2.111J / 6.898 / 18.435J / ESD.79 Quantum Computation 

Department of Mechanical Engineering

Department of Electrical Engineering

Department of Mathematics

Massachusetts Institute of Technology 

Fall 2009

Description 

Provides an introduction to the theory and practice of quantum computation. Topics covered: physics of information processing; quantum logic; quantum algorithms including Shor's factoring algorithm and Grover's search algorithm; quantum error correction; quantum communication and cryptography. Prior knowledge of quantum mechanics helpful but not required. First course in a sequence of three core quantum information science courses at MIT, as part of the iQuISE IGERT program.

Information 

Instructors:

Lectures: Tuesday and Thursday, 1:00-2:30, Rm 2-142

Office Hours: Prof. Lloyd, Thursday, 3:00; Prof. Chuang, email.

Syllabus: 2009 course syllabus.

Grading Policy: Weekly Problem Sets 30%, One Midterm Quiz 30%, Final Exam 40%. 

Homework Policy: Collaboration is allowed; please mention those you have collaborated with, and only write your own understanding of the problem.

Course Wiki (NEW): Please visit the new MIT Quantum Information Science Wiki -- Course notes for this class are posted there, and you are encouraged to contribute (MIT certificates required)

Textbooks 

Our Main References on Quantum Computation: 

   M. Nielsen and I. Chuang, Quantum Computation and Quantum Information, Cambridge University Press, Cambridge, 2000. 

   S. Lloyd, Quantum Information Science, Notes for 2009. 

Complimentary References on Quantum Computation (all with many, many solved problems, including many more advanced than this class): 

   J. Preskill, Notes on Quantum Computation, http://www.theory.caltech.edu/people/preskill/ph229

   A. Yu. Kitaev, A.H. Shen, and M.N. Vyalyi, Classical and Quantum Computation, American Mathematical Society, Providence, 2002. 

   W.H. Steeb and Y. Hardy, Problems & Solutions in Quantum Computing & Information, World Scientific, River Edge, NJ, 2004. 

Complimentary Reference on Foundations of Quantum Mechanics 

   A. Peres, Quantum Theory: Concepts and Methods, Kluwer, Boston, 1995. (On reserve in Science Library.) 

Archive of Prior Course Webpages 

Course web page for Fall 2001

Course web page for Fall 2003 

Course web page for Fall 2004

Course web page for Fall 2007