Isaac Chuang [MIT]

Abstract: What is the underlying reason why quantum algorithms running on quantum computers can solve certain problemsfaster than classical algorithms running on classical computers? I will describe how the underlying nature of almost allmajor quantum algorithms essentially relies on the physics of a two-level system – a single qubit. This picture bringstogether in a single unifying perspective Grover’s quantum search algorithm, Shor’s quantum factoring algorithm, andthe quantum simulation algorithm of Feynman and Lloyd. This understanding also informs searches for new quantumalgorithms.