2005-2006 Colloquium Series

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NAU Physical Sciences (Bldg 19, Rm 321), Monday, February 6, 2006, 4:00 PM
(Refreshments at 3:45pm)

A Brief Introduction to Quantum Information and Computation

Poul Jessen
University of Arizona

Abstract

The progress of modern nanoscience is pushing many types of devices towards atomic size, where they will ultimately enter the realm of quantum physics. What lies ahead, then, is not just a tiny version of our classical world, but a whole new world of quantum technology. Advances in quantum information science has shown that machines whose components and evolution are manifestly quantum can perform tasks that are impossible with classical devices, such as certain computations, secure communication, teleportation, and measurements with precision below the standard quantum limit.

In this lecture I will review some of the fundamental ideas behind quantum computation. This includes the relationship between quantum physics and information, the use of quantum systems as computers, and the requirements for useful quantum hardware. Following this, I will discuss some of the physical implementations of quantum computing that are currently pursued in laboratories across the world.

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