Practical Realities of Quantum Computation and Quantum Communication is a four-week online course designed to provide an understanding of the practical realities and limitations involved in implementing quantum algorithms and quantum cryptography. The course is intended for professionals and leaders in business, government, and technology who seek to grasp the business and technical implications of quantum computing. It is also open to any participant interested in leading the quantum revolution within their field.
The course curriculum encompasses various topics, including quantum entanglement, quantum communication protocols, Heisenberg's uncertainty principle, the Einstein-Podolsky-Rosen paradox, challenges faced by realistic quantum information systems, and methods to mitigate these challenges. It is recommended that participants have a basic knowledge of vector and matrix multiplication, as linear algebra forms the core of quantum computing algorithms.
Throughout the course, learners will engage with video lectures, real-world case studies, interactive projects, practice activities with immediate feedback, and self-reflections with peer review. They will have the opportunity to utilize the IBM Quantum Experience, a real quantum computer, to implement and run benchmarking techniques for quantum noise analysis.
A faculty-led webinar will also be conducted, allowing learners to ask questions related to the course content and enabling instructors to provide additional insights based on their own experiences in advancing quantum computing.
The course is structured to equip learners with the necessary knowledge and skills to understand the practical challenges encountered when implementing quantum computing algorithms and quantum communication protocols on real-world systems. Topics covered include state and process tomography techniques, determining the fidelity of quantum bit states and quantum operations, and counteracting challenges faced in quantum computing.
Week one focuses on defining, quantifying, and representing noise, exploring its pervasive nature, and understanding its impact on quantum coherence and gate operations.
Week two delves into the practical challenges of quantum communication, examining the effects of photon loss on long-distance communication protocols and exploring methods to mitigate losses, such as quantum repeaters. Learners will also evaluate quantum entanglement as a physical resource.
Week three centers on the challenges and opportunities associated with implementing algorithms on intermediate-scale quantum computers (NISQ) that are currently in use. Quantum algorithms and benchmarking methodologies demonstrated at small scales will be introduced, along with the Harrow-Hassidim-Lloyd quantum algorithm for solving linear equations.
In the final week, learners will gain hands-on experience by testing the fidelity of quantum bits on the IBM Quantum Computer. They will establish benchmarks and use tomographic techniques to efficiently work with a quantum computer despite noise and decoherence. Additionally, learners will explore the gamification of quantum computing and the process of generating randomness.
By the end of the course, participants will become knowledgeable about the physical limits of quantum coherence times and quantum communication over optical fibers. They will be able to identify specific limitations of quantum computing and propose potential techniques to enhance and verify the fidelity of quantum bits.
The Course Schedule provides more detailed information on the specific topics covered each week.