As quantum information processing gets ever closer to mainstream applications, the second edition of this book has been expanded to include more about recent implementations of quantum technologies. A third author with a background in experimental work has joined the original team of two, and the last third of the book bears his imprimatur. While the early theory chapters have only brief lists of selected references, the implementation chapters have much more extensive lists, reflecting the richness of recent research results—with many published within the past few years and as recently as last year.
Not surprisingly, the book delves into complex mathematical equations throughout the coverage, in theory and implementation chapters alike. Several device photos are included, along with many diagrams, some in color (though the color does not play an essential role in conveying information). Clearly intended as a textbook, the work includes multiple challenging problems at the end of each chapter.
Among the many exciting current topics covered in the book, the authors deliberately left out the Shor factorization algorithm, deciding that it requires too much background in number theory for a one-semester class. The book also includes an index, but the electronic version reviewed can be easily navigated with the controls in the reader application.
For professionals and graduate students who are willing to tackle advanced math, this book is an excellent introduction to quantum information processing, providing a good mix of breadth and depth in an exciting and rapidly evolving field.
Review by Bogdan Hoanca, University of Alaska Anchorage, USA.
The opinions expressed in the book review section are those of the reviewer and do not necessarily reflect those of OPN or its publisher, Optica (formerly OSA).