Quantum Computing

A Guide for the Curious


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Quantum computing is a confusing technology. No one can seem to agree on its status (imminent, five years away, or impossible) or its significance (world changing or useless). As an engineer and entrepreneur, I really wanted to understand all parts of the quantum computing field, from theory to hardware to applications. I found a paucity of material that had the broad scope and unbiased perspective that I was looking for. So I wrote the guide I wanted to read.

This is a short book (about 40,000 words) that attempts to explain quantum computing at a level accessible to the average reader. Importantly, it does not assume a familarity with computer science theory, quantum physics, or any other technical field. Background knowledge akin to high school-level physics, math, and chemistry will be useful.

A few disclosures: I am an electrical engineer, not a quantum physicist. I don’t work for the quantum industry, and have tried to be as intellectually honest as possible when writing this work. Furthermore, this is 100% grass-fed human made text. This was all written in early-to-mid 2026, and may go out of date.

You can download the full text as a pdf or epub, or browse on this website.

About the author

Michael Solomentsev is an engineer, entrepreneur, and sometimes writer. He holds a PhD in electrical engineering from the University of Texas at Austin, and recently spent two years attempting to commercialize his research in advanced data center power architectures (via his startup, Palanquin Power). Michael is interested in novel technology and its diffusion to the market.

He has a website and blog. Inquiries, comments, or corrections are welcome via email.