Seminar

Dequantizing the Quantum Singular Value Transformation: Hardness and Applications to Quantum Chemistry and the Quantum PCP Conjecture

Sevag Gharibian, Paderborn University

The Quantum Singular Value Transformation (QSVT) is a recent technique that gives a unified framework to describe most quantum algorithms discovered so far, and may lead to the development of novel quantum algorithms. In this paper we investigate the hardness of classically simulating the QSVT.

Local-dimension-invariant stabilizer codes

Protection of quantum information is a central challenge in building a quantum computer. Quantum error-correcting codes can correct for logical errors that occur in the system. A particularly well-studied category is stabilizer codes, such as the 9-qubit Shor code, as these are the quantum analogue of classical additive codes. Qudits (particles with local-dimension greater than 2) have more computational basis states per particle than qubits and retain this feature in stabilizer codes.

Post-quantum security of the Even-Mansour cipher

Chen Bai, University of Maryland, College Park

The Even-Mansour cipher is a simple method for constructing a (keyed) pseudorandom permutation E from a public random permutation P: {0,1}^n ->{0,1}^n. It is a core ingredient in a wide array of symmetric-key constructions, including several lightweight cryptosystems presently under consideration for standardization by NIST.

Quantum sensors allow us to measure with incredible accuracy, precision and selectivity. Future quantum devices that achieve these ultimate sensing qualities by harnessing the complexities of atoms, photons and semiconductors will play a critical role in improving applications such as medical technology, radar, geological exploration, molecular imaging and more. 

Geometry of Banach spaces: a new route towards Position Based Cryptography

Aleksander Kubicki, University Complutense of Madrid

In this talk I will explain how some techniques coming from the local theory of Banach spaces can be used to obtain claims about the security of protocols for Position Based Cryptography.

Join us for Quantum Today, where we sit down with researchers from the University of Waterloo’s Institute for Quantum Computing (IQC) to talk about their work, its impact and where their research may lead.

Random quantum circuits transform local noise into global white noise

Alexander Dalzell, Caltech/AWS

We examine the distribution over measurement outcomes of noisy random quantum circuits in the low-fidelity regime. We will show that, for local noise that is sufficiently weak and unital, the output distribution p_noisy of typical circuits can be approximated by F*p_ideal + (1−F)*p_unif, where F is the probability that no local errors occur, p_ideal is the distribution that would arise if there were no errors, and p_unif is the uniform distribution.

Join us for Quantum Today, where we sit down with researchers from the University of Waterloo’s Institute for Quantum Computing (IQC) to talk about their work, its impact and where their research may lead.

Scientists of all backgrounds and genders, have made important contributions in science, technology, engineering and mathematics (STEM), but the participation of women remains low in many areas of STEM, including physics. What can we do to build an inclusive STEM community? Shohini Ghose, IQC associate and Director of the Laurier Centre for Women in Science (WinS) will discuss data that can shed light on where we stand today and describe a practical framework for increasing access and inclusion in STEM.

In partnership with the Kitchener Public Library, join John Donohue for a conversation with author and researcher Chad Orzel. They'll be talking about Orzel's latest book, A Brief History of Timekeeping.

About the book:
Sharp and engaging, A Brief History of Timekeeping is a story not just about the science of sundials, sandglasses, and mechanical clocks, but also the politics of calendars and time zones, the philosophy of measurement, and the nature of space and time itself.