Special Colloquium

Prof. Michael Biercuk, University of Sydney

"Quantum firmware: the importance of physical-layer control in quantum information processing"

4:00pm, RLM 11.204

Abstract: The field of quantum information has evolved rapidly over the past decade and much excitement has been generated by the growing number of controllable quantum bits – the fundamental carriers of quantum information – available in leading systems. Standing between these demonstrations and useful mesoscale quantum information processors lies a range of challenges focused on improving quantum hardware performance, and sitting at the interface of quantum physics and engineering. In this talk I describe our group’s efforts seeking to transform quantum coherent systems from novelties to useful technologies by driving advances in the control of quantum bits. Our experiments employ trapped atomic ions as a model quantum system, building on decades of research in atomic physics, plasma physics, and precision frequency metrology. I will highlight our work seeking to better understand coherent qubit dynamics, suppress errors in quantum logic using control theory and machine learning, and make quantum error correction practically useful in realistic lab settings. Our efforts touch on quantum computer science and architecture while also driving the development of advanced platforms for experiments in fundamental quantum physics. Through this discussion I will highlight the special role of University-based research in providing creative solutions to many of the most challenging problems in quantum information science.