Glossary

Quantum Fourier Transform

The Quantum Fourier Transform (QFT) is the quantum analog of the discrete Fourier transform, mapping quantum states from the computational basis to the frequency domain using quantum superposition and interference. It transforms amplitudes so that periodic patterns in the input become phase differences in the output. The QFT is exponentially faster than the classical Fourier transform, making it central to algorithms like Shor’s factoring algorithm.

by Frank Zickert