Nuclear Magnetic Resonance: a quantum technology for computation and spectroscopy

In this article we consider nuclear magnetic resonance (NMR) as an example of a quantum technology; we consider in particular detail the implementation of quantum computers using NMR. We begin by outlining the physical principles underlying NMR, and give an introduction to the quantum mechanics involved. We next discuss the general characteristics of quantum technologies and the ways and extent to which these characteristics are expressed in NMR. We then give an introduction to the subject of quantum computation and its implementation using NMR. Finally, we describe some spectroscopy techniques which also exploit the quantum nature of NMR. ∗To whom correspondence may be addressed.