Quantum computing: time crystals, spin glasses, and the resilience of analog

Speaker:  Dr. Antonis Kyprianidis, Indiana University, Bloomington

Abstract: Since Feynman's prediction in 1959 and the first demonstration of logic gates between quantum particles in 1995, quantum computers have come a long way. They promise to accelerate fields like drug development by simulating the behavior of complex molecules or to help scientists understand perplexing material behaviors like high-temperature superconductivity. This talk will motivate research on Quantum Information, present the principles and operation of experimental implementations, and focus on select past demonstrations and research opportunities. These include the experimental observation of the exotic phase of matter dubbed the discrete time crystal and techniques that enable simulation of interacting quantum spins embedded in configurable graphs. The talk will feature an experimental viewpoint, with a focus on analog quantum simulation with ion traps.