Events

Robin Kothari

We provide a quantum algorithm for simulating the
dynamics of sparse Hamiltonians with complexity sublogarithmic in
the inverse error, an exponential improvement over previous methods.
Unlike previous approaches based on product formulas, the query
complexity is independent of the number of qubits acted on, and for
time-varying Hamiltonians, the gate complexity is logarithmic in the
norm of the derivative of the Hamiltonian. Our algorithm is based on
a significantly improved simulation of the continuous- and

Amir Jafari-Salim, IQC

In this talk, I will give a summary of my recent research on superconducting nanostructures for quantum detection of electromagnetic radiation. In this regard, electrodynamics of topological excitations in 1D superconducting nanowires and 2D superconducting nanostrips is investigated. Topological excitations in superconducting nanowires and nanostrips lead to crucial deviation from the bulk properties.

Takashi Imai, McMaster University

NMR (Nuclear Magnetic Resonance) is a versatile probe of condensed matter, and has a broad range of applications in chemistry, medicine (MRI), oil industry, etc. NMR has become so popular outside the conventional realm of physics that the crucial role NMR has been playing in condensed matter physics is sometimes overlooked. I will explain how condensed matter physicists use NMR as a powerful low energy probe of solids, drawing examples from modern research into statistical physics, magnetism, and superconductivity.

Michael Hilke, McGill University

We will review several proof of principle applications for graphene based devices performed in our group, including in field sensors, electronics, THz spectroscopy, spintronics, nanofluidics, and even musical instruments. We will then discuss the synthesis mechanism of graphene as well as the synthesis of very large single layered graphene monocrystals with various shapes, ranging from hexagons to fractals, dubbed graphlocons.

Magdalena Stobinska, University of Gdańsk/Polish Academy of Sciences, Warsaw

We discuss a device capable of filtering out two-mode states of light with mode populations differing by more than a certain threshold, while not revealing which mode is more populated. It would allow engineering of macroscopic quantum states of light in a way which is preserving specific superpositions. As a result, it would enhance optical phase estimation with these states. We propose an optical scheme, which is a relatively simple, albeit non-ideal, operational implementation of such a filter.

Raul Garcia-Patron, Max-Planck-Institut für Quantenoptik

Optical channels, such as fibers or free-space links, are ubiquitous in today's telecommunication networks. A complete physical model of these channels must necessarily take quantum effects into account in order to determine their ultimate performances. Specifically, Gaussian bosonic quantum channels have been extensively studied over the past decades given their importance for practical purposes.

David P. Pappas, NIST

Progress in the field of experimental quantum information processing has been steady over the past decade with important developments continuing to be made in the understanding, design, and measurement of systems at the quantum level. As the boundaries of these measurements are pushed, we are finding that surface and interfacial properties play an increasingly important role. In general, this field has benefitted immensely from advances in VLSI.

Omar Fawzi, McGill University

The goal of two-party cryptography is to enable Alice and Bob to solve tasks in cooperation even if they do not trust each other. Examples of such tasks include bit commitment, coin flipping and oblivious transfer. Unfortunately, it has been shown that even using quantum communication, none of these tasks can be implemented when the adversary is completely general.

David Elkouss, Universidad Complutense de Madrid

Xiaodong Xu, The University of Washington

Electronic valleys are extrema of Bloch energy bands in momentum space. Having multiple valleys gives the electron states pseudospin degrees of freedom in addition to their real spin. In this talk, I will discuss our experimental progress on the investigation of spins and pseudospins using atomically thin semiconductors, which are either single or bilayer group VI transition metal dichalcogenides.