Quantum Computing Algorithms - A Comprehensive Review
Quantum Computing Algorithms - A Comprehensive Review
Quantum Computing Algorithms - A Comprehensive Review
Comprehensive Review
Khushi Sikaria Manan Shah Tarosh Jayaprakash
SCOPE - 22BCE0375 SCOPE - 22BCE0618 SCOPE - 22BDS0246
VIT, Vellore VIT, Vellore VIT, Vellore
Vellore, India Vellore, India Vellore, India
[email protected] [email protected] [email protected]
Nikhil Franco
SCOPE - 22BCE0654
VIT, Vellore
Vellore, India
[email protected]
Abstract — Quantum computing has emerged as a could eventually disrupt fields like cryptography [4],
promising field with the potential to solve certain chemistry [5], optimization [6], and simulation [7].
computational problems more efficiently than classical
computers. This paper reviews four prominent quantum This paper conducts a comprehensive review of four
algorithms: Shor's algorithm, the Bernstein-Vazirani seminal quantum algorithms: Shor's factoring algorithm [8],
algorithm, the Quantum Phase Estimation algorithm, and the the Bernstein-Vazirani algorithm [9], the Quantum Phase
Deutsch-Jozsa algorithm. For each algorithm, we provide an
Estimation (QPE) algorithm [10], and the Deutsch-Jozsa
overview of the problem it aims to solve, describe the core
mechanism of the algorithm, discuss its key applications, and
algorithm [11]. For each algorithm, we examine the specific
analyze its strengths, weaknesses, opportunities, and threats computational problem it solves, elucidate the underlying
(SWOT). We also examine the key challenges and limitations quantum circuit and information processing mechanisms,
associated with implementing these algorithms on current and discuss their key applications and significance, and analyze
near-term quantum hardware. their strengths, weaknesses, opportunities, and threats
(SWOT). Moreover, we explore the practical challenges and
Shor's algorithm, which can factor integers in polynomial time, limitations surrounding the implementation of these
has profound implications for cryptography. The algorithms on current and near-term quantum hardware.
Bernstein-Vazirani algorithm determines a hidden linear
structure. Quantum Phase Estimation enables efficient Shor's factoring algorithm, which can exponentially speed
simulation of quantum systems and underlies quantum up the factorization of large integers, has profound
algorithms like quantum chemistry calculations. The implications for modern cryptography employed across
Deutsch-Jozsa algorithm distinguishes whether a function is finance, communications, and cybersecurity [12]. The
constant or balanced. Bernstein-Vazirani algorithm demonstrated one of the
earliest examples of a quantum computational advantage by
While challenges around decoherence, gate fidelities, and efficiently determining a hidden linear structure [13]. The
scaling remain, these algorithms exemplify the potential Quantum Phase Estimation (QPE) algorithm enables
quantum speedup over classical methods. As quantum efficient quantum simulation of physical systems and
hardware continues advancing, understanding these processes, with applications spanning quantum chemistry,
pioneering algorithms provides insight into the future materials science, and particle physics [14]. The
applications of quantum computing across domains like Deutsch-Jozsa algorithm, while modest in scope, was a
cryptanalysis, simulation, search, and more.
pioneering construct highlighting an exponential speedup
for a simple computational problem [11].
I. INTRODUCTION
The field of quantum computing has captivated As we unravel the intricacies and analyze the performance
researchers and scientists for decades with its theoretical of each of these algorithms, a unifying narrative emerges
promise of solving certain computational problems around the transformative potential of quantum information
exponentially faster than classical computers. At the core of processing. Despite the tremendous engineering challenges
this potential quantum advantage are quantum algorithms - of building large-scale quantum computers, comprehending
procedures that strategically exploit quantum mechanical these algorithms provides a roadmap for where this
phenomena like superposition, entanglement, and quantum disruptive technology could eventually lead. This
parallelism to outperform their classical counterparts [1]-[3]. cumulative knowledge shapes our understanding of how
quantum mechanics can be strategically exploited for
While the pursuit of building a large-scale, fault-tolerant computation, influencing the design of current and future
quantum computer remains an immense challenge, studying quantum algorithms across myriad domains.
and developing quantum algorithms provides crucial
insights into how to harness quantum effects for
computation. Pioneering work in this area has produced
several canonical quantum algorithms that not only II. EASE OF USE
exemplify the computational speedups achievable, but also For ease of use, we have divided the body of this paper
highlight the diverse applications where quantum computing into 4 sections - each dealing with one given algorithm.
4. Inverse Quantum Fourier Transform (QFT): 2. High Precision: QPE allows for the estimation of
- Apply the inverse Quantum Fourier Transform (QFT) phase information with high precision. By utilizing a
to the target register. sufficient number of qubits in the target register, the
algorithm can achieve arbitrarily accurate phase estimation.
- The QFT is a quantum analogue of the classical This precision is crucial for various quantum algorithms and
Fourier Transform and is used to extract frequency (phase) applications where accurate phase information is required.
information from a quantum state. It transforms the state of
the target register from a superposition of phase eigenstates
to a state where each basis state corresponds to a specific 3. Scalability: The QPE algorithm is inherently scalable
phase value. and can handle large-scale quantum systems. As quantum
computing technology advances and larger quantum
computers become available, QPE can be readily applied to
5. Measurement: increasingly complex problems with minimal modifications.
- Measure the qubits in the target register.
- The measurement outcome represents an 4. Versatility: QPE is a versatile algorithm that can be
approximation of the phase of the unitary operator. The applied to a wide range of problems beyond phase
more qubits used in the target register, the higher the estimation. It serves as a fundamental building block for
precision of the phase estimation. many other quantum algorithms, including quantum
simulation, quantum cryptography, and quantum
factorization. Its versatility makes it a cornerstone in
6. Post-processing: quantum information science and quantum computing
- Perform classical post-processing on the research.
measurement outcomes to refine the estimated phase if
necessary.
Applications:
- Depending on the desired precision, additional
iterations of the algorithm may be required.
1. Quantum Simulation: QPE plays a crucial role in
simulating quantum systems, allowing researchers to model
In summary, the QPE algorithm utilizes qubits to
complex physical, chemical, and biological systems with
represent the initial phase estimate and perform
unprecedented accuracy. Applications include simulating
computations. Quantum gates, such as Hadamard gates and
molecular structures for drug discovery, predicting material
controlled unitary operations, manipulate the quantum states
properties for materials science, and studying quantum
to encode and process phase information. The Quantum
phenomena in condensed matter physics.
Fourier Transform extracts the phase information, and
measurement provides the final estimate of the phase.
Classical post-processing may be employed to improve the 2. Quantum Cryptography: In quantum cryptography,
accuracy of the estimation. Overall, QPE leverages the QPE enables the implementation of secure quantum
principles of quantum superposition and interference to cryptographic protocols by accurately estimating quantum
efficiently estimate the phase of a unitary operator, a task states. It contributes to the development of quantum key
that would be exponentially more challenging for classical distribution (QKD) protocols, quantum secure direct
algorithms. communication (QSDC), and other cryptographic schemes
that leverage quantum principles for enhanced security.
Let us suppose that we are given the Next, the function f is evaluated
following sequence of real values: using Uف: |x,y⟩ → |x,y ⊕ f(x)⟩
a₁, a₂, a₃, ..., a'N (1) (9)
Thus,