An Introduction to Quantum Computing for Computer Engineers

This book focuses on practical topics in quantum computing that will give a student or practitioner of computer engineering a foundational understanding of quantum computer engineering. The reader should know enough by the end of the book to work effectively with quantum computers in a lab or industry setting, at any layer of the stack.

• Provides readers with a working knowledge of quantum mechanics without the need to read comprehensive textbooks;
• Includes prerequisite knowledge needed to begin working on any part of the quantum computing stack;
• Teaches useful skills throughout the book, such as nanofabrication, programming, PCB design and RF circuit design.

Marcus Edwards completed a Masters in Quantum Information Science through the Institute for Quantum Computing at the University of Waterloo in 2020. After a brief stint as a quantum software engineer, he is now pursuing a PhD in Electrical and Computer Engineering at the University of British Columbia. This has meant switching from the computer and information science subfield, which saw his first thesis, paper and three patents between 2018 and 2020, to the new subfield of quantum devices and architecture in which he has also published recently in 2024. Marcus now spends his time as a PhD student performing the nanofabrication of experimental quantum devices, writing academic papers including one accepted for publication this Fall of 2025, and writing in longer form about what he's learned from this journey. He has been a recipient of the Marie Curie Award, NSERC CREATE Quantum Computing Program Scholarship and BC Graduate Scholarship among several other academic awards. Writing hard sci-fi is a hobby of his. In his spare time, he also loves reading, hiking, camping and spending time with his wife and dog.