Introduction to quantum science and technology

QUANT-400 / 5 credits

Teacher(s): Carleo Giuseppe, Charbon Edoardo, Ionescu Mihai Adrian, Macris Nicolas, Scarlino Pasquale

Language: English

Summary

A broad view of the diverse aspects of the field is provided: quantum physics, communication, quantum computation, simulation of physical systems, physics of qubit platforms, hardware technologies. Students will grasp the field as a whole and better orient themselves on specialized topics.

Content

Introduction (2 weeks):

  • Overview of the frontiers of quantum science, technology and applications.
  • Introduction to qubits, quantum states, measurements, evolution. Axiomatic formulation.
  • Illustration with two level systems, Bloch sphere, Spin, its manipulation in magnetic fields. Heisenberg and spin Hamiltonians, elementary gates. Coherence times.

Communication, information and computation (5 weeks)

  • Quantum communication: QKD, dense coding, teleportation.
  • Circuit model of computation.
  • Introduction to algorithms
  • Quantum simulation of physical systems (e.g. VQE, hybrid quantum-classical approaches)

Physics of qubit platforms (3 weeks):

  • Introduction to qubit platforms
  • superconducting qubits
  • trapped ions, spin qubits (time permitting)

Hardware technologies and applications (4 weeks):

  • Single electron transistors (SET) and fabrication technologies
  • Single electron memories (SEM)
  • Hybrid CMOS-SET for analog and sensing functions at cryogenic temperatures
  • The quantum stack, Quantum-classical interfaces
  • From fidelity to electronic circuit specifications
  • Cryogenic electronics to control quantum systems

Keywords

quantum bit, qubit, quantum information, quantum computation, algorithms, spin, quantum sensing, metrology, NISQ devices, cryogenic electronics, quantum-classical interface.

Learning Prerequisites

Required courses

  • Linear Algebra
  • Elementary physics classes

Learning Outcomes

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

  • Describe various frontier topics in quantum science and technology.
  • Illustrate quantum principles for simple systems
  • Recognize quantum computation models
  • Explain the simplest primitive communication protocols
  • Present current hardware technologies and their applications
  • Design electronics for quantum systems

Teaching methods

  • Ex-cathedra lectures
  • Exercices session

Assessment methods

  • Written exam

Supervision

Assistants Yes
Forum Yes

Resources

Bibliography

  • The physics of information technology / Gershenfeld
  • Quantum computation and quantum information / Nielsen and Chuang
  • Quantum computer science: an introduction /Mermin
  • Bharti, K., et al., 2022. Noisy intermediate-scale quantum algorithms. Rev. Mod. Phys. 94, 015004.

Ressources en bibliothèque

Prerequisite for

Classes in Quantum Science and Engineering

In the programs

  • Semester: Fall
  • Exam form: Written (winter session)
  • Subject examined: Introduction to quantum science and technology
  • Courses: 3 Hour(s) per week x 14 weeks
  • Exercises: 1 Hour(s) per week x 14 weeks
  • Type: optional
  • Semester: Fall
  • Exam form: Written (winter session)
  • Subject examined: Introduction to quantum science and technology
  • Courses: 3 Hour(s) per week x 14 weeks
  • Exercises: 1 Hour(s) per week x 14 weeks
  • Type: optional
  • Semester: Fall
  • Exam form: Written (winter session)
  • Subject examined: Introduction to quantum science and technology
  • Courses: 3 Hour(s) per week x 14 weeks
  • Exercises: 1 Hour(s) per week x 14 weeks
  • Type: optional
  • Semester: Fall
  • Exam form: Written (winter session)
  • Subject examined: Introduction to quantum science and technology
  • Courses: 3 Hour(s) per week x 14 weeks
  • Exercises: 1 Hour(s) per week x 14 weeks
  • Type: optional
  • Semester: Fall
  • Exam form: Written (winter session)
  • Subject examined: Introduction to quantum science and technology
  • Courses: 3 Hour(s) per week x 14 weeks
  • Exercises: 1 Hour(s) per week x 14 weeks
  • Type: optional

Reference week

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