“An Introduction to Quantum Computing” by Glassner
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- An Introduction to Quantum Computing
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Abstract:
Computer graphics and interactive techniques rely on computing hardware for everything from modeling to rendering. The emerging new technology of quantum computing exploits the properties of quantum objects to offer radically new ways to think about, create, and run algorithms, including those of interest to SIGGRAPH attendees. Quantum computers can evaluate many different input values simultaneously, where “many” can be larger than the number of atoms in the visible universe. The catch is that only one output can be obtained from each run. Quantum computing may change how we think about computer graphics. For example, future quantum computers may be able to intersect astronomical numbers of rays with a similarly massive database of objects in parallel, or evaluate enormous numbers of simulation parameters at the same time to return the one set that produces a desired result. This course describes, without advanced math, the core ideas of quantum computing. We start with the quantum version of the classical bit (called a qubit) and the basic operators that modify qubits. We introduce the four essential properties that distinguish quantum computers from familiar classical computers: superposition, interference, entanglement, and measurement, and show how these properties are orchestrated to build quantum algorithms. We conclude with a brief overview of some of the most well-known quantum algorithms, and some applications of quantum computing to computer graphics. Quantum computers are already here, and are increasing in size and reliability at a rapid pace. Open-source simulators abound, and small quantum computers are available for free use on the web. Classical hardware has served computer graphics well. Now is the perfect time to starting thinking about quantum computing for graphics. This course is an updated and improved version of a course offered at SIGGRAPH 2024 and 2023.
Additional Information:
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- 0 – 3: Introduction
- 3 – 22: Electronic playing cards metaphor superposition, entanglement, measurement, interference
- 22 – 33: Qubits, amplitudes, probabilities
- 33 – 36: Measurement
- 36 – 55: Operators (I, X, H) and circuits
- 55 – 62: Systems
- 62 – 67: Quantum parallelism
- 67 – 75: Entanglement
- 75 – 85: Graphics applications
- 85 – 90: Practicalities
Beginner
Prerequisite: There are no prerequisites. Some programming experience may be helpful, but isn’t necessary. The course has no math or physics. We ask only for an open mind and a ready smile.
Topics: Quantum Computing, Rendering, Sampling
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Additional Info: Quantum computing is a radically new and exciting approach to programming. By exploiting the unusual behavior of quantum objects, this new technology invites us to re-imagine the computer graphics methods we know and love in revolutionary new ways. This course is math-free and requires no technical background.
