NETWORK: Semantics of Quantum Computation

量子计算（更一般地说，量子信息处理）已经成为物理学、计算机科学和数学交叉的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。前者关注解决计算问题的有效技术设计；量子计算机有可能解决以前难以解决的问题。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，可以将他们独特的技术应用于量子计算；重点不同于以往的密码学和算法设计工作。这项活动包括设计和研究量子编程语言，以支持量子计算机可靠软件的开发；发展量子逻辑以支持量子程序的验证；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化规范与验证。这项研究的很大一部分是在英国进行的。该网络的目的是建立在现有活动的基础上，建立一个有凝聚力的社区，可以发展成为一个由英国领导的国际研究社区。

Quantum computation (more generally, quantum information processing) hasbecome established as an exciting interdisciplinary research field at theintersection of physics, computer science and mathematics. Computing devicesbased on the laws of quantum physics have the potential to hugely increase ourcapabilities in both algorithmics and cryptography. The former concerns thedesign of efficient techniques for solving computational problems; it ispossible that quantum computers will enable the solution of previouslyintractable problems. The latter is important for secure electroniccommunication; by harnessing quantum effects it is possible to deviseabsolutely secure cryptosystems, unbreakable even by quantum computers.Theoretical computer scientists have recently found several new and excitingways to apply their distinctive techniques to quantum computing; the emphasisis different from previous work on cryptography and algorithm design. Thisactivity includes the design and study of quantum programming languages, tosupport the development of reliable software for quantum computers; thedevelopment of quantum logics to support verification of quantum programs;semantic studies of the foundations of quantum mechanics; semantics-basedanalysis of information flow in quantum protocols; formal specification andverification of quantum cryptographic systems. A substantial portion of thisresearch is taking place in the UK. The purpose of this network is to build onthe existing activity to establish a cohesive community that can develop intoa UK-led international research community.