There is no doubt that the quantum computer and the quantum internet have many profound applications, they may change the way we think about information, and they could completely change our daily life.

But how do a quantum computer and a quantum internet work? What scientific principles are behind it? What kind of software and protocols do we need for that? How can we operate a quantum computer and a quantum internet? And which disciplines of science and engineering are needed to develop a fully working system?

In a series of two MOOCs, we will take you through all layers of a quantum computer and a quantum internet. The first course will provide you with the scientific basis by explaining the first layer: the qubits. We will discuss the four types of qubits that QuTech research center at Delft University of Technology focuses on: topological qubits, Spin qubits, Trans qubits and NV Centre qubits. We will teach you the working principles of qubits and, at the same time, the working principles of a computer made of these qubits.

In the upcoming second MOOC (yet to be announced), we will introduce the other layers needed to build a quantum computer and a quantum internet, such as the micro-architecture, compilers, quantum error correction, repeaters and quantum algorithms.

These two courses offer you an opportunity to deepen your knowledge by continuing the journey started in our first MOOC, which focused on the applications of a quantum computer and a quantum internet.

Note that these courses offer a full overview of the layers of a quantum computer and a quantum internet, and therefore they will not go into too much detail per layer. For learners seeking to fully understand one specific topic we can recommend other courses authored by QuTech:

  • In the field of Quantum Internet: Quantum Cryptography
  • In the field of topological phenomena: Topology in Condensed Matter: Tying Quantum Knots

This course is authored by experts from the QuTech research center at Delft University of Technology. In the center, scientists and engineers work together to enhance research and development in quantum technology. QuTech Academy’s aim is to inspire, share and disseminate knowledge about the latest developments in quantum technology.

  • An overview of all building blocks of a quantum computer, from qubits and electronics all the way up to software.
  • The scientific principles behind the quantum computer that make quantum technologies possible.
  • How qubits can be used and controlled efficiently and the workings of the four most promising types of solid-state qubits: Superconducting Transmon Qubit, Silicon Spin Qubit, Diamond NV Center Qubit, and Topological Qubit.
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The Building Blocks of a Quantum Computer: Part 1 by TU Delft OpenCourseWare is licensed under a Creative Commons Attribution-NonCommercial-ShareAlike 4.0 International License.
Based on a work at https://online-learning.tudelft.nl/courses/the-building-blocks-of-a-quantum-computer/.
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