Hacktorial: Quantum Computation with Sean Bae

On January 28th, 2016, Sean Bae, an undergraduate student at University of Maryland, gave a talk on the basics of quantum computing to a crowded roomful of UMD students. Sean, a sophomore studying computer science and physics, is a researcher at the Joint Quantum Institute on campus, working to develop ion trap quantum computers. His talk spanned topics he encounters in his research daily explained in a way that those without a background in physics could easily grasp.

Some quick definitions:

• Quantum computers are next-generation computers based on quantum bits that are consistent with the laws of nature at the smallest scale.
• Quantum physics is famous for being counter-intuitive and paradoxical; for example, electrons can exist in two, three — just about any number of places at the same time.
• Quantum bits, or Qubits, exhibit property, existing in the state of 0 and 1 simultaneously.

The hacktorial provided a brief survey of the subject by giving some basic intuition for quantum physics with analogies and statistics; afterwards, it addressed the subject in a mathematical way for the more motivated audience members. The talk covered topics such as quantum teleportation, basic computational complexity, entanglement, the Deutsch-Jozsa algorithm, the Schrödinger equation, and particle in a box.

Check it out below!

More information about the Joint Quantum Institute: http://jqi.umd.edu/

Terrapin Hackers holds hacktorials like these often, in hopes of introducing CS majors (and non-CS majors) to concepts and fields that may seem daunting at first. If you’re interested in attending, they are open to all and most are made for beginners; like us on Facebook for more info!