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PurdueX: Introduction to Quantum Science & Technology

Learn about fundamental concepts and engineering challenges of quantum technologies.

17 weeks
7–10 hours per week
Instructor-paced
Instructor-led on a course schedule
This course is archived

About this course

Skip About this course

Emerging quantum systems are disruptive technologies redefining computing and communication. Teaching quantum physics to engineers and educating scientists on engineering solutions are critical to address fundamental and engineering challenges of the quantum technologies.

This course provides an introduction to various quantum technologies by overviewing laws of quantum physics, quantum systems and their engineering challenges. In particular, the course reviews various implementation of quantum communication and computation and basic science and engineering behind the technology.

Students will have an opportunity to complete tasks using Microsoft Azure Quantum in the cloud.

At a glance

  • Institution: PurdueX
  • Subject: Physics
  • Level: Intermediate
  • Prerequisites:

    Student should have knowledge in basic electromagnetic field theory, basic electronic circuits, algebra, calculus, and differential equations.

  • Language: English
  • Video Transcript: English
  • Associated programs:
  • Associated skills:Quantum Physics, Microsoft Azure

What you'll learn

Skip What you'll learn
  • Identify fundamental differences between quantum mechanics and classical mechanics.
  • Mathematically describe simple quantum phenomena using differential equations and linear algebra.
  • Inspect role and dynamics of wave function in quantum systems using multidisciplinary fields of physics, computer science, and quantum theory.
  • Interpret quantum signatures in experimental data.
  • Analyze engineering challenges of quantum technologies including quantum computing and quantum communication.

Section A: Overview of Q Technologies

  • Quantum Engineering
  • Motivation: Quantum Computing
  • Motivation: Quantum Communication
  • Motivation: Quantum Sensing

Section B: Fundamentals of Quantum Mechanics

  • The Birth of Quantum Mechanics
  • Postulates of Quantum Mechanics
  • Hamiltonian and Schrodinger Equation
  • Dirac Notation
  • Density Operator

Section C: Essential Concepts in Quantum Mechanics

  • Operators in Quantum Mechanics
  • Heisenberg Uncertainty
  • Wave Particle Duality
  • Coherence
  • Entanglement

Section D: Quantum Resources: EM Waves

  • Quantum EM Fields
  • Polarization of Optical Fields
  • EM Resonators
  • Single Photon Detection
  • E-Field Detection
  • Quantum Light

Section E: Quantum Resources: Atoms

  • Two-Level Atom
  • Introduction to Light-Atom Interactions
  • Trapping and Cooling Atoms
  • Three-Level Atoms
  • Rydberg Atoms
  • Trapped Ions

Section F: Quantum Resources: Superconducting Devices

  • Fundamentals of Superconductors
  • Superconducting Two-Level Systems
  • Superconducting Qubits
  • Superconducting Circuits and Challenges

Section G: Quantum Sensing

  • Light Interferometry – LIGO
  • Particle Interferometry – Ramsey Measurement
  • Sensing Via Defects in Diamond

Section H: Quantum Communication

  • Quantum Cryptography
  • Quantum Teleportation
  • Quantum Memory
  • Entanglement Distribution

Section I: Quantum Computation

  • Introduction to Classical Computing
  • Introduction to Quantum Computing
  • Experimental Implementation of Quantum Computation
  • Deterministic Two-Qubit Logic Gates
  • Single and Two-Qubit Photonic Gates
  • Superconducting Gates
  • Quantum Logic Operation Using Trapped Ions
  • Quantum Logic Operation Using Rydberg Atom
  • Linear Optics Quantum Computing
  • Engineering Quantum Systems

Who can take this course?

Unfortunately, learners residing in one or more of the following countries or regions will not be able to register for this course: Iran, Cuba and the Crimea region of Ukraine. While edX has sought licenses from the U.S. Office of Foreign Assets Control (OFAC) to offer our courses to learners in these countries and regions, the licenses we have received are not broad enough to allow us to offer this course in all locations. edX truly regrets that U.S. sanctions prevent us from offering all of our courses to everyone, no matter where they live.

This course is part of Quantum Technology: Computing MicroMasters Program

Learn more 
Expert instruction
5 graduate-level courses
Instructor-led
Assignments and exams have specific due dates
10 months
7 - 9 hours per week

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