Quantum information and computation

点击翻译按钮获取中文摘要

What are the ultimate limits that physics places on our ability to compute and process information? How can we most efficiently manipulate quantum states in order to maximize their computational power? What are the information-processing abilities of quantum states of matter? These fundamental questions guide my research program in quantum information science, an interdisciplinary subject using ideas and methods from physics, mathematics and computer science to study information and computation in light of quantum mechanics. When quantum effects are relevant, classical intuition breaks down. Quantum states naturally evolve with their environment, manifesting as noise that introduces errors. A key aspect of my research therefore aims to understand the best ways to correct these errors when communicating or computing. But quantum mechanics is not necessarily a nuisance. It is also possible to harness quantum effects to perform certain calculations, such as breaking cryptosystems and simulating physical systems, dramatically faster than any conventional computer. My research therefore also studies how best to take advantage of quantum mechanics to compute. This research is timely - an emerging quantum computing industry based on recent experimental advances is promising small quantum computers in the near future. It is less clear, however, when commercially viable scalable quantum computers will emerge. My research will make significant mathematical advances in order to accelerate this timescale by developing, on the one hand, more powerful methods for protecting quantum data, and on the other hand, new algorithms and applications. Current approaches to realizing quantum computation utilize a range of physical systems, from superconducting qubits based on conventional semiconductors, to exotic phases of matter that are intrinsically quantum mechanical. As the conventional approach is not likely to scale beyond hundreds of qubits, my research aims to gain a deeper understanding of the properties of exotic phases of quantum matter possessing topological order, so that we may be better equipped to use them in future quantum computers and other devices. By advancing specific research objectives towards the above three questions, we will obtain a deeper understanding of the ways that quantum information can be distributed, giving insight into the true physical nature of information. Unforeseen applications of deep mathematical theories will suggest new algorithms, uncovering new connections between research areas and offering new approaches to important mathematical problems. This research represents a unique opportunity to train HQP from a wide range of backgrounds in these aspects of quantum information science, equipping them with the necessary tools and knowledge to contribute to the upcoming quantum revolution.