Librería Portfolio

A concise, ´no-frills´ introduction to quantum computation and quantum cryptography for non-experts. Rather than concentrating on stories about scientists and philosophical concepts, it provides a step-by-step approach to quantum information. Starting from the idea of quantum cryptography, it presents the basic principles of quantum mechanics and explains how this can be used to make cryptography absolutely secure against eavesdropping. Subsequently, the most important quantum algorithms are explained and technical problems in realizing quantum computers are discussed, followed by a presentation of recent experiments -- some of which are found here in a textbook for the first time.
Easily accessible for undergraduates and graduates -- especially those studying subjects other than physics -- who need an introduction to this rapidly developing topic.



1 Introduction
2 The Colours of the Rainbow -
A Prelude
3 Light, Waves and Oscillations -
Some Useful Facts
4 Nature´s Currency -
The Story of the Quantum
5 Surprising Discoveries -
A Glimpse at Quantum Mechanics
6 When Alice Met Bob -
The Principles of Quantum Cryptography
7 The Logic of Superpositions -
How Quantum Computing Works
8 Shor´s Revolution -
An Introduction to Quantum Algorithms
9 Promising Prototypes -
How Quantum Computers Might Be Built
10 Sensitive States -
Why Quantum Error Correction is Important
11 Trying the Impossible -
More Quantum Tricks
12 Dream or Reality? -
The Past, Present and Future of Quantum Information