If you are interested in the quantum universe you will find no better place for research and learning than the University of Waterloo, with its newly-opened Mike & Ophelia Lazaridis Quantum-Nano Centre (QNC).
Faculty in the Department of Combinatorics and Optimization focused on such topics as quantum cryptography work together with those in the Cheriton School of Computer Science investigating quantum information processing and others in the Department of Applied Mathematics unravelling the mathematical models necessary to comprehend the workings of quantum devices (in addition to connecting to researchers in Faculties of Science and Engineering).
The Institute for Quantum Computing (IQC) offers opportunities for researchers to connect in order to learn how to harness the quantum laws of nature to transform the way that information technology operates.
Within the Combinatorics and Optimization department, Andrew Childs, Debbie Leung (Canada Research Chair in Quantum Communications), Michele Mosca (University Research Chair and deputy director of the IQC) and Ashwin Nayak bring together expertise in quantum cryptography, the theory of quantum information and communication and quantum algorithms and complexity. Significant subtopics explored within context include fault tolerant quantum computation, quantum channel capacities, search via quantum walks and quantum key distribution.
Richard Cleve and John Watrous from the Cheriton School of Computer Science are focused on the theoretical aspects of quantum computing, including the design and analysis of quantum algorithms, cryptographic protocols and various related issues in information and complexity theory. Example topics that have been explored by these researchers include quantum interactive proof systems and zero-knowledge, quantum query algorithms and the theory of entanglement.
Joseph Emerson of the Applied Mathematics department has current projects involving quantum information science, foundations of quantum theory and quantum chaos. Also in Applied Mathematics, Achim Kempf is a Canada Research Chair in the Physics of Information. As a mathematical physicist, he explores how the laws of quantum theory produce a profound impact on the way that information can be represented and has interests as well in quantum cosmology. Robert Koenig in Applied Mathematics conducts research on quantum computation and quantum information theory.
With the QNC now complete, quantum computing researchers at UWaterloo have access to a state-of-the-art facility that is like no other in the world. With its highly collaborative environment and sophisticated laboratories, the centre will serve as a magnet, attracting stellar researchers from across the globe and further enhancing UWaterloo's status as a world leader in quantum information science. As one student who spoke at the QNC opening explained: "UWaterloo has put me at the forefront of my field and I cannot think of a better place to have pursued my education."
The University of Waterloo also offers a unique interdisciplinary graduate program in Quantum Information - at both the masters and PhD levels - launched as a joint effort between the Faculties of Mathematics, Science, and Engineering.