Quantum Computing and Information: Book Information

Quantum Computing and Information Through a Scaffolding Approach

Quantum Computing and Information: A Scaffolding Approach (2e) is an essential guide for readers seeking a structured path into quantum computing and information. Designed for graduate students and advanced undergraduates, it introduces complex ideas progressively, with layered reinforcement, practical exercises, illustrations, and clear explanations.

Features

• Presents quantum computing through a scaffolding approach that builds concepts step by step.
• Covers the foundations of quantum systems, gates and circuits, entanglement, algorithms, error correction, and quantum information.
• Includes practical exercises, illustrations, and navigational aids to support deep and structured learning.

Authors

• Dr. Peter Y. Lee (Ph.D., Princeton University) – Expert in quantum nanostructures with extensive experience in teaching, academic leadership, and technology innovation.
• Dr. Huiwen Ji (Ph.D., Princeton University) – Materials chemist whose work spans solid-state chemistry, quantum materials, and related interdisciplinary research.
• Dr. Ran Cheng (Ph.D., University of Texas at Austin) – Specialist in condensed matter theory, spintronics, and magnetism, with major research awards.

• ISBN 978-1-961880-05-4 (ebook): Amazon, Perlego, VitalSource, EBSCO
• ISBN 978-1-961880-06-1 (paperback, b/w): Amazon, also on IngramSpark
• ISBN 978-1-961880-07-8 (hardcover, b/w): Amazon, also on IngramSpark
• Library of Congress Control Number (LCCN) 2024947534
• Korean Version: Yes24, Aladin
• Volume discount: contact the publisher

Quantum Computing and Information: A Scaffolding Approach is an essential guide for anyone eager to master the complex world of quantum computing. Targeting graduate students and advanced undergraduates, this book is part of a series designed to provide a holistic understanding of the field.

Utilizing a scaffolding approach, the book introduces concepts gradually, offers layered reinforcement, and includes practical exercises for deep learning. Key theories, insights, and algorithms are presented clearly, supported by illustrations and special textual features.

The content is organized into four main sections: the basics of quantum systems, quantum gates, quantum entanglement, and essential algorithms and error correction. Whether you are new to the subject or seeking to deepen your expertise, this book provides a structured roadmap to understanding quantum computing.

This book uses advanced topics in linear algebra, including tensor products, trace operations, matrix decompositions, and matrix functions. Readers are expected to have a solid foundation in linear algebra. For those needing a refresher, we recommend the first book in the series, Mathematical Foundations of Quantum Computing. While calculus is helpful, it is not required.

A general background in physics, at a freshman or AP level, is assumed, though no prior course in quantum mechanics is necessary. The book introduces quantum mechanics specifically for quantum computing, making advanced concepts more accessible than traditional quantum theory texts.

To fully grasp the material, students are encouraged to complete the exercises and problems in each chapter. For a two-semester course, covering most of the content, this approach is ideal. Alternatively, students with a strong background in advanced linear algebra, quantum physics, and basic quantum computing may cover the material in one semester, focusing primarily on Parts III and IV.

• Pedagogically sound approach
• Up-to-date information
• Navigational aids
• Clean and clear layout
• Engaging exercises
• Suitable for senior undergraduates and early graduates
• 520 pages, 100+ illustrations

The second edition builds upon the foundation of the first, incorporating valuable feedback from both professionals and readers. The primary focus of this edition is to enhance clarity, making it easier for readers to grasp the material. To achieve this, more detailed explanations have been added to reduce cognitive overload, along with additional cross-references, figures, tables, and exercises.

Part IV, which covers more advanced topics, has undergone extensive revisions to ensure a smoother learning experience. The content throughout the book has also been updated to reflect the latest developments in the field, and known errors and typographical issues from the first edition have been corrected.

One notable change is the expansion of the topic Mixed States and Density Operators. Previously covered as a section within the chapter on quantum error correction, it now forms its own standalone chapter with more in-depth coverage.

Dr. Peter Y. Lee: Holds a Ph.D. in Electrical Engineering from Princeton University. His research at Princeton focused on quantum nanostructures, the fractional quantum Hall effect, and Wigner crystals. Following his academic tenure, he joined Bell Labs, making significant contributions to the fields of photonics and optical communications and securing over 20 patents. Dr. Lee's multifaceted expertise extends to educational settings; he has a rich history of teaching, academic program oversight, and computer programming.

Dr. Huiwen Ji: Holds a Ph.D. in Chemistry from Princeton, with a focus on solid-state chemistry tied to quantum properties. Her research spans quantum physics to materials chemistry. With roles at the University of California, Berkeley, and Lawrence Berkeley National Lab, she has received awards such as the NSF CAREER Award. She is currently a faculty member at the University of Utah.

Dr. Ran Cheng: Earned his Ph.D. in Physics from the University of Texas at Austin, with a specialization in condensed matter theory, particularly in spintronics and magnetism. Following a postdoctoral position at Carnegie Mellon University, he joined the faculty at the University of California, Riverside, where he was honored with the NSF CAREER and DoD MURI awards.

Preface

Reviews

About Quantum Computing and Information

I. Qubits & Qudits: Foundations
1. Quantum Mechanics Through Photons
2. Fundamentals of Spin Systems
3. A Framework for Qubits and Qudits
4. Dynamics of Quantum Systems

II. Quantum Gates & Elementary Circuits
5. Single-Qubit Quantum Gates
6. Multi-Qubit Systems
7. Multi-Qubit Quantum Gates

III. Quantum Entanglement
8. Bell States
9. Entanglement and Bell Inequalities
10. Key Applications of Entanglement

IV. Quantum Computation & Information
11. Quantum Algorithms: A Sampler
12. Density Operators and Quantum Channels
13. Quantum Error Correction: A Primer
14. Fundamentals of Quantum Information

V. Supporting Materials
Essential Mathematics: Quick References
Bibliography
List of Figures
List of Tables
Index
Journey Forward