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# What is quantum computing?

Quantum computing isn't just a faster calculator. Learn to script real quantum circuits using IBM Qiskit. Translate complex domain problems into specialized quantum syntax today.

- **Speakers:** [Alex Waldherr](https://www.wearedevelopers.com/@alex-waldherr)
- **Event:** World Congress 2022
- **Published:** June 15, 2022
- **Duration:** 25:46
- **URL:** https://www.wearedevelopers.com/videos/481-what-is-quantum-computing

## Summary

The presentation demystifies quantum computing by moving beyond the metaphorical black box into a literal 'Bloch box'—a visual representation of quantum states leveraging the Bloch sphere and energy quantization. By bridging the physical realities of quantum properties like superposition with advanced computational linear algebra, the narrative reveals how atomic properties function conceptually as an elevator navigating specific quantized energy states.<br><br>Shifting from theory to practical application, the session demonstrates how to implement and script quantum circuits utilizing the IBM Qiskit framework. Engineers manipulate multi-dimensional vectors representing qubits via foundational and complex quantum logic, chaining operations like the Pauli-X, Hadamard, and Controlled-X gates. The live simulation emphasizes the fragility of highly entangled systems, noting that immediate measurement is critical to mitigate decoherence, while more sophisticated subroutines like the Quantum Fourier Transform and Quantum Phase Estimation deliberately analyze overlapping frequencies to map gate distributions.<br><br>Ultimately, generating value with quantum algorithms demands robust interdisciplinary translation rather than sheer computational processing power. Advanced execution—ranging from deploying Shor's algorithm for factoring prime encryptions to modeling granular quantum chemistry simulations effectively impossible on classical hardware—requires translating domain-specific problems into specialized quantum syntax. Driven by evolving hardware backends spanning superconducting circuits, nuclear magnetic resonance (NMR), and organically derived quantum dots, the industry's horizon focuses on accurately mimicking natural quantum physics rather than simply engineering faster conventional calculators.

**Keywords:** quantum computing fundamentals, qubit superposition, bloch sphere visualization, ibm qiskit framework, quantum logic gates, hadamard gate entanglement, quantum circuit simulation, quantum fourier transform, quantum phase estimation, shor's algorithm factorization, superconducting quantum circuits, quantum chemistry simulations, nuclear magnetic resonance nmr, optical quantum networks, quantum state measurement, decoherence management

## Chapters

1. **Introduction to quantized energy levels and superposition** (00:05) — How molecular behaviors model probabilities of measuring a particle in definitive quantized states.
1. **Visualizing qubits on the Bloch sphere** (03:02) — Representing complex coefficient ranges as continuous vectors on a globe to compute probability paths.
1. **Transforming qubit vectors with quantum matrix gates** (04:47) — Applying matrices like the X-gate and Hadamard gate to invert outputs and build complex coefficient structures.
1. **Exploring quantum execution frameworks and hardware layouts** (06:17) — Connecting physical qubit topologies with SDK environments using specialized platforms from IBM and Google.
1. **Initializing registers and simulating state changes with Qiskit** (07:46) — Drawing multi-dimensional programs to plot multivectors by leveraging an active state simulator backend.
1. **Entangling qubits and extracting data through measurement** (09:49) — Forcing state dependency across discrete states using controlled-X gates without losing fragile system outcomes.
1. **Implementing quantum Fourier transforms and phase estimation** (11:07) — Leveraging continuous probability overlap via controlled-Z elements to trace cyclical algorithms like Shor's subroutine.
1. **Executing operations on superconducting circuit hardware** (12:58) — Navigating energy isolation bounds on active physical chips built around cooled Josephson junctions.
1. **Transmitting entangled photons and conceptualizing quantum encryption** (14:31) — Sending photon-based logic through optic distance arrays and combatting extreme hardware decay from heat metrics.
1. **Observing interdisciplinary quantum behaviors in biology and chemistry** (17:22) — Utilizing structural resonance in microwave models to view differing energy scale alignments and synthetic computations.
1. **Discussing quantum computational boundaries and learning pathways** (21:36) — Comparing qubit storage ceilings against complex arrays alongside approachable strategies for entry-level code adoption.

## Related Moments

- [Redefining computing limits with quantum mechanics](https://www.wearedevelopers.com/videos/1145-the-quantum-computing-future) (from "The Quantum Computing Future")
- [Exploring the IBM quantum computing cloud platform and simulators](https://www.wearedevelopers.com/videos/216-schroedinger-s-cat-thinking-in-and-outside-the-box-of-quantum-mechanics) (from "Schroedinger's cat: Thinking in- and outside the box of quantum mechanics")
- [Introduction to quantum circuits and technology](https://www.wearedevelopers.com/videos/934-quantum-computing-the-tiny-and-the-big-challenges) (from "Quantum Computing - The tiny and the big challenges")
- [Reviewing the IBM quantum computing hardware roadmap](https://www.wearedevelopers.com/videos/137-hands-on-journey-to-quantum-computing-with-ibm) (from "Hands-on Journey to Quantum Computing with IBM")
- [Translating physical quantum concepts to computer science](https://www.wearedevelopers.com/videos/100179-post-quantum-cryptography-preparing-for-q-day) (from "Post-Quantum Cryptography: Preparing for Q-Day")
- [Fundamental physics principles enabling quantum computation](https://www.wearedevelopers.com/videos/216-schroedinger-s-cat-thinking-in-and-outside-the-box-of-quantum-mechanics) (from "Schroedinger's cat: Thinking in- and outside the box of quantum mechanics")

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