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Quantum Algorithm
Quantum algorithms are an exciting advance in the world of computing, utilizing the unusual and intriguing rules of quantum mechanics to tackle problems that are too tough for regular computers. Imagine a gigantic library filled with so many books that searching for the one you want might seem impossible. Traditional computers, like librarians, would check each book one by one. But quantum computers can scan multiple books at the same time, thanks to the special property called superpositionof quantum bits(called 'qubits') which can be in more than one state at once. This ability allows quantum computers to locate the book you need almost instantly, a task that could eventually change everything from how we keep our online data safe to how we discover new medicines. As we step into this new era of technology, quantum algorithms are the magic formulas that bring these powerful quantum computers to life, opening up a world of possibilities we are just starting to explore.
In this note, I will briefly go through some important quantum algorithm in the history of quantum computing. This is just a short descriptions on each of those important milestones to share the big picture and I would not go into the details of each algorithm. For further details for specific algorithms, I would write separte notes for a specific algorithm (e.g, Deuch Algorithm, Shor's Algorithm)
Source : A Brief History of Quantum Computing
| Year |
Algorithm |
Description |
| 1985 |
Deutsch's Algorithm |
The first quantum algorithm, demonstrating quantum computers could solve problems faster than classical computers for certain tasks. |
| 1992 |
Deutsch–Jozsa Algorithm |
Extends Deutsch's Algorithm, efficiently solving a specific problem that is hard for classical computers. |
| 1994 |
Shor's Algorithm |
Famous for its ability to factor large numbers exponentially faster than classical algorithms, impacting cryptography. |
| 1994 |
Simon's Algorithm |
Provided the foundation for Shor's Algorithm, solving the Simon's problem exponentially faster than classical computers. |
| 1996 |
Grover's Algorithm |
Provides a quadratic speedup for unstructured search problems, searching databases more efficiently. |
| Mid-1990s |
Quantum Fourier Transform (QFT) |
A critical component in many quantum algorithms, including Shor's algorithm, analogous to the discrete Fourier transform. |
| Late 1990s |
Quantum Phase Estimation |
Estimates the phase of an eigenvector of a unitary operator, key in several quantum algorithms. |
| Late 1990s |
Quantum Error Correction Codes |
Crucial for practical quantum computing, protecting quantum information from errors due to decoherence and other quantum noise. |
| Early 2000s |
Quantum Walk Algorithms |
Quantum analog of classical random walks, leading to various algorithms in search and graph theory. |
| 2009 |
HHL Algorithm |
Solves linear systems of equations, offering an exponential speedup over classical algorithms in certain conditions. |
| 2010s |
Quantum Machine Learning Algorithms |
Developed for machine learning tasks, offering potential speedups in clustering, classification, and feature selection. |
| 2014 |
Quantum Approximate Optimization Algorithm (QAOA) |
Designed for solving combinatorial optimization problems on noisy intermediate-scale quantum (NISQ) computers. |
| 2014 |
Variational Quantum Eigensolver (VQE) |
A hybrid quantum-classical algorithm used to find the ground state energy of molecules, among other applications. |
Reference
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