SC271 Quantum Information—Technologies and Applications

Sunday, May 16, 2010
2:00 p.m.–6:00 p.m.
Prem Kumar¹, Paul Toliver²; ¹Northwestern Univ., USA, ²Telcordia, USA
Level: Advanced Beginner (basic understanding of topic is necessary to follow course material)


Course Description

This course will contrast quantum information with classical information and thus introduce the differences between quantum communications and classical communications. The concept of entanglement will be introduced and its essential role in quantum communications will be elucidated by examining the teleportation protocols that have been practically demonstrated. Facts will be delineated from fiction, as implied by the phrase “Beam me up Scotty” in the transporter of Star Trek.

The course will then describe the various technologies that are maturing rapidly for the practical realization of quantum communications. Techniques for generating and distributing entanglement in the near infrared part of the optical spectrum for free-space applications and in the 1500nm wavelength band for applications over the standard optical fiber will be described. Particular emphasis will be placed on the application of quantum communications to quantum cryptography, although a brief overview of the application to quantum computation will also be presented. In the context of quantum cryptography, the objective of key generation/distribution will be differentiated from that of direct data encryption at high speeds. Both single-photon based quantum key distribution approaches and high data-rate quantum data encryption techniques will be described.

Recent progress in demonstrations of the various technologies in real-world scenarios, both fiber based and using free-space optical links, will be presented. The course will also examine commercial activity in quantum cryptography as well as the issues of compatibility with conventional optical networking technologies. It will conclude with an outlook on the possible adoption of the quantum technologies in future optical networks.


Benefits and Learning Objectives

This course should enable you to:

  • Compare and contrast quantum communication versus classical communication.
  • Understand the concept of entanglement and its role in quantum communication.
  • Differentiate fact from fiction in the context of upcoming quantum technologies.
  • Learn techniques for generating entanglement in the various optical bands.
  • Get up to date on the upcoming practicality of quantum cryptography for free-space, as well as fiber-based, optical networks.
  • Explore new applications of conventional technologies with knowledge of the current status of research and commercial activities in quantum technologies.

Intended Audience

The audience may include optical networking and optoelectronic technology researchers with an interest in quantum communications, as well as managers of research groups and engineers who want a glimpse into the new and forward-looking technologies in the optical arena. An undergraduate-level understanding of quantum mechanics would be helpful.


Biography

Prem Kumar is the AT&T Professor of Information Technology and director of the Center for Photonic Communication and Computing at Northwestern University. He received a doctorate in physics from SUNY at Buffalo in 1980. His research focuses on developing novel devices for optical and quantum communication networks. He is a Fellow of the OSA, APS and IEEE. In 2006 he received the Walder Research Excellence Award from Northwestern University and in 2004 he received the International Quantum Communication Award from Tamagawa University in Japan. He is the founder of NuCrypt LLC, which commercializes quantum encryption technology for optical networks.

Paul Toliver is a senior scientist at Telcordia. He received his BS from the University of Wisconsin and his PhD from Princeton University, both in electrical engineering. His research interests span a wide spectrum of optical technologies including high-speed communications, optical signal processing, optical code division systems, quantum communications and security in optical networks. He currently serves on the LEOS and OFC conference program committees.