The course provides an introduction to quantum computing. Given the interdisciplinary nature of the subject, the first part provides the necessary background in physics, illustrating the phenomena that led to the crisis of classical physics and the birth of quantum mechanics.In the second part we examine the mathematical formalism used to describe the phenomena underlying quantum computation. And finally, in the third, part we address the IT aspect by illustrating the concept of qubits and the main quantum gates. Simple circuits will also be illustrated using both simulators and quantum computers.

01. The wave nature of light
01.01 Electromagnetic waves
01.02 Energy and momentum of an electromagnetic wave
01.03 Sources of electromagnetic radiation
01.04 Spectrum of electromagnetic waves
01.05 Interference of light waves
01.06 Young's experiment
01.07 Diffraction
01.08 Polarization of light

02. Waves and Particles
02.01 The spectrum of the black body
02.02 Planck's law
02.03 Photons and the photoelectric effect
02.04 Compton effect
02.05 Light, wave or particle?
02.06 Spectral lines of the hydrogen atom
02.07 Bohr's atom
02.08 De Broglie's formula
02.09 Standing waves

03. The quantum world
03.01 The principle of complementarity
03.02 Heisenberg's uncertainty principle
03.03 The wave function, the Schrödinger equation
03.04 The principle of superposition
03.05 The problem of measurement and Schrödinger's cat
03.06 Experiments which way
03.07 Entanglement and EPR paradox
03.08 Bell inequalities

04. Recall on Vector Spaces
04.01 Hilbert spaces
04.02 Bases
04.03 Operators
04.04 Eigenvalues ​​and eigenvectors
04.05 Tensor product
04.06 The postulates of quantum mechanics

05. Quantum Computing
05.01 Quantum computers
05.02 From bit to qubit
05.03 Bloch Sphere
05.04 Multiple qubit states
05.05 Logic quantum gates
05.06 Examples of simple quantum circuits
05.07 No cloning theorem
05.08 Quantum teleportation
05.09 Superdense coding
05.10 Simulation of quantum circuits with Qiskit

Although there are no mandatory prerequisites for this exam, students are strongly encouraged to take it after the exams of: General Physics and Linear Algebra.

Knowledge and understanding:
At the end of the course, students will have to demonstrate critical understanding of the issues of modern physics underlying quantum computation, understanding the limits and advantages of this new paradigm compared to classical computation.

Applying knowledge and understanding:
Students will become familiar with quantum programming techniques and must be able to apply them to the resolution of simple problems. The ability to create simple quantum circuits will be developed and refined in exercises on simulators and remote hardware using development platforms such as IBM's Qiskit.

Making judgments:
Students will be able to apply what they have learned to understand and solve new problems related to quantum computing. The critical discussions in the classroom and the exercises will serve to stimulate and develop the student's independent judgement.

Communication skills:
Students will acquire the ability to express the fundamental concepts of quantum mechanics and quantum computing with appropriate and rigorous terminology.

Learning skills:
Students will acquire the ability to independently study and delve deeper into the topics covered in the course through scientific texts and publications

The teaching material prepared by the lecturer in addition to recommended textbooks (such as for instance slides, lecture notes, exercises, bibliography) and communications from the lecturer specific to the course can be found inside the Moodle platform › blended.uniurb.it

Teaching

Frontal lessons and computer exercises

Attendance

Although recommended, attendance of this course is not mandatory.

Course books

For the physics and algebra of vector spaces: handouts provided by the teacher"

Introduction to Quantum computing, R. LaPierre, Springer Nature Switzerland AG, 2021
Fundamentals of Quantum Computing: Theory and Practice, V. Kasirajan, Springer, 2021
This book is available online at:
https://link.springer.com/book/10.1007/978-3-030-63689-0

Assessment

Oral exam. The evaluation of the oral exam considers the knowledge acquired, the understanding of the subject, and the ability to rigorously present the topic covered.

Disability and Specific Learning Disorders (SLD)

Students who have registered their disability certification or SLD certification with the Inclusion and Right to Study Office can request to use conceptual maps (for keywords) during exams.

To this end, it is necessary to send the maps, two weeks before the exam date, to the course instructor, who will verify their compliance with the university guidelines and may request modifications.

Teaching

As for attendees.

Attendance

As for attendees.

Course books

As for attendees.

Assessment

As for attendees.

Disability and Specific Learning Disorders (SLD)

Students who have registered their disability certification or SLD certification with the Inclusion and Right to Study Office can request to use conceptual maps (for keywords) during exams.

To this end, it is necessary to send the maps, two weeks before the exam date, to the course instructor, who will verify their compliance with the university guidelines and may request modifications.