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Introduction to Quantum Computing - PHY00020H

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  • Department: Physics
  • Module co-ordinator: Prof. Irene D'Amico
  • Credit value: 10 credits
  • Credit level: H
  • Academic year of delivery: 2022-23
    • See module specification for other years: 2021-22

Related modules

Pre-requisite modules

Co-requisite modules

  • None

Prohibited combinations

  • None

Module will run

Occurrence Teaching period
A Spring Term 2022-23

Module aims

The field of Quantum Computation has been expanding exponentially over the last decade. At its core is the idea of finding a physical system with the right characteristics to build the "quantum computer", a device which can improve computer performance to levels unreachable by standard (i.e. "classical") computer. There are proposals for quantum computers based on semiconductors, superconductors, cold ions or atoms, molecules in a solvent, fullerenes and so on. Each of the proposals has advantages and disadvantages, and has been partially tested experimentally. The requirements to build a quantum computer are experimentally very challenging, so that the experiments performed in this area are at the very edge of modern techniques. The "quantum computer" is in fact based on the smallest possible quantum system (the two-level system or "quantum-bit") and on exquisite quantum mechanical properties, such as state superposition.

The Introduction to Quantum Computation part of this module aims to provide an introduction to this booming research field.

Module learning outcomes

  • discuss the fundamentals of quantum computation: concept of quantum bit (qubit); single and two qubit gates; role of superposition principle (quantum parallelism); concept of entanglement; concept of density matrix and its properties; differences between pure and mixed states
  • understand and been able to use circuit representation of quantum gates
  • understand and describe some of the quantum algorithms and the basics of quantum-error correction
  • understand teleportation and describe the simplest teleportation protocol
  • describe the requirements for physical systems to be used as quantum computers;
  • understand the main physical limitations to quantum computation (decoherence and scalability); understand how decoherence influences density matrices
  • describe specific proposals on quantum computers
  • understand and describe some experimental results related to specific proposals
  • describe basic ideas behind one-way quantum computing

Module content

  • Fundamentals of quantum computation:
  • concept of quantum bit (qubit);
  • concept of basis set
  • examples of physical systems used as qubits;
  • Bloch sphere and single qubit representation
  • single qubit gates
  • Pauli matrices
  • circuit representation of single qubit gates
  • two qubit states: Dirac and vectorial representation
  • two qubit gates and their matrix representation
  • tensor product between qubit gates and between qubit states
  • circuit representation of two qubit gates
  • role of superposition principle (quantum parallelism);
  • concept of entanglement; differentiating between entangled and non-entangled states
  • Bell states; EPR paradox and Bell inequality; significance of Bell inequality for Quantum Mechanics
  • Concept of teleportation; teleportation protocol for one qubit
  • quantum circuits
  • improvements of quantum over standard 'classical' computation and problem complexity
  • concept of density matrix and its properties; concept and differences between pure and mixed states; density matrix and decoherence
  • Quantum algorithms
  • Concept of quantum error correction; three-qubit code error correction
  • Requirements for physical systems to be used as quantum computers: Di Vincenzo check list
  • physical systems proposed as quantum computers: ion trap quantum computer, quantum- dot-based quantum computer, silicon-based NMR quantum processor, liquid state NMR quantum processor
  • For each proposal: how two qubit gates translate into physical interactions; main physical limitations to quantum computation (decoherence and scalability)
  • Experiments related to specific proposals based on semiconductor structures.
  • Generalities on one-way quantum computation

Assessment

Task Length % of module mark
Essay/coursework
Introduction to Quantum Computing Assignment 1		 N/A 40
Essay/coursework
Introduction to Quantum Computing Assignment 2		 N/A 60

Special assessment rules

None

Reassessment

Task Length % of module mark
Essay/coursework
Introduction to Quantum Computing Assignment 1		 N/A 40
Essay/coursework
Introduction to Quantum Computing Assignment 2		 N/A 60

Module feedback

Our policy on how you receive feedback for formative and summative purposes is contained in our Department Handbook.

Indicative reading

Articles from literature:

M.A. Nielsen and I. L. Chuang: Quantum Computation and Quantum Information (Cambridge University Press)

N. D. Mermin: Quantum Computer Science (Cambridge University Press)


The information on this page is indicative of the module that is currently on offer. The University is constantly exploring ways to enhance and improve its degree programmes and therefore reserves the right to make variations to the content and method of delivery of modules, and to discontinue modules, if such action is reasonably considered to be necessary by the University. Where appropriate, the University will notify and consult with affected students in advance about any changes that are required in line with the University's policy on the Approval of Modifications to Existing Taught Programmes of Study.