How and What to Quantum Compute
Dave Bacon (Santa Fe Institute)
Colloquium
Thursday, February 24, 2005, 3:30 pm
EE-105
Abstract
Quantum computing represents the synthesis of fundamental quantum physics with concepts from computer science. It offers the possibility of exponentially enhanced information processing over any classical device. Since Peter Shor's 1994 discovery of a fast (polynomial time) quantum algorithm for integer factorization, the field of quantum information science has produced a diverse array of intellectual and experimental triumphs. In spite of these significant advances, many intriguing questions about quantum computers remain unresolved. In this talk I will introduce quantum computing and discuss two of the biggest questions in quantum computing: how does a quantum computer acquire its exponential power and, how, exactly, can we jumpstart a revolution in building a quantum computer? Unsurprisingly the answers I will give to these questions will draw insights from the vast knowledge base of theoretical and experimental physics, mathematics, engineering, and computer science. The talk will be accessible to practitioners from all of these fields and represents not just an opportunity to see the different fields interact, but also an invitation to participate in the intellectual and practical challenges of quantum information science.