The field of quantum computing studies computers based on quantum-mechanical effects such as superposition, interference, and entanglement. We will give an overview of this field, first describing in some detail what quantum computers are and then focusing on computational tasks where we know they could be much better (faster, safer, …) than classical computers, in particular in the areas of cryptography, optimization, and simulation of quantum systems. This talk is mostly from the perspective of theoretical computer science, but we will also briefly discuss the current state of the art in physically realizing such computers in the lab.
This video was produced by the Chennai Mathematical Institute as part of the workshop Perspectives in Mathematical Sciences.
