Learning outcomes

Understanding of fundamental notions of quantum information: superposition, entanglement, contextuality, entropy

Mastery of quantum states: qubits, density operator, reduced density operator

Essential tools of quantum state geometry: Bloch sphere, geometric phases, distance between states

Von Neumann model of quantum measurement and notion of post-selection

Contextualizing difficulties in interpreting quantum phenomena

Goals

Master the essential physical concepts associated with the growing importance of information and entanglement in quantum mechanics. In-depth study of the formalization and modeling of measurement in quantum mechanics. Examine a number of key questions concerning the foundations of quantum mechanics (non-relativistic) and the difficulties associated with its interpretation.

Content

Quantum measurement models

Strong and weak quantum measurements

Qubits, Bloch sphere, density matrix

Quantum gates

Quantum information

Entropy

Quantum algorithms and computers

Quantum communications and cryptography

Quantum paradoxes

Entanglement and Bell's inequality

Geometric phase

Contextuality

 

Teaching methods

Lecture

Assessment method

Assessment method to be determined during the year in consultation with the students (the assessment method is the same for all students): standard oral examination (typically two randomly selected questions with preparation time) or oral presentation of a written personal work followed by some questions on the work and its links with the course.

 

Sources, references and any support material

Quantum computation and quantum information. Nielsen and Chuang. Cambridge University Press 

Quantum information. Wilde. Cambridge University Press 

Quantum theory: concepts and methods. Asher Peres. Kluwer

Quantum Paradoxes: Quantum Theory for the Perplexed. Yakir Aharonov, Daniel Rohrlich. Wiley

 

Language of instruction

French