Quantum computers are going to change the world by changing what it’s possible for us to compute. They will break some types of encryption, solve many optimization problems, and compute characteristics of materials like agricultural fertilizers. My name is Rod Van Meter, of the Faculty of Environment and Information Studies of Keio University Maybe you’re thinking about studying quantum computers in college, or maybe you’re already a professional programmer and are wondering how they work and when they will impact your own area. But you’ve heard that they are extremely difficult to understand. Sometimes the field is portrayed as brilliant scientists in exotic labs using the spookiest, most obscure effects of quantum mechanics to build science fiction computers, capable of practically anything.

You probably imagine a quantum computers looking something like this. In fact, anyone with a grasp of high school mathematics can understand quantum computers.

We’ll begin right here at the beach. If you understand how waves work, you are well on your way to understanding quantum computers. At this place, we have waves coming from two different directions. From here, and from here. Where the ripples come together, in some places they add up, and in other places they subtract. This phenomenon is called interference, and interference is one of the keys to understanding quantum computers. We’ll also talk about quantum entanglement and the other features that distinguish quantum computers from the computer you’re watching this on now. You will learn how several key quantum algorithms work, and why we are excited about their possibilities.

We will discuss some of the key technologies for building quantum computers and see some of the exciting progress being made in the lab. Before we finish up, you will also learn about the budding quantum information technology industry, about the big companies, startup companies and venture funds seeking to translate the ideas from the lab to machines that solve some of Mankind’s most pressing problems and make the world a better place.