QUICC Summer School 2016

There were a variety of lectures on offer ranging from NMR quantum computers to non-classical correlations in quantum systems.

That time of year, when the newest Controlled Quantum Dynamics cohort (7) were heavily prodded to meet other physicists, came and went, and it ran as smoothly as ever. Yes, the quantum information, computing and control summer school was a unanimous success. There were a variety of lectures on offer ranging from NMR quantum computers to non-classical correlations in quantum systems and we were grateful for sponsorship from the Institute of Physics, allowing us to offer a fun experience for everyone that attended.

The quaint city of Lancaster played host to just under fifty physicists, hailing from diverse fields of research, with the attendees either visiting the historical Lancaster castle or the more modern feel of the north provided by the Lancaster Brewery. In addition, we were blessed with particularly nice weather (a commodity in the north) when having a barbeque and hog roast at Lancaster University, topped of by a lovely formal dinner. The activities provided a relaxed environment for people to meet each other outside of lectures, and for new friendships to brew.

We must also pay particular thanks to the lecturers, who all provided a glimpse of the cutting edge research in quantum information, and an outlook for the future developments we can expect. Prof. Kai Bongs spoke to us about quantum metrology and how it reaches far beyond just foundational physics, by permitting researchers to develop tools such as gravitometers sensitive enough to find mineral deposits. Dr. Eleni Diamanti informed us of the increasing importance of quantum cryptography, as a means to prepare for the advent of quantum computers. Prof. Jonathan Jones talked about the difficulties with scaling NMR quantum computers, and how they represent physically achievable few qubit computers but fail with many qubits. The talks by Prof. Yuri Pashkin offered insight into the amazing world of superconducting qubits, and the impeccable control they offer, and even the potential applications for ‘bad’ qubits. Finally, Prof. Vlatko Vedral gave the closing talks for the summer school, and showed how there are non-classical correlations (discord) beyond entanglement in quantum systems, and the possible use of discord in quantum computers. Unfortunately, despite Prof. Einstein making an appearance, he was unable to give a lecture – to the dismay of many in attendance.

Furthermore, special thanks to Prof. Yuri Pashkin and Lancaster University for providing the facilities to run the summer school. As a form of gratitude, we offered the visiting lecturers the unique opportunity to be in a publicity shot with Mani, the summer school mascot, which they all took in good faith.