Mathematical Sciences Department QIT Thinking Seminar: Frederic Green, Clark University

Wednesday, October 30

11:00am – 11:50am

Olin Hall 218 

Title: Constant-Depth Quantum Circuits 

Abstract: The natural model for quantum computation is the quantum circuit. To minimize decoherence, it is essential for such circuits to be as shallow as possible. In fact, even quantum circuits of *constant* depth are more powerful than originally expected: The quantum part of Shor's factoring algorithm (that is, excluding the required classical pre- and post-processing) can be efficiently well-approximated by quantum circuits of constant depth. Recent developments in quantum computer technology underscore the need to understand the capabilities of shallow circuits. However, the precise power of such circuits remains open. This talk will introduce the central ideas of this area of research for non-experts, and explain some of the ramifications and open problems regarding constant-depth quantum circuits.

Bio: Frederic Green received his Ph.D. in Physics at Yale University in 1979, and also holds an M.S. in Computer Science from WPI. He has published research in quantum field theory, classical and quantum computational complexity, and, most recently, aperiodic order. He has held research positions at the Institute for Advanced Study, Northeastern University, CWI Amsterdam, and l'Universitat Politecnica de Catalunya. He is a Senior Research Scientist and Professor Emeritus of Mathematics and Computer Science at Clark University, where he was a Professor from 1986-2022.