Welcome to Quantum Computation Laboratory!
The Quantum Computation Laboratory is one of five research laboratories in the Centre for Quantum Computation & Intelligent Systems (QCIS). The Lab researches and develops software for quantum computation.
Quantum computation research uses quantum theory to develop computer technology. Quantum theory explains the nature and behaviour of energy and matter at the quantum (or atomic and sub-atomic) level. The practical development of a quantum computer would provide a revolutionary breakthrough in computer technology, enabling billion-fold performance advances beyond classical computing. Following the laws of quantum physics, quantum computation will have the ability to operate in multiple states (eg. on, off, and both on and off), allowing it to perform tasks using all possible permutations simultaneously, thereby providing enormous processing power.
Quantum computation exploits the quantum mechanical nature of particles such as electrons and atomic nuclei, encoding information as quantum bits, or qubits, which can take on the values of 0 or 1 or both at the same time.
New software is required for quantum computers for error checking. Because of their atomic size, quantum computers will be highly susceptible to errors, so the question of how to correct errors will be extremely important.
Quantum encryption for hacker-proof communications security is already available for purchase. It enables detection by both sender and receiver of any attempted intercepts.
The Quantum Computation Lab has three key areas of research:
- Theoretical foundations for quantum computation
- Basic information processing problems in quantum information theory
- Understanding entanglement as a resource, and developing a quantitative theory about entanglement*
* Entanglement
Particles, such as photons, electrons, or qubits that have interacted with each other maintain a connection and may become entangled in pairs, in a process known as correlation. Quantum entanglement allows qubits that are separated by incredible distances to interact with each other immediately, in a communication that is not limited to the speed of light. Regardless of the distance between the correlated particles, they will remain entangled as long as they are isolated. Entanglement is a phenomenon which Einstein called it "spooky action at a distance". It has been demonstrated repeatedly through experimentation. The mechanism behind it has not yet been fully explained by any theory. One proposed theory suggests that all particles on earth were once compacted tightly together and, as a consequence, maintain a connectedness. Current research is directed towards how to utilise the potential of entanglement to develop systems for quantum cryptography and quantum computing.
