Inaugural symposium of the Virginia Tech Center for Quantum Information Science and Engineering is not a debate about poetry – but the language used to describe the pioneering quantum research taking place across the university sometimes turns into verse:
Spin is entangled in flying photons / circling at infinite speed / described by a curve in six dimensions / moving blindly through barren plateaus of parametric states / kink equals infinite curvature / is this the quantum speed limit?
Such language was used by researchers to describe the current state and future possibilities of quantum research during a symposium on the Blacksburg campus last month.
“Together, we are exploring how quantum physics can be translated into develop new technologies and apply them in new ways.”
This rich quantum interest and expertise at Virginia Tech was evident in the range of departments and initiatives presented at the symposium, including a vibrant poster session in which a number of doctorates in the center. students and postdoctoral candidates presented their work.
Administratively housed within the Institute for Critical Technologies and Applied Sciences, the Virginia Tech Center for Quantum Information Science and Engineering collaborates with groups such as the Southwest Virginia node of the Federal Cyber Initiative, The Innovation Campus and the Center for Corporate Research are all investing in quantum research and infrastructure.
New quantum model
The past few decades of scientific discovery have revealed new insights into the behavior of physics at the quantum level, including phenomena that allow quantum technology to behave in fundamentally different ways than other technologies. in use today.
“Exploiting quantum behaviors could allow us to dramatically cut the number of computational steps needed to solve certain problems,” Economou said. “Besides enabling quantum computers, progress is being made on devices that can solve outstanding problems in physics, chemistry and beyond that elude even the most powerful supercomputers. cannot be resolved.”
Like cybersecurity or artificial intelligence, quantum science is an independent subject as well as a lens through which other subjects will be radically changed or transformed. For engineers and scientists, this exciting possibility can mean years of research – and they need each other to do it.
“The pattern is: Science asks why and engineering asks how,” Economou said. “Of course that has never really been true, but quantum science and technology requires a completely new paradigm.”
According to Economou, the best approach is collaboration.
“One of the exciting things about quantum at the moment is that it underpins so many different fields, which means that experts Experts in those fields can turn to quantum research.” Electrical and Computer Engineering and a member of the Virginia Tech quantum community. “This opens up new educational and career pathways for students as well as new research avenues for faculty.”
The emerging field of quantum science and engineering promises meaningful changes in almost every field – perhaps even in poetry.
At the symposium
The following researchers presented at the workshop:
- Ayush Asthanapostdoctoral researcher, Virginia Tech Department of Chemistry
Asthana spoke about her work on the foundation of quantum computing applications to advance molecular science. His group is exploring the possibility of using quantum computers to overcome the exponential scaling involved in simulating complex molecular systems.
- Ed Barnesprofessor, Virginia Tech Department of Physics, Virginia Tech Center for Quantum Information Science and Engineering
Control is relevant to all areas of quantum information science. Barnes discussed how the four main pillars of quantum technology rely on stable, high-quality quantum bits (qubits), which are the basic unit of quantum information. Barnes and his research team are working to improve control and noise reduction in quantum systems. - Paul Cazeauxassistant professor, Virginia Tech Department of Mathematics
Stacked layers of 2D materials, such as graphene, exhibit unusual properties that could be useful in certain applications. Cazeaux provided a high-level tour of some of the possible benefits of using these structures, including noise reduction and improved conductivity in quantum computers. - Gretchen Matthewsprofessor, Virginia Tech Department of Mathematics, Commonwealth Cyber Initiative in Southwest Virginia
Quantum algorithms break existing public-key cryptographic systems that protect our digital transactions. Matthews recounts the work she is doing on code-based encryption schemes to protect today’s computers from cyberattacks through large-scale quantum computing.
- Jaime Sikoraassistant professor, Virginia Tech Department of Computer Science
Distinguishing quantum states is a fundamental task in quantum information, but is it possible to distinguish which state a qubit is in? Are not IN? Sikora talked about this new twist on an old problem and how it can achieve the same result but is easier to solve. - Eva Takou, Ph.D. student, Virginia Tech Department of Physics
A quantum network is a series of quantum processors connected through optical fibers and switches. Takou covered some of the biggest challenges and potential solutions associated with large-scale quantum networks, including quantum information transmission between remote processors, fiber loss, and secure communications .
- Yes Warren, Ph.D. student, Virginia Tech Department of Physics
Quantum simulators can answer big questions about model systems, shedding light on difficult real-world problems. But even storing moderately sized quantum states is not feasible with today’s hardware. Warren discussed the work being done to translate simulations into quantum mechanics.
