Introduction to quantum information processing

Summary

Information is processed in physical devices. In the quantum regime the concept of classical bit is replaced by the quantum bit. We introduce quantum principles, and then quantum communications, key distribution, quantum entropy, and spin dynamics. No prior knowledge of quantum physics is required.

Content

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Keywords

Polarization, spin, measurement, quantum bit, entanglement, key distribution, teleportaion, dense coding, Von Neumann entropy, spin dynamics.

Learning Prerequisites

Required courses

Linear algebra, basic probability

Important concepts to start the course

Vectors, matrices, eigenvalues, eigenvectors, projectors, inner product, algebraic manipulation of complex numbers, discrete probability distribution.

Learning Outcomes

By the end of the course, the student must be able to:

• Describe principles of quantum physics
• Illustrate quantum bits with photon polarization and spin
• Explain basic communication protocols like key distribution, dense coding, teleportation
• Describe how to manipulate qubits with magnetic fields
• Define quantum entropies and list basic properties
• Use IBM Q NISQ devices

Teaching methods

Ex cathedra lectures, exercise session, practical implementationns typically with IBM Q machines.

Expected student activities

Participation in class, homeworks, hands-on exercises on IBM-Q.

Assessment methods

• miniprojet
• Graded homeworks
• Final written exam

Supervision

Office hours	No
Assistants	Yes
Forum	Yes
Others	Assistants are in exercise session

Resources

Virtual desktop infrastructure (VDI)

No

Bibliography

David Mermin, Quantum computer science, An introduction, Cambridge university press 2000. Written for computer science students with no knowledge of physics.

Michel Le Bellac, A short introduction to quantum information and quantum computation,
Cambridge University Press. A pedagogic book with an elementary introduction to the physics of the subject.

Neil Gershenfeld. The physics of information technology. Cambridge University Press. On basic information technologies useful in computer science, classical communications and quantum aspects.

Ressources en bibliothèque

• Quantum computer science / Mermin
• A short introduction to quantum information and quantum computation / Le Bellac
• The physics of information technology / Gershenfeld

Notes/Handbook

Yes, on web site

Moodle Link

• https://go.epfl.ch/COM-309

Prerequisite for

Classes in Quantum Science and Engineering