-up for searching unsorted databases.
These algorithms highlight the transformative potential of quantum computing in fields like drug discovery, materials science, and financial
modeling.
Literature Review & Foundational
Research
Foundational
Contributors
The theoretical groundwork laid by physicists like Richard Feynman and
David Deutsch was crucial in conceptualizing quantum computation.
Qubit Research
Extensive studies focus on optimizing different qubit types, including
their coherence times, error rates, and scalability.
Algorithm
Development
Ongoing research explores new quantum algorithms for diverse
applications, pushing the boundaries of what's computationally possible.
Error Correction
A critical area of research is quantum error correction, essential for
Richard Feynman, a pioneer in quantum mechanics, first proposed the
building fault-tolerant quantum computers due to the fragility of quantum
idea of quantum computers in the 1980s.
states.
Results and Discussion: Challenges &
Potential
Decoherence
The loss of quantum properties due to interaction with the environment is a
major hurdle, limiting computation time and qubit stability.
Error Correction
Developing robust quantum error correction codes is vital to mitigate the high
error rates inherent in current quantum systems.
Hardware Challenges
Scaling up quantum computers while maintaining qubit quality and controlling
environmental noise remains a significant engineering feat.
Future Potential
Despite challenges, quantum computing holds immense promise for
revolutionizing fields from medicine to artificial intelligence and materials
science.
Conclusion: The Quantum Leap
Forward
Qubits as the
Foundation
The ability of qubits to leverage superposition and entanglement is the cornerstone
of quantum computational power.
Gates and Circuits
Quantum gates manipulate qubits within precisely designed circuits, orchestrating
complex quantum operations.
Hardware Innovation
Diverse hardware platforms are continuously being refined to overcome the inherent
fragility of quantum states.
Challenges and
Future
While significant challenges like decoherence and error correction persist, the
potential of quantum computing to solve currently intractable problems drives
relentless innovation.
