Introduction to Quantum Physics and Information Processing

Assuming no previous knowledge of quantum mechanics or computer science, this text introduces linear algebra methods used for the quantum mechanics of finite state systems. It explains the circuit model for computation, computational complexity, and reversible computation. It also covers fundamental quantum algorithms, describes the notation of information content in qubits, and discusses cryptographic applications of quantum information processing and quantum error correction. Richly illustrated by examples and supplemented by exercises and problems, the book bears compact summaries, margin notes, and citations to original references.

Radhika Vathsan is an associate professor in the Department of Physics at BITS Pilani, Goa Campus. She earned a PhD in theoretical physics from the Institute of Mathematical Sciences Chennai and did her postdoc work at Harish Chandra Research Institute Allahabad. Her research interests include mathematical physics, many-body physics, high-energy physics, quantum computation and information, and foundations of quantum mechanics.