QubitThe quantum analog of a classical bit, capable of being in a superposition of |0> and |1> states.
SuperpositionThe ability of a quantum system to exist in multiple states simultaneously until measured.
EntanglementA quantum correlation between particles where the state of one instantaneously determines the state of the other.
MeasurementThe process of observing a quantum system, which collapses the superposition into a definite state.
Quantum GateA basic quantum operation that transforms qubit states, represented by a unitary matrix.
Quantum AlgorithmA step-by-step procedure for a quantum computer designed to solve a specific problem faster than classical approaches.
DecoherenceThe loss of quantum behavior due to unwanted interaction with the environment, the primary enemy of quantum computing.
Wave FunctionThe mathematical description of a quantum system's state, encoding all probabilities of possible measurement outcomes.
InterferenceThe quantum phenomenon where probability amplitudes add or cancel, used in quantum algorithms to amplify correct answers and suppress wrong ones.
Quantum AdvantageThe ability of a quantum computer to outperform classical computers on specific computational tasks.
Bell StateA maximally entangled two-qubit state, the simplest example of quantum entanglement.
Hadamard GateA fundamental quantum gate that creates an equal superposition of |0> and |1>.
Classical ComputerA traditional computer that processes information using bits that are definitively either 0 or 1.
Quantum Error CorrectionTechniques for protecting quantum information from noise and decoherence using redundant qubits.
No-Cloning TheoremA fundamental quantum law stating that it is impossible to create an exact copy of an unknown quantum state.
Quantum TeleportationA protocol for transferring a quantum state between two locations using entanglement and classical communication.
Shor's AlgorithmA quantum algorithm that factors large numbers exponentially faster than known classical methods, threatening current encryption systems.
Grover's AlgorithmA quantum search algorithm that finds items in an unsorted database quadratically faster than classical search.
NISQNoisy Intermediate-Scale Quantum - the current era of quantum computing with 50-1000 imperfect qubits.
Quantum VolumeA metric for measuring the overall capability of a quantum computer, accounting for qubits, connectivity, and gate fidelity.
Quantum SupremacyThe milestone where a quantum computer performs a computation that is practically impossible for any classical computer, first claimed by Google in 2019.
Bloch SphereA geometric representation of a single qubit state as a point on the surface of a unit sphere, providing visual intuition for quantum gate operations.
Quantum CircuitA sequence of quantum gates applied to qubits, the standard model for describing quantum algorithms visually and mathematically.
Quantum NetworkA network of quantum devices connected by quantum communication channels, enabling distributed quantum computation and secure communication.
Deutsch-Jozsa AlgorithmOne of the first quantum algorithms demonstrating exponential speedup, determining whether a function is constant or balanced with a single evaluation.