Welcome to the Institute for Quantum Computing
News
Waterloo researchers make a significant step towards reliably processing quantum information
Using laser light, researchers have developed the most robust method currently known to control individual qubits made of the chemical element barium. The ability to reliably control a qubit is an important achievement for realizing future functional quantum computers.
Researchers propose technique to detect microwave photons using point defects in diamond
Many experiments in quantum information processing rely on our ability to transmit, manipulate, or detect photons. In these applications, the wavelength of photons being detected can range from the infrared and visible light used in optical communication systems, to the microwave photons that superconducting quantum devices respond to. While a wide range of detectors are available for optical photons, detecting microwave photons is significantly more challenging due to the much lower energies of individual photons compared to the level of noise, including background light, in the world around us.
IQC Researchers receive funding in support of cutting-edge quantum projects
Six researchers from the Institute for Quantum Computing (IQC) have been awarded funding this week through the Natural Sciences and Engineering Research Council of Canada (NSERC) for their projects in quantum information science and technology.
Events
Integration of Optical Ground Stations for satellite-based Quantum Key Distribution into a quantum network
IQC Seminar - Stefanie Haeusler, Department of Optical Satellite Links, Institute of Communications and Navigation, Germany
Quantum Nano Centre, 200 University Ave W, Room QNC 1201 Waterloo, ON, CA N2L 3G1
Quantum Key Distribution (QKD) is a promising method to guarantee future-proof, information theoretic security. Since optical fibers have an exponential loss with distance, satellite-based QKD solutions are being developed in order to realize long-distance links. Therefore, Optical Ground Stations for QKD (QKD-OGS) need to be designed to enable quantum communication with satellites. Different link configurations will result in different integration options of the QKD-OGS in the terrestrial fiber network and therefore impact its performance. Applicable integration options are identified and discussed.
Beyond the Pipeline: Fostering Equity in Our Quantum Future
Kim de Laat, University of Waterloo
Quantum Nano Centre (QNC) Room 0101, 200 University Avenue West, Waterloo, ON
The field of quantum computing has a unique opportunity to pre-empt many of the inequities that have riddled AI and computer science. But radical technologies require new, radical solutions. In this talk, I take issue with the leaky pipeline metaphor as a way of structuring policy interventions concerning inequality in STEM fields. I outline three reasons why overreliance on the leaky pipeline metaphor is problematic: (1) it does not accurately represent the phenomenon it is meant to describe; (2) it is incomplete; and (3) it does not capture the full heterogeneity of experiences with inequality in STEM disciplines. I conclude the talk by sharing feedback from the quantum technology community concerning potential pitfalls in the pursuit of equity in quantum, and what we can do about it.