Superposition

Quantum computing relies on some rather confounding phenomena from quantum mechanics. In the quantum world, particles can exist in a state of superposition, which means that they can be in multiple states at the same time. This series of videos explores the concept of superposition and how quantum computing seeks to exploit this principal for unprecedented gains in computing power.   

Get started by reading our EPiQC zine about Superposition!

Sculptures Disappear Into Thin Air

The sculptor Julian Voss-Andreae explores the concept of superposition by creating works that demonstrate a superposition of states. Can a sculpture be both visible and invisible?

German artist Julian Voss-Andreae is the mastermind behind these disappearing statues. His background in physics plays an important role in his creative process. He uses 3D scans and computer programming to map out his creations. It took him three years to finalize the process, but now you can see his sculptures on display all over the world.

Matthieu Robert Ortis's Wire Sculptor

Another sculptor, Matthieu Robert Ortis, creates wire sculptures that when viewed from different angles reveal shockingly different images. Watch as the sculpture in this video shifts from an image of two giraffes to an elephant - these two distinct images exist in a superposition!

Watch as one of Matthieu Robert Ortis' metamorphosis sculptures transfers from 2 giraffes to an elephant.

Schrödinger's Cat

This short video demonstrates the concept of quantum superposition through the classic thought experiment of Schrödinger's Cat.

View full lesson: http://ed.ted.com/lessons/schrodinger-s-cat-a-thought-experiment-in-quantum-mechanics-chad-orzel Austrian physicist Erwin Schrödinger, one of the founders of quantum mechanics, posed this famous question: If you put a cat in a sealed box with a device that has a 50% chance of killing the cat in the next hour, what will be the state of the cat when that time is up?

Quantum Superposition of States and Decoherence

Explore superposition through this short video demonstrating the superposition of states of an atom and the impact of measurement on those states.

see other animations at http://www.QuantumMadeSimple.com Animations produced by the research groupe www.PhysicsReimagined.com with support of labex PALM.

Quantum Computing Principles with Music

In this video, the quantum computing principles of superposition and entanglement are explained by applying them to musical notation.

Demonstration of fundamental quantum computing concepts through simple music.

How Does a Quantum Computer Work?

This video explores superposition by introducing the concept of spin and comparing the inherent efficiencies and inefficiencies of classical and quantum computers.

For more on spin, check out: http://youtu.be/v1_-LsQLwkA This video was supported by TechNYou: http://bit.ly/19bBX5G A quantum computer works in a totally different way from a classical computer. Quantum bits or 'qubits' can exist in a superposition state of both zero and one simultaneously.

Introduction to Superposition (MIT OpenCourseWare)

In this MIT lecture, a series of thought experiments involving "box apparatus" are used to illustrate the concepts of uncertainty and superposition, which are central to quantum mechanics.

MIT 8.04 Quantum Physics I, Spring 2013 View the complete course: http://ocw.mit.edu/8-04S13 Instructor: Allan Adams In this lecture, Prof. Adams discusses a series of thought experiments involving "box apparatus" to illustrate the concepts of uncertainty and superposition, which are central to quantum mechanics. The first ten minutes are devoted to course information.

THE QUBIT: CLASSICAL VS. QUANTUM BITS

This video discusses the difference between classical and quantum bits and introduces bra-ket notation, 2-qubit notation, and matrix notation of qubits in superposition.

QuCryptox_2016_w-0_HL_Classical_vs._Quantum_bits-video.mp4

The qubit

This video discusses the qubit, introduces ket notation, and the vector notation used to describe these quantum states.

Introduces the most basic type of quantum mechanical system, the qubit. Part of a series on "Quantum computing for the determined". The full series is at: http://www.youtube.com/user/mnielsencourses?feature=mhum#p/c/1826E60FD05B44E4