Syllabus and textbook
- Nielsen & Chuang (Mike & Ike), Quantum computation and quantum information, 10th anniversary ed., Cambridge University Press (Cambridge, 2010).?
Chapters: 1, 2, 3, 4.1-4.4, 5.1, 6.1, 7.1-7.2, 8.1-8.3, 9, 10.1-10.2, 11.1-11.3, 12.1, 12.6. - Weekly problem sets and midterm assignment.
- Content covered in lectures.
The course will largely follow the classic book by Mike & Ike, supplemented by additional details covered in the lectures when appropriate.?
The assigned sections may look scattered at first glance, but they follow a coherent conceptual progression: from mathematical and physical foundations, through qubits, composite systems, measurement, the quantum circuit model, quantum channels, quantum distance measures, and quantum entropy. We then give a small taste of a few selected applications and perspectives, such as brief algorithmic examples, physical implementation principles, quantum error correction, Bell's inequality, and quantum cryptography.?
Note that quantum algorithms, such as Shor's, are not the main focus of this course.?
Other resources
Other resources that you may find useful:
- Quantum Country (website) — Andy Matuschak and Michael Nielsen
https://quantum.country/
Reinforcement of core quantum mechanics/quantum computing principles via an interactive "mnemonic medium" designed to make the notation and concepts stick. - Quirk (drag-and-drop quantum circuit simulator) — Craig Gidney
https://algassert.com/quirk
Quantum circuit simulator for quickly exploring the behavior of a small quantum circuit. Everything runs in the browser. Drag gates onto the circuit, and the output displays will update in real time. - Essence of Linear Algebra (Youtube video playlist) — 3Blue1Brown
https://www.youtube.com/playlist?list=PLZHQObOWTQDPD3MizzM2xVFitgF8hE_ab
A visuals-first linear algebra refresher, including vectors, linear maps, and eigenvectors/eigenvalues. Can help rebuild intuition quickly if you need a refresher. Linear algebra underpins essentially everything in quantum information. - Quantum Information and Computation (Caltech lecture notes) — John Preskill
https://www.preskill.caltech.edu/ph229/
Classic physics-first lecture notes with a strong information-theoretic framing. A great complementary perspective to Mike & Ike. ?
Weekly teaching
- Lectures: 2 × 2 hours. The lectures will not be recorded. The lectures will assume that you have worked on the exercises from the previous week.
- Group sessions: 1 × 2 hours. Here you may work on exercises and ask questions about anything related to the course.
Weekly problem sets
The weekly problem sets are voluntary. Hints and solutions will be available. You are strongly encouraged to attempt the exercises before looking at the solutions—problem solving is essential for building understanding. Mike & Ike also contains many problems throughout the text. Some of these will appear in the weekly problem sets, and you are welcome to do additional problems as well.
The first problem set is labeled “0.” It is mainly a review of matrices and linear algebra in bra-ket notation. If you are not familiar with this material, you should spend time on it. If you are already comfortable with it, you can skim it as a quick check.
Midterm assignment
There will be a mandatory midterm assignment. We will select one exercise at random from the weekly problem sets, and you will explain in words how you would solve it. It is an advantage to have written solutions for the exercises available, both for the midterm discussion and for any questions you may have about the exercises in general. Note that the midterm evaluates whether you know how to approach the problem; if you have done the exercises, it is not necessary to memorize the solution or prepare a presentation.
Grading and exam
The grade is 100% determined by a final, written, pen-and-paper, on-site exam.?
Information
Information and announcements will be given through this course semester page. We will not use Canvas.