Quantum Computing for Computer Scientists

  • Andrew Helwer | Microsoft

This talk discards hand-wavy pop-science metaphors and answers a simple question: from a computer science perspective, how can a quantum computer outperform a classical computer? Attendees will learn the following:

  • Representing computation with basic linear algebra (matrices and vectors)
  • The computational workings of qbits, superposition, and quantum logic gates
  • Solving the Deutsch oracle problem: the simplest problem where a quantum computer outperforms classical methods
  • Bonus topics: quantum entanglement and teleportation

The talk concludes with a live demonstration of quantum entanglement on a real-world quantum computer, and a demo of the Deutsch oracle problem implemented in Q# with the Microsoft Quantum Development Kit. This talk assumes no prerequisite knowledge, although comfort with basic linear algebra (matrices, vectors, matrix multiplication) will ease understanding.

Speaker Details

Andrew Helwer works as a software engineer in Azure Networking. His interests include formal methods (especially TLA+), distributed systems, and quantum computing. He previously gave a talk on the Paxos Protocol during the Dr. TLA+ MSR lecture series: https://resnet.microsoft.com/video/37743 (opens in new tab)

Series: Microsoft Research Talks