NETWORK: Semantics of Quantum Computation

量子计算(更广泛地说，量子信息处理)已经成为物理学、计算机科学和数学交叉领域中一个令人兴奋的跨学科研究领域。基于量子物理定律的计算设备有可能极大地提高我们在算法和密码学方面的能力。前者涉及到设计有效的技术来解决计算问题；量子计算机有可能使以前难以解决的问题得以解决。后者对于安全的电子通信很重要；通过利用量子效应，有可能设计出绝对安全的密码系统，即使是量子计算机也无法破解。理论计算机科学家最近发现了几种新的令人兴奋的方法，将他们独特的技术应用于量子计算；重点不同于以前在密码学和算法设计方面的工作。这项活动包括设计和研究量子程序语言，以支持为量子计算机开发可靠的软件；开发量子逻辑以支持量子程序的验证；对量子力学基础的语义研究；基于语义的量子协议信息流分析；量子密码系统的形式描述和验证。这项研究的很大一部分是在英国进行的。这个网络的目的是在现有活动的基础上建立一个有凝聚力的社区，可以发展成为一个以英国为首的国际研究社区。

Quantum computation (more generally, quantum information processing)has become established as an exciting interdisciplinary research fieldat the intersection of physics, computer science and mathematics. Computing devices based on the laws of quantum physics have the potential to hugely increase our capabilities in both algorithmics and cryptography. The former concerns the design of efficient techniques for solving computational problems; it is possible that quantum computers will enable the solution of previously intractable problems. The latter is important for secure electronic communication; by harnessing quantum effects it is possible to devise absolutely secure cryptosystems, unbreakable even by quantum computers. Theoretical computer scientists have recently found several new and exciting ways to applytheir distinctive techniques to quantum computing; the emphasis is different from previous work on cryptography and algorithm design. Thisactivity includes the design and study of quantum programminglanguages, to support the development of reliable software for quantum computers; the development ofquantum logics to support verification of quantum programs; semanticstudies of the foundations of quantum mechanics; semantics-basedanalysis of information flow in quantum protocols; formalspecification and verification of quantum cryptographic systems. A substantial portion of this research is taking place in the UK. Thepurpose of this network is to build on the existing activity to establish a cohesive community that candevelop into a UK-led international research community.