Quantum Computing, Information, and Devices

Catalog description

An introduction to the math, physics, engineering, and computer science underlying the rapidly emerging fields of quantum computing, quantum information, and quantum devices. The course is taught by a group of faculty from physics, engineering, computer science, and math, and is geared towards students with diverse backgrounds and interests in these fields. Students will select a concentration in one of these four areas, and the coursework, while still covering all topics, will be adjusted to focus on the selected area in the most detail. Note that the listed prerequisites depend on choice of concentration. Topics will include: 1. (Mathematics) Introduction to linear algebra, convex geometry, fundamental theory of quantum information. 2. (Physics) Introduction to the quantum mechanics of two-level systems (qubits). Survey of physics and materials for qubit technologies. 3. (Computer Science) Basic quantum gates and circuits, introduction to the theory of algorithms, survey of quantum algorithms. 4. (Engineering) Quantum architectures, mapping algorithms onto circuits. The course consists of lectures, homework, and group projects. Group projects will aim to synthesize the diverse backgrounds of the students and instructors to capture the interdisciplinary nature of the field. Students taking the course for graduate credit will complete an additional literature research project and presentation, in addition to enhanced problem sets. Offered as CSDS 386 , CSDS 486 , ECSE 386 , ECSE 486 , MATH 386 , MATH 486 , PHYS 386 , and PHYS 486 . Prereq: PHYS 331 and ( MATH 223 or MATH 227 ) and ( MATH 224 or MATH 228 ) and ( ENGR 131 or CSDS 132 or ECSE 132 ) and ( PHYS 122 or PHYS 124 ).