Checking date: 15/05/2020


Course: 2019/2020

Introduction to quantum communications and computing
(18502)
Bachelor in Sound and Image Engineering (Plan: 441 - Estudio: 214)


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.
- 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 of a quantum system. - Know and use the axioms that govern the measurement of a quantum state. - Model and analyze simple quantum communication channels. - Interpret a quantum computing protocol and understand the resources that it requires.
Description of contents: programme
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. The new quantum theory of probability will then be used to analyze several simple problems, including the transmission of information, the distribution of quantum entanglement and the teleportation protocol. Finally, the current state of the technology and its future perspectives will be discussed. · Contents Unit 1. Introduction: bits versus qubits 1.1. What is a qubit? 1.2. Quantum states 1.3. Experiments and quantum systems Unit 2. Axioms of quantum mechanics 2.1. Principles of quantum mechanics 2.2. Combining systems: quantum entanglement 2.3. Experimental verification: Bell¿s inequality 2.4. Time and evolution of a system Unit 3. Quantum communications 3.1. Modeling quantum channels 3.2. Classical versus quantum information 3.3. Communication protocols: polarization and entanglement 3.4. Secure link Alice-Bob-Eve Unit 4. Quantum computation 4.1. Resources and tasks 4.2. Teleportation 4.3. Protocols: entanglement distribution and super-dense coding 4.4. Quantum computers: state of the art
Learning activities and methodology
- 8 theoretical sessions presenting the generalization of the classical probability theory, basic concepts of quantum mechanics and illustrative examples. - 4 practical sessions to simulate simple quantum systems and quantum protocols. - 2 sessions in which it will be presented and evaluated the experimental setup of a secure communications link. · 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 the best understanding of the session. Exercises will also be given, some of which will be solved in practical sessions.
Assessment System
  • % end-of-term-examination 0
  • % of continuous assessment (assigments, laboratory, practicals...) 100

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.