Checking date: 26/03/2025 11:21:32


Course: 2025/2026

Introduction to quantum communications and computing
(18479)
Academic Program of Telecommunication Engineering via Bachelor in Telecommunication Technologies Engineering (Study Plan 2023) (Plan: 511 - Estudio: 252)


Coordinating teacher: VAZQUEZ VILAR, GONZALO

Department assigned to the subject: Signal and Communications Theory Department

Type: Electives
ECTS Credits: 3.0 ECTS

Course:
Semester:




Requirements (Subjects that are assumed to be known)
Students are expected to have a basic background in probability theory and linear algebra. Therefore, having passed the 1st year courses 'Statistics' and 'Lineal Algebra' is highly recommended.
Objectives
This course introduces the fundamental concepts of quantum communication and computing. Starting from an experimental basis, we will motivate why the classical theory of probability is not able to model certain real physical systems. We will present a generalization of the concept of probability that allows us to model these experiments, as well as their (unexpected) consequences. Among the applications in communications are quantum cryptography, the use of quantum entanglement and the teleportation protocol. We will study the underlying principles of quantum computers and we will learn to program them exploiting the quantum parallelism. Finally, the current state and the future perspectives of quantum technology will be discussed. Some of the specific objectives are to: - Understand the fundamental differences between classical and quantum probability theories. - Describe mathematically a quantum state of a single qubit and that of several qubits. - Know and use the axioms that govern the evolution and measurement of a quantum state. - Model and analyze simple quantum communication channels and their cryptographic guarantees. - Implement and analyze a quantum computing algorithm.
Learning Outcomes
C24_PAE: To apply and adapt technical knowledge and practical skills in the field of telecommunication engineering, participating in problem_solving and the development of solutions in a professional environment. KOPT_1: To know and understand in depth advanced technologies in the specific field of engineering and information and communication technologies, which constitute the state of the art in the area of study, including emerging trends and recent developments. KOPT_2: To interpret sources of scientific and technical information in order to deepen the knowledge of a specific area related to engineering and information and communication technologies. SOPT_1: Identify, assess their technical feasibility and apply advanced technological tools, methodologies and solutions used in the field of engineering and information and communication technologies to develop algorithms or systems integrating innovative and cutting_edge technologies. SOPT_2: Apply analytical and design methodologies to solve advanced problems in the field of engineering and information and communication technologies, and evaluate the performance and limitations of different technological approaches, proposing improvements and alternatives COPT_1: To conceive and develop projects that integrate advanced knowledge and provide innovative solutions in the field of engineering and information and communication technologies.
Description of contents: programme
Unit 1. Introduction 1.1. Historical remarks 1.2. The polarization of a photon Unit 2. Axioms of quantum mechanics 2.1. Binary quantum states and superposition 2.2. Combining systems: quantum entanglement 2.3. Evolution of a quantum system Unit 3. Quantum communications 3.1. Classical and quantum information 3.2. Modeling quantum channels 3.3. Communication protocols: teleportation 3.4. Quantum cryptography Unit 4. Quantum computing 4.1. Quantum computers and their programming paradigm 4.2. Quantum computing algorithms 4.3. Perspectives and future
Learning activities and methodology
· 11 sessions motivating the generalization of the classical probability theory, studying the model for quantum systems with illustrative examples, and presenting the different technologies and applications of the quantum paradigm. · 2 practical sessions to implement and analyze quantum systems and quantum protocols. · 1 practical session in which the students will develop and implement an quantum computing algorithm in a real quantum computer. Teaching material The material used in the course sessions will be uploaded to the platform Aula Global in electronic format. Before each session, the students will have available all the information and recommended reading for best understanding of the topic. Exercises will also be given to delve into the behavior of simple quantum systems and protocols. Some of the proposed exercises will be solved in the course sessions.
Assessment System
  • % end-of-term-examination/test 0
  • % of continuous assessment (assigments, laboratory, practicals...) 100

Calendar of Continuous assessment


Extraordinary call: regulations
Additional Bibliography
  • Eleanor Rieffel, Wolfgang Polak. Quantum Computing: A Gentle Introduction. The MIT Press. 2011

The course syllabus may change due academic events or other reasons.