2-day basic course on quantum computers and the algorithms that control them.

Compared to ordinary computers, quantum computers behave very differently. Instead of bits, the basic units of quantum computers are quantum bits, qubits. By exploiting quantum superposition and entanglement of the qubits, quantum computers have the potential to revolutionise high-performance computing.

Quantum computers differ from their classical counterparts also when it comes to the basic computational operators. Before they can be utilised, quantum computers require tailor-made programs and algorithms.

In this course, we will go through the basic operating principles of quantum computers and put the theory into immediate hands-on practice. We will get acquainted with quantum algorithm programming by using Kvasi, the Atos Quantum Learning Machine, capable of emulating a 30+ qubit quantum computer.

Prerequisites: No previous experience with quantum computers is expected. Basic programming skills and familiarity with the Jupyter Notebook environment is an asset, however; a quick overview of Jupyter usage.

Lecturers: Jami Rönkkö (CSC) and Mikael Johansson (CSC)

Schedule: 9:00 – 16:00 on both days

Day 1: Introduction, basic algorithms, myQLM on notebooks.csc.fi

9:00   Morning session, includes 2×15 minute breaks as suitable

          Introduction

          Quantum computers, what are they?

          Quantum algorithms, intro to myQLM

          Hands-on 0: Superposition and measurements

12:00  Lunch

13:15  Afternoon session, includes 2×15 minute breaks as suitable

          Hands-on 0: Superposition and measurements

          Hands-on 1: Creation of an EPR pair

          Hands-on 2: Parametrized gates

          Hands-on 3: Quantum Fourier transform

          Getting ready for Day 2: Logging into Kvasi

16:00  End of Day 1

Day 2: Noise and other physical constraints, Kvasi.csc.fi

9:00   Morning session, includes 2×15 minute breaks as suitable

          Hands-on 4: The Deutsch algorithm

          Hands-on 5: Circuit conversion for the Deutsch algorithm

          Effect of noise on quantum computing

          Hands-on 6: Noisy simulation of the Deutsch algorithm

12:00  Lunch

13:15  Afternoon session, includes 2×15 minute breaks as suitable

          Hands-on 6: Noisy simulation of the Deutsch algorithm

          Hybrid classical + quantum computing

          Quantum Approximate Optimization Algorithm, QAOA

          Hands-on 7: MaxCut with QAOA

          Other algorithms, wrapping up

16:00  End of Day 2