Checking date: 14/04/2023


Course: 2023/2024

Introduction to quantum communications and computing
(18479)
Bachelor in Telecommunication Technologies Engineering (Plan: 445 - 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.
Skills and learning outcomes
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 2.4. Bell¿s theorem 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. Programming a quantum computer 4.4. Perspectives and future
Learning activities and methodology
· 10 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 simulate simple quantum systems and quantum protocols. · 1 practical session in which it will be presented and evaluated the experimental setup of a secure communications link. · 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 0
  • % of continuous assessment (assigments, laboratory, practicals...) 100
Calendar of Continuous assessment
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.