Quantum Computers and Their Simulation

Quantum computing is based on the exploitation of quantum effects to perform some important computations more efficiently than ever possible on classical computers. Well known quantum algorithms are Shors polynomial time factoring algorithm and Grovers data base search scheme. Their potential is due to the parallelism of a quantum computation increasing exponentially with the size of the computing device. IBM has succeeded in building a first working quantum computing device with up to 7 qubits based on NMR technology, however, the construction of large multi-qubit systems appears to become extremely difficult due to the loss of coherence of the quantum states. Like the design process of modern microprocessors which is carried out by means of sophisticated software, modelling and simulation of the entire QC device is even more relevant. Simulation is required in order to understand the functioning of quantum algorithms, to construct novel quantum algorithms, to write quantum programs, to teach quantum computing, to construct real quantum computers, to understand and fight de-coherence and to understand and control the influence of the environment. Since quantum parallelism increases exponentially with the size of the quantum computer, parallel supercomputers are required for realistic simulations. I intend to give an introduction into the simulation of quantum computers using conventional computers. The simulation is based on a generic physical model of quantum computer hardware. Issues like parallel gate level simulators, modelling of QCs, simulators for physical quantum computers are addressed.