Quantum Information and Computation

Abstract

Theoretical computer scientists, like their counterparts in physics, suffer and benefit from a high level of intellectual machismo. They believe they have some of the biggest brains around, which they need to think about some of the hardest problems. Like mathematicians, they prove theorems and doubt the seriousness of those who don't. Lately, however, theoretical computer scientists have sought the help of physicists in understanding quantum mechanics, a hard part of physics which they now believe has great significance for their own field.A new quantum theory of communication and computation is emerging, in which the stuff transmitted or processed is not classical information, but arbitrary superpositions of quantum states. © 1995, American Institute of Physics. All rights reserved.