Introduction to Quantum Mechanics

Abstract

This chapter discusses quantum mechanics basics, concentrating on the topics that relate particularly to quantum computing. It covers popular properties of quantum mechanics, such as the photoelectric effect, wave-particle duality, probabilities, the uncertainty principle, spin states, tunneling, superposition, the observer effect, and quantum entanglement. There are 12 fundamental quantum particles that make up all matter in the universe. Although our entire reality is made up of quantum particles and actions, quantum mechanics happens at the very microscopic level on very, very small elemental objects, such as photons, quarks, electrons, and atoms. The probability principle applies to any property of a quantum particle, not just electrons. A principle, which is incredibly important to quantum information science, is the no-cloning theorem, which says quantum states cannot be directly copied. Quantum tunneling is involved in some types of quantum computing. Quantum mechanics is responsible for computer microprocessors, transistors, resistors, and all integrated circuits.