A quantum computer stores and processes information in the states of quantum systems, exploiting superposition and entanglement. This enables it to tackle problems, from simulating molecules to breaking modern encryption, that are typically intractable for a classical computer. As of now, the hardware that will make this possible is still being invented, and a clear winner is yet to be decided. Among the leading candidates are two very different platforms: the magnetic orientation of a single electron trapped in a semiconductor, and the oscillating current in a superconducting circuit. This talk gives a high-level introduction to quantum computing and its experimental realization in these two platforms.
Join us on Friday, Sept. 18, for this exciting presentation from Haifeng Qiao '16, a quantum research scientist at Amazon Web Services. Lunch will be available in Hayes 216 from 11:45 a.m. to 12:15 p.m., and the presentation will begin in Hayes 211/213 at 12:10 p.m. We hope to see you there!