Topics in Quantum Computers

TL;DR

This paper introduces quantum computers, outlines their minimal requirements, and discusses recent advances in quantum error correction relevant to both computation and quantum theory foundations.

Contribution

It provides an accessible overview of quantum computer realization and highlights recent progress in quantum error correction techniques.

Findings

Identification of minimal requirements for quantum computers

Discussion of recent quantum error correction developments

Implications for quantum theory foundations

Abstract

I provide an introduction to quantum computers, describing how they might be realized using language accessible to a solid state physicist. A listing of the minimal requirements for creating a quantum computer is given. I also discuss several recent developments in the area of quantum error correction, a subject of importance not only to quantum computation, but also to some aspects of the foundations of quantum theory.