Principles and Platforms of Quantum Technology
Course Overview
Quantum Technology harnesses the unique features of quantum mechanical systems, such as quantum superposition and entanglement, for devices that hold the promise to revolutionize future technologies in computing, communication, and sensing and deepen our understanding of the universe. This course provides a deep dive into several of the platforms used by practicing researchers to conduct Quantum Technology research.
This course is team-taught by four UNM faculty, each of whom conducts research in a sub-discipline of quantum information technology. The course is organized into four units of three weeks each, taught by each instructor, followed by student-led instruction.
This course is required for the QPAQT certificate and all QPAQT program students.
Course Goals
This course provides an overview of the platforms used by practicing researchers to conduct Quantum Technology research, with three goals:
- Building familiarity with and general knowledge of quantum science and technology platforms and experimental techniques. Special emphasis is given to the role of light in quantum technologies.
- Understanding the advantages and challenges of quantum systems for communication, sensing, computation, and metrology and the implementation in real physical systems.
- Preparing students to participate in research in experimental quantum research at UNM and in the quantum photonics and technology community.
Here is the syllabus for this course.
Textbooks, Supplies, Technology/Technical requirements
There is no required textbook. Students should have access to a computer that can run Mathematica or similar software to perform calculations and plot data.
Individual instructors may give students reading and may suggest useful reference texts related to their unit.
Course Schedule
This schedule is tentative and subject to change as the semester evolves.
| Week | Topic | Instructor | Dates |
| 1 | Introduction | Drake | 1/21 |
| 2 | NV Centers III | Acosta | 1/26, 1/28 |
| 3 | NV Centers III | Acosta | 2/2, 2/4 |
| 4 | NV Centers III | Acosta | 2/9, 2/11 |
| 5 | Laser Cooling I | Becerra | 2/16, 2/18 |
| 6 | Laser Cooling II | Becerra | 2/23, 2/25 |
| 7 | Laser Cooling III | Becerra | 3/2, 3/4 |
| 8 | Time and frequency metrology | Drake | 3/9, 3/11 |
| SPRING BREAK | |||
| 9 | Optical clocks and frequency combs | Drake | 3/23, 3/25 |
| 10 | Noise and stability | Drake | 3/30, 4/1 |
| 11 | Classical Bounds | Lidke | 4/8, 4/10 |
| 12 | Quantum Bounds | Lidke | 4/13, 4/15 |
| 13 | Examples of Optimal Measurements | Lidke | 4/20, 4/22 |
| 14 | Final presentations | 4/27, 4/29 | |
| 15 | Final presentations | 5/4, 5/6 | |
| Finals week | Final presentations | TBD (check UNM finals schedule) | |
Grading
The contribution to the final grade is as follows:
- Class participation (preparation and attendance): 15%
- 4 Assignments (one per module): 10% each
- Reports on 2 quantum talks: 10% (total)
- Final Presentation: 35%
Attendance is required and will be part of the class participation grade. However, you should of course not come in the case of contagious illness. In the event of illness, please let Drake know by email before class if you will not attend. These absences will be excused, within reason and if not in excess.
Homework
Student will complete one assignment from each of the four units:
- Assignment 1 (NV Centers) due 2/16
- Assignment 2 (Laser Cooling) due 3/9
- Assignment 3 (Clocks and Combs) due 4/6
- Assignment 4 (Quantum Imaging) due 4/27
Homework is due on the indicated Mondays before class begins. Homework assignments for a unit will be made available during the first week of that unit. Late homework will lose a letter grade for each day late and will not be accepted after five days. Please plan accordingly.
Attending external quantum-related talks:
Students are required to find two seminars to attend this semester related to some aspect of quantum technology, quantum science, quantum information, etc. You are required to turn in a report when you do so with the following information:
Before the talks: Write down a short list of 5 common threads and questions that you think will be relevant to any quantum technology seminar. (A good example: How does decoherence affect this system?)
During the talk: Take notes on how these questions/threads were answered/addressed. You can ask a question at the end of the talk to better understand.
After the talk: Write up a paragraph (~5 sentences) summarizing the talk. (Don't use the talk announcement blurb.) Then, write the answers to your questions. If you don't know, do some research in the literature and make an educated guess.
Turning in your assignment: Schedule a time with Prof. Drake to talk about the two seminars you attended. You will hand in your written report at this time as well.
Final Presentations
In pairs, students will give final presentations in the last two weeks of class and during finals week on a quantum technology NOT covered by the instructors.
You will be required to give a practice presentation to Prof. Drake outside of class time during the weeks of April 8th - 24th. Details on the expectations and grading of the presentations will be given in class and posted on the class website.
