The Qubit
Discover the basics of the qubit, the fundamental unit of quantum computing. Learn how quantum superposition allows a qubit to be in multiple states simultaneously until observed. Understand how quantum states can be represented as vectors and how quantum circuits are created and simulated using Python and Qiskit. This lesson prepares you to grasp the core principles behind quantum computation and prepares you for more advanced quantum algorithms.
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In this chapter, we start with the very basics of quantum computing–the quantum bit. And we will write our first quantum circuit. A quantum circuit is a sequence of quantum bit transformations–the quantum program. Let’s start with the basics.
The world of quantum mechanics is different. A quantum system can be in a state of superposition. A popular notion of superposition is that the system is in different states concurrently unless you measure it.
For instance, the spin of a particle is not up or down, but it is up and down simultaneously. But when you look at it, you find it either up or down.
Or, let’s say we flip a quantum coin. In the air, it has both values, heads and tails. If and only if we catch it and look at it, it has a specific value. Once landed, it is a normal coin with heads up or tails up.
Another notion of superposition is that the system is truly random and distinguishes it from the systems we know. Tossing a (normal) coin, for instance, seems random ...