Checking date: 17/01/2025


Course: 2024/2025

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
CB1: Students have demonstrated possession and understanding of knowledge in an area of study that builds on the foundation of general secondary education, and is usually at a level that, while relying on advanced textbooks, also includes some aspects that involve knowledge from the cutting edge of their field of study CB2: Students are able to apply their knowledge to their work or vocation in a professional manner and possess the competences usually demonstrated through the development and defence of arguments and problem solving within their field of study. CG3: Knowledge of basic and technological subject areas which enable acquisition of new methods and technologies, as well as endowing the technical engineer with the versatility necessary to adapt to any new situation. ECRT1: Ability to learn and acquire autonomously the requisite new knowledge for the design, development and utilization of telecommunication systems and services. ETEGITT1: Ability to construct, use and manage telecommunication networks, services, processes and applications, such as systems for capture, transport, representation, processing, storage, and multimedia information presentation and management, from the point of view of transmission systems. RA1: Knowledge and understanding of the general fundamentals of engineering, scientific and mathematical principles, as well as those of their branch or specialty, including some knowledge at the forefront of their field. RA3: Design. Graduates will have the ability to make engineering designs according to their level of knowledge and understanding, working as a team. Design encompasses devices, processes, methods and objects, and specifications that are broader than strictly technical, including social awareness, health and safety, environmental and commercial considerations RA5: Applications. Graduates will have the ability to apply their knowledge and understanding to solve problems, conduct research, and design engineering devices or processes. These skills include knowledge, use and limitations of materials, computer models, process engineering, equipment, practical work, technical literature and information sources. They must be aware  of all the implications of engineering practice: ethical, environmental, commercial and industrial. RA6: Generic competences. Graduates will have the generic skills necessary for engineering practice, and which are widely applicable. First, to work effectively, both individually and as a team, as well as to communicate effectively. In addition, demonstrate awareness of the responsibility of engineering practice, social and environmental impact, and commitment to professional ethics, responsibility and standards of engineering practice. They must also have knowledge of business and project management practices, as well as risk management and control, and understand their limitations. Finally, have the capacity for continuous learning.
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 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.