Introducing Quantum Computing in a Sophomore Signals and Systems Course

This Innovative Practice Work in Progress Paper describes the development and assessment of a web-based simulation lab exercise introducing basic quantum computing concepts in a sophomore signals and systems course. Specifically, students make the connection between quantum computing and signals and systems theory through a comparative study of using Quantum Fourier Transforms and Fast Fourier Transforms for a speech analysis-synthesis application. In addition, quantum noise models are introduced and simulated to show their effect on computation performance. Statistics from pre/post quizzes show that there is significant knowledge improvement by completing the lab exercise.