Quantum information
Overall Course Objectives
The laws of nature at the quantum scale are different than the laws of classical physics
experienced in everyday life. This difference can be exploited to improve information processing tasks and to enable new ones which are otherwise impossible. One striking example is the possibility for quantum computers which can solve certain tasks exponentially faster than any traditional computer. The aim of this course is to introduce you to the theory of quantum information, to give you an understanding of different quantum information protocols including quantum cryptography, quantum teleportation, and quantum computing, and to give you a little hands-on experience with state-of-the-art quantum technology locally and/or through cloud services.
See course description in Danish
Learning Objectives
- Recognise the notions of quantum superposition and entanglement in the context of quantum information.
- Question the nonlocal nature of reality; perform and interpret an experiment testing nonlocality.
- Discuss the concept of quantum communication including quantum teleportation and quantum repeaters.
- Compare different protocols for quantum key distribution and random number generation.
- Explain the main concepts of quantum computing, including gates, circuits, and error correction.
- Discuss various quantum algorithms, their implementation, and advantages over classical algorithms.
- Describe different quantum technologies for quantum information processing.
- Analyse, discuss and critique articles on quantum information experiments.
- Program a simple quantum computer program using one of the available development toolkits.
Course Content
The concept of quantum information will be introduced and discussed. Starting from the basic principles of quantum mechanics (superpositions, unitary transformations, and measurements), qubit states, entangled states, and mixed states will be rigorously discussed. Quantum information protocols such as quantum key distribution and quantum teleportation will be introduced. Bell’s inequality will be discussed and (if time allows) tested in the lab.
Another subject is quantum computing which includes the discussion of different single and two qubit gates as well as various algorithms including Shor’s factoring algorithm. The different physical technologies for the implementation of quantum information processing will be discussed. Finally, there will be hands-on computational exercises on programming a quantum computer, either by simulation or over the cloud.
Two to three topics (e.g. loophole-free Bell tests, Grover’s algorithm) will be studied in-depth through group work. The presentations of this will contribute to the student’s overall grade.
Recommended prerequisites
10102, or equivalent courses (basic quantum mechanics) are an advantage but not absolutely required
Teaching Method
Lectures, problem solving, quizzes, group work