41171 Quantum Computer Architectures
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Credit points: 6 cp
Subject level:
Undergraduate
Result type: Grade and marksRequisite(s): 41076 Methods in Quantum Computing
Description
Quantum computers gain an exponential advantage over classical devices because their processors are built from quantum mechanical systems. The development of quantum architectures is a highly interdisciplinary topic, merging aspects of physics, information theory, computer science, and control theory. In this subject, students will learn the theory of how quantum processors work, the different approaches taken to building quantum processors, and the techniques utilized for the control and characterization of quantum computers.
Subject learning objectives (SLOs)
Upon successful completion of this subject students should be able to:
| 1. | Communicate effectively across a wide class of physical quantum technology platforms with hardware and software engineers of disparate backgrounds. (E.1) |
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| 2. | Design control methods and circuit structures across all major quantum platforms to perform computation and communication tasks. (D.1) |
| 3. | Design quantum computing architectures taking into account the constraints of different physical systems. (C.1) |
Course intended learning outcomes (CILOs)
This subject also contributes specifically to the development of the following Course Intended Learning Outcomes (CILOs):
- Design Oriented: FEIT graduates apply problem solving, design and decision-making methodologies to develop components, systems and processes to meet specified requirements. (C.1)
- Technically Proficient: FEIT graduates apply abstraction, mathematics and discipline fundamentals, software, tools and techniques to evaluate, implement and operate systems. (D.1)
- Collaborative and Communicative: FEIT graduates work as an effective member or leader of diverse teams, communicating effectively and operating within cross-disciplinary and cross-cultural contexts in the workplace. (E.1)
Teaching and learning strategies
This subject will be delivered by a combination of preparatory readings, face-to-face lectures, and tutorial sessions that will involve active individual and group-based problem-solving sessions and discussions.
Each week students will be assigned preparatory materials including notes, online materials, and texts. This core knowledge will be solidified in lectures and tutorials each week in which students will develop new problem-solving skills and have the opportunity to probe deeply into the topic areas. Tutorials and exercises will give students an opportunity to extend the content consolidated in lectures and apply it to real-world scenarios. Students will have weekly opportunities for feedback and formative assessment.
Students will be assessed via a mid-semester open-book examination covering the abstract notions delivered in the first half of the course. In the second half of the course the students will undertake a comparative study of the different methodologies employed to build quantum computers. This will be assessed via presentations in which students will, in teams, evaluate the leading proposals for building quantum computers. A final, in class assessment will take place where students will put their knowledge to work in a case study analysis where students will demonstrate their ability to quickly analyse pros and cons for specific quantum architecture designs.
Outside of class, students are expected to consume a variety of media to help them obtain a broad understanding of issues related to quantum architecture development. These resources will be in the form of YouTube videos, podcasts on quantum technology, semi-technical review articles and blog posts from reliable quantum information specialists.
Content (topics)
- Quantum control
- Universality of quantum computing
- Alternate quantum computing models
- Quantum processor designs
- Quantum error correction and fault tolerance
- Scalability and Quantum Computing System Design
Assessment
Assessment task 1: Resource Estimation case study
| Intent: | This examination assesses students’ understanding of what constitutes good quantum architecture design by directly estimating physical resource requirements for a quantum program and specifying the outcomes for an actual machine. |
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| Objective(s): | This assessment task addresses the following subject learning objectives (SLOs): 1, 2 and 3 This assessment task contributes to the development of the following Course Intended Learning Outcomes (CILOs): C.1, D.1 and E.1 |
| Type: | Exercises |
| Groupwork: | Group, group and individually assessed |
| Weight: | 20% |
| Length: | 2-3 hours |
Assessment task 2: Quantum processor case study
| Intent: | In this task students will learn how to design quantum processors taking into account physical constraints, utilizing quantum control techniques, and methods for error management. |
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| Objective(s): | This assessment task addresses the following subject learning objectives (SLOs): 1 and 3 This assessment task contributes to the development of the following Course Intended Learning Outcomes (CILOs): C.1 and E.1 |
| Type: | Project |
| Groupwork: | Group, individually assessed |
| Weight: | 40% |
| Length: | 20 minutes |
Assessment task 3: Examination
| Intent: | This examination assesses students’ understanding of the theoretical underpinnings of the core concepts in the quantum computing model and quantum control. |
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| Objective(s): | This assessment task addresses the following subject learning objectives (SLOs): 2 This assessment task contributes to the development of the following Course Intended Learning Outcomes (CILOs): D.1 |
| Type: | Examination |
| Groupwork: | Individual |
| Weight: | 40% |
| Length: | 1 hour |
Minimum requirements
To pass this subject, students must achieve an overall mark of 50% or greater.