Quantum computing and cryptography

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The early 20th century brought the creation of a new mathematical framework for physics, quantum mechanics. A broad array of physical theories has been developed within this new framework and tested with remarkable accuracy. By the end of the 20th century, scientists had achieved control over quantum phenomena with increasing precision. The degree to which quantum phenomena have been controlled to date is still rather limited in comparison with what we believe is possible. One of the greatest challenges of the 21st century will be to fully harness the power of quantum mechanics. We know that capitalizing on uniquely quantum phenomena, such as superposition and entanglement, will enable extraordinary leaps in technology enabling unbreakable cryptographic techniques, ultra-precise sensors, and powerful quantum computers that can solve some problems widely believed to be intractable on conventional “classical” devices. Just as scientists in the 1940s had very little idea about the applications and impact computers would have on society, we have likely only scratched the surface of the capabilities of this new form of information processing. My proposed research program covers two interconnected themes. The first theme supports the long-term vision of using quantum computers to solve important problems that are intractable using the best-known classical solutions. We will explore fertile territory for finding new quantum algorithmic tools including deep mathematical problems underlying some important cryptographic schemes. We will also explore a rich set of challenges underlying the efficient translation of high-level quantum algorithms into realistic computing systems. New quantum algorithms, new applications, and their efficient implementations, will broaden and deepen the effectiveness of quantum computers at solving important computational problems we otherwise could not solve. We are also sowing the seeds for a future “quantum software” industry, which is needed in order to control and operate the growing array of quantum devices. The second theme supports the long-term vision of deploying the next-generation cryptographic infrastructure that will be secure against quantum attacks. In a future with quantum computing technologies, being “quantum-safe” is a necessary part of being cyber-safe. Our work includes finding new applications of quantum technologies for ultra-secure cryptography and security applications. Developing quantum algorithms is a necessary part of designing classical cryptographic tools safe against what we believe are feasible quantum or classical attacks. These two families of tools work alongside each other to provide a range of features to cryptography solution seekers. Our work includes developing useful hybrid applications of quantum and classical cryptographic tools, and the integration and migration of quantum-safe cryptographic tools into the deployed cryptography infrastructure. We will continue to train next-generation cryptographers ready to develop, deploy and use quantum-safe cryptographic tools, in collaboration with partners in industry and government, including international standards organizations. This research program will tackle deep mathematical and computing challenges at the core of harnessing quantum physics to solve important computational and cryptographic problems. Students and postdoctoral researchers will acquire deep technical skills and knowledge as they make new discoveries and find ways to apply them to solve important problems. They will understand the potential uses of their knowledge and skills in non-academic sectors, and gain experience communicating their work in quantum computing and cryptography, and its significance, to academia, government and industry.