A Physics-Free Introduction to the Quantum Computation Model

TL;DR

This paper introduces the quantum circuit model of computation in a purely abstract, physics-free manner, making it accessible for computer scientists without requiring physical background knowledge.

Contribution

It provides a formal, physics-free foundation for quantum computation, bridging the gap for computer scientists unfamiliar with physics.

Findings

Defines basic properties of the quantum circuit model

Develops the model in analogy with classical circuits

Serves as an accessible primer for non-physicists

Abstract

This article defines and proves basic properties of the standard quantum circuit model of computation. The model is developed abstractly in close analogy with (classical) deterministic and probabilistic circuits, without recourse to any physical concepts or principles. It is intended as a primer for theoretical computer scientists who do not know--and perhaps do not care to know--any physics.