Duration
30h Th
Number of credits
| Master in physics, research focus | 4 crédits | |||
| Master in physics, teaching focus | 4 crédits | |||
| Master in physics, professional focus in medical radiophysics | 4 crédits |
Lecturer
Language(s) of instruction
English language
Organisation and examination
Teaching in the first semester, review in January
Schedule
Units courses prerequisite and corequisite
Prerequisite or corequisite units are presented within each program
Learning unit contents
Quantum information and computation have emerged as a new multi-disciplinary forefront of research which explores how quantum physics can be used to store, process, exchange and protect information, a crucial resource in our modern society. In the last few decades, it has indeed been shown that quantum physics could offer spectacular advantages and speed-up in information and computer sciences compared to the classical case, with potential applications in cybersecurity, finance, chemistry or medicine, to the extent that nowadays, a growing number of world-leading companies and start-ups are becoming concerned by the field.
This course is an introduction to quantum information and computation. It will cover the following topics:
- Introduction: classical VS quantum information and computation: The introduction consists of i) a reminder about classical information and computation concepts (classical bit, logic gate, ...) and of ii) a digest of quantum physics needed to understand quantum information and computation (quantum bit, quantum gate, quantum measurement, entanglement, ...). The differences between classical and quantum information are emphasised, and important notions related to the quantum case are introduced (no-cloning theorem, quantum parallelism, ...).
- Quantum circuits and algorithms: This chapter elaborates on the notions of computational complexity (P vs NP problem) and of quantum circuits. The goal is to present the main existing quantum algorithms (Shor, Grover, ...) and how they are able to solve specific problems more efficiently than the best known classical algorithms.
- Quantum error correction: This chapter discusses the notion of decoherence and how the errors induced by this phenomenon can be corrected via the use of different protocols.
- Quantum hardware and software: This chapter discusses what are the different existing physical platforms to perform quantum information processing tasks (trapped ions, superconducting qubits, cold atoms, photons, quantum dots, ...) and what are their own pros and cons. The current state-of-the-art is emphasised.
- Quantum cryptography: This chapter discusses how quantum mechanical properties can be exploited to exchange information securely. It presents a few basic protocols in this context.
- Hot topics: This chapter covers hot, even exotic, topics in the field (ex: quantum computers and cryptocurrencies)
- (on-line) seminars: to complement the lectures, a few external speakers working in quantum information and computing companies will be invited to present their day-to-day work, their career path, and their viewpoint about the development of quantum technologies.
Learning outcomes of the learning unit
The objectives of the course are the following:
- Make the students distinguish clearly the differences between classical and quantum information and computation
- Familiarise the students to the basic elements and the main results of quantum information and computation
- Teach the students how to use real quantum computers that are available online (IBM Quantum Experience)
- Make the students aware of the current challenges and opportunities in the field, both experimentally and theoretically
- Give the students the opportunity to meet and discuss with professional workers in the field
Prerequisite knowledge and skills
This course is intended for physicists (but also engineers, chemists, mathematicians and computer scientists) who would like to learn the basic elements of quantum information and computation either out of curiosity or as a basis for further work in quantum information and computing within companies or academia.
A basic quantum physics course is strongly recommended (PHYS3033-1 or PHYS0211-3).
Planned learning activities and teaching methods
The oral course will content 15 modules of 2 hours, including
- the online seminars
- one or two sessions about the use of quantum computers available online
Mode of delivery (face to face, distance learning, hybrid learning)
Blended learning
Course materials and recommended or required readings
The slides will be available online.
References and recommended readings:
- D. Mermin, Quantum Computer Science; An introduction (Cambridge Univiversity Press, 2007).
- M.A. Nielsen and I. L. Chuang, Quantum Computation and Quantum Information (Cambridge University Press, 2000).
- J. Preskill. Lecture notes for the course "Physics 219/Computer Science 219" at Caltech. URL: http://www.theory.caltech.edu/~preskill/ph219/index.html#lecture
- The IBM Quantum Experience, URL: https://quantum-computing.ibm.com/
Exam(s) in session
Any session
- In-person
oral exam
Additional information:
The evaluation will consist of an oral exam.
Before the exam, the students will receive a list of questions to prepare.
The day of the exam, the students will pick randomly one of the question of the list - which will contribute to the main part of the evaluation - and will be asked complementary questions.
Work placement(s)
Organisational remarks and main changes to the course
Contacts
François Damanet
Physics Department, I.P.N.A.S., Bât. B15
Allée du six Août, 10
B-4000 Sart Tilman
Email: fdamanet@uliege.be