Supervisor

Suitable for

Abstract

Description

One of the most successful applications of quantum information science is quantum key distribution, which enables separated parties to send secret messages, with security guaranteed by the laws of quantum theory. The mysterious phenomenon of “quantum nonlocality”, wherein two quantum systems appear to influence one another even though they are separated in space, can be used to design a particularly strong kind of key distribution protocol. The idea is that the honest users do not need to trust that their quantum devices are behaving as advertised, or even that quantum theory is correct. The project will explore the relationship between different kinds of nonlocality and the possibilities for secure communication.

Prerequisites

Linear algebra. A student taking this project should also be taking the Quantum Computer Science course. Some extra reading to cover the basic formalism of quantum theory would be an advantage.