| In this paper we will analyse two quantum algorithms that sparked interest in the potential of quantum computers. The first is Lov Grover's algorithm which may be used to conduct a type of database search. The second is Peter Shor's algorithm which may be used to factor large numbers and provides an exponential speed up over the best current classical algorithms. In the context of these two algorithms we will discuss the benefits and weaknesses of quantum computation. We will show that in exchange for a quantum computer's greater speed we must accept an inherent level of uncertainty in our results. |
