Splash Biography

Quantum computers are emerging as some of the most exciting new pieces of technology of our generation. In theory, with a working quantum computer, one could simulate the unfolding of proteins to develop new medicines, break traditional encryption schemes that protect our data, or even gain insight into the origins of the universe and the big bang. In this class, we will discuss how quantum computers are fundamentally different from the computers that we use in our regular lives and what gives them the ability to accomplish these incredible tasks. In the second part of the course, we will discuss different designs and hardware platforms that are being used to actually build quantum computers. This class is absolutely open to all, so just come in with an excitement to learn about the weirdness and beauty of the quantum world!

In this class we will explore what makes quantum computing so special and how it can be used to beat normal computers at certain tasks. We will examine physical foundations including some information theory, qubits, superposition, quantum entanglement, and some simple example of quantum advantage. In the first class, we will introduce core concepts and notation used to describe quantum information and the ways that we can use it. We will cover quantum states, Bra-ket notation, superposition, the Bloch sphere, and entanglement. In the second class, we will shift to a more practical approach, looking at how quantum information is encoded and processed in real systems and how errors prevent us from scaling to the holy grail of 'practical' quantum computers. This class will introduce several different hardware configurations including, cold atom, trapped ion, and superconducting circuit architectures. The methods of application, and pros/cons will be discussed on a fundamental level for each system.

In this class we will explore what makes quantum computing so special and how it can be used to beat out a normal computer at certain tasks. We will examine physical foundations including some information theory, qubits, superposition, quantum entanglement, and some simple example of quantum advantage. If time allows, we may also get into some different ways that quantum computers are actually made!