Events

Sergey Bravyi, IBM Research

Stoquastic Hamiltonians are characterized by the property that their off-diagonal matrix elements in the standard product basis are real and non-positive. Many interesting quantum models fall into this class including the Transverse field Ising Model (TIM), the Heisenberg model on bipartite graphs, and the bosonic Hubbard model.

Quantum algorithms exponentially faster than their classical equivalents exist for code breaking, quantum chemistry, knot theory, group theory, and are speculated to exist for diverse applications including machine learning and artificial intelligence. I review these applications and the current state of knowledge on how to build a practical quantum computer.

Alexander Szameit, Friedrich-Schiller-Universität Jena

I report about our recent achievements on integrated photonic quantum circuits. For the fabrication we use direct laser-inscription, which allows complex three-dimensional waveguide architectures on chip for using multiple degrees of freedom, in particular diffraction control and birefringence.

Genda Gu, Brookhaven National Laboratory

Gregor Weihs, Institut für Experimentalphysik, Universität Innsbruck

For fundamental tests of quantum physics as well as for quantum communications non-classical states of light are an important tool. In our research we focus on developing semiconductor-based and integrated sources of single photons and entangled photon pairs.

Jérémie Roland - Université Libre de Bruxelles

Feihu Xu, University of Toronto

In theory, quantum key distribution (QKD) provides information-theoretic security based on the laws of physics. Owing to the imperfections of real-life implementations, however, there is a big gap between the theory and practice of QKD. This gap has been recently exploited by several quantum hacking activities.

Electra Eleftheriadou, University of Strathclyde

In practical applications of communication schemes it is often necessary to amplify the transmitted signals. Because of the intrinsic noise due to Heisenberg's uncertainty principle, a quantum signal requires an amplification process which is different than the one used for classical signals.

Erika Andersson, Institute of Photonics and Quantum Sciences Heriot-Watt University

Digital signatures ensure that messages cannot be forged or tampered with. They are widely used to provide security for electronic communications, for example in financial transactions and electronic mail. Importantly, signed messages are also transferrable, meaning that if one recipient accepts a message as genuine, then she is guaranteed that others will also accept the same message if it is forwarded.