Technical workshops on topics in quantum-safe cryptography - 2013

Spring 2013: QIC 890 and 891

These short modules are designed for graduate students in Engineering, Mathematics, and Science participating in the CryptoWorks21 training program (NSERC CREATE Training Program in Building a Workforce for the Cryptographic Infrastructure of the 21st Century). These modules are also open to other students interested in quantum-safe cryptography.

Classes will take place at the Mike & Ophelia Lazaridis Quantum-Nano Centre at the University of Waterloo in Waterloo, Canada.

For academic credit

Students taking these modules for academic course requirements must submit a short final assignment at the end of each module. Typically, assignments will be due two weeks after the end of the module.

In order to complete QIC 891 for academic credit, students must complete 3 modules and a project.
In order to complete QIC 890 for academic credit, students must complete all 6 modules and a project.

Students who wish to complete Module 5: "Fundamentals of network security" for academic credit should contact Michele Mosca.

For CryptoWorks21 qualification

Students in the CryptoWorks21 training program may complete any of Modules 1-5 in order to prepare for a CryptoWorks21 technical skills qualification exam on the module topic. Technical skills qualification exams will take place at the end of each module.

Students may also count these modules, including assignments and final project, towards academic credit as part of QIC 890 or 891.

Modules

There are 6 modules available.

  1. Quantum cryptography tools
    • Instructors: Norbert Lütkenhaus and Gus Gutoski
    • Lectures: 18 June, 20 June, 30 July, 1 August 2013
    • Eligible for technical skill qualification.
  2. Fundamentals of cryptography
    • Instructors: David Jao and Douglas Stinson
    • Lectures: 29 July 2013
    • Eligible for technical skill qualification.
  3. Quantum communication devices
    • Instructors: Thomas Jennewein and Vadim Makarov
    • Lectures: 31 July, 1 August 2013
    • Eligible for technical skill qualification.
  4. Post-quantum cryptography
    • Instructor: Claude Crépeau
    • Lectures: 15-18 July 2013
    • Eligible for technical skill qualification.
  5. Fundamentals of network security
    • Instructor: Douglas Stebila
    • Lectures: 25-29 November 2013
    • Eligible for technical skill qualification.
  6. QCRYPT tutorials
    • Lectures: 5-9 August 2013
    • Not eligible for technical skill qualification.

Quantum cryptography protocols - 2013

Instructors: Norbert Lütkenhaus and Gus Gutoski

Date Time Location
18 June 2013,
20 June 2013		 1:00-2:20pm QNC 1201
30 July 2013,
1 August 2013		 1:40-4:50pm QNC 0101

This module is eligible for CryptoWorks21 technical skill qualification.

Abstract

“Topics in quantum cryptography”
Gus Gutoski

This module surveys topics listed in that program: random number generation, coin-tossing, impossibility of quantum bit commitment, and an introduction to quantum authentication schemes.

Assignment

The module assignment will be made available by the end of the module. It is typically due two weeks after the end of the module.

Please submit your completed assignments to Chin Lee. Hard copies can be dropped off at her office in QNC 3108. Electronic copies can be sent to Chin Lee's email.

Fundamentals of cryptography - 2013

Instructors: David Jao and Douglas Stinson

Date Time Location
29 July 2013 9:00am-12:10pm
1:40pm-4:50pm		 QNC 0101

This module is eligible for CryptoWorks21 technical skill qualification. Additional module details to be announced.

Assignment

The module assignment will be made available by the end of the module. It is typically due two weeks after the end of the module.

Please submit your completed assignments to Chin Lee. Hard copies can be dropped off at her office in QNC 3108. Electronic copies can be sent to Chin Lee's email.

Optical implementation of QKD - 2013

Instructors: Thomas Jennewein and Vadim Makarov

Date Time Location
31 July 2013
1 August 2013		 1:40pm-4:50pm
9:00am-12:10pm		 QNC 0101

This module is eligible for CryptoWorks21 technical skill qualification.

Abstract

Superconductors offer the unique advantage of ultra-low dissipation at high frequencies, high sensitivity to magnetic fields, extremely low signal dispersion and distortion as well as intrinsic quantum accuracy. These advantages combine to introduce superconducting circuits as one of the salient components for the implementation and realization of Quantum Information Processors at cryogenic temperatures. Therefore, designing, fabricating, engineering and characterization of proper microwave devices with superconductor materials are essential keys for QIP (Quantum Information Processing) researchers. In these four lectures, we cover fundamentals of microwave superconductivity, theory of microwave resonators and JJ-based (Josephson Junction) microwave devices for QIP applications. Basic knowledge of microwave engineering and superconductivity is recommended, but not necessary.

Assignment

The module assignment will be made available by the end of the module. It is typically due two weeks after the end of the module.

Please submit your completed assignments to Chin Lee. Hard copies can be dropped off at her office in QNC 3108. Electronic copies can be sent to Chin Lee's email.

Post-quantum cryptography - 2013

Instructor: Claude Crépeau

Date Time Location
15 July 2013-
18 July 2013		 1:00-2:20pm QNC 1201

This module is eligible for CryptoWorks21 technical skill qualification.

Lectures

Module 4 lecture videos are available online at YouTube.

Assignment

The module assignment will be made available by the end of the module. It is typically due two weeks after the end of the module.

Please submit your completed assignments to Chin Lee. Hard copies can be dropped off at her office in QNC 3108. Electronic copies can be sent to Chin Lee's email.

Fundamentals of network security - 2013

Instructors: Douglas Stebila

Date Time Location
25-29 November 2013 TBA  

This module is eligible for CryptoWorks21 technical skill qualification. Additional module details to be announced.

Assignment

The module assignment will be made available by the end of the module. It is typically due two weeks after the end of the module.

Please submit your completed assignments to Chin Lee. Hard copies can be dropped off at her office in QNC 3108. Electronic copies can be sent to Chin Lee's email.