Abstract
We discuss quantum information processing machines. We start with single purpose machines that either redistribute quantum information or identify quantum states. We then move on to machines that can perform a number of functions, with the function they perform being determined by a program, which is itself a quantum state. Examples of both deterministic and probabilistic programmable machines are given, and we conclude with a discussion of the utility of quantum programs.
Acknowledgements
This work was supported by the European Union projects HIP and QAP, by Slovak grant agencies APVV and VEGA via projects RPEU-0014-06 and 2/0092/09, respectively.