Quantum Information Theory

Quantum Information Theory is the study of how information is represented, transmitted, and processed in systems governed by the principles of quantum mechanics. It extends classical information theory to account for quantum phenomena such as superposition, entanglement, and non-locality, enabling tasks like quantum computation, quantum communication, and quantum cryptography. It involves calculating and proving bounds and limits on what is possible and is used as a guide in developing practical schemes.

TIMES:
Weekly on Thursdays from 5-6:30 pm US West Coast Pacific time. May switch to semi-biweekly later in the talks as we get into heavier technical material. Begins Thursday, March 20, 2025.

GOAL:
To be able to read and understand textbooks at the level of Watrous and Wilde (below). After the course, the material in Preskill's chapter 10, Quantum Shannon Theory, would be understandable. https://www.preskill.caltech.edu/ph219/chap10_6A_2022.pdf

SYLLABUS:
The material will be covered in three parts. We will focus more on solving problems and exercises as we get into the heavier technical material.

1. Introduction to information theory. (4-6 weeks)
2. Introduction to quantum information theory. (~16 weeks)
3. Advanced quantum information theory. (~30 weeks)

TEXTS:
Introduction to information theory:

1. T. M. Cover and J. A. Thomas, Elements of information theory, 2nd ed. Hoboken, N.J: Wiley-Interscience, 2006.

Introduction to quantum information theory:

1. M. A. Nielsen and I. L. Chuang, Quantum Computation and Quantum Information: 10th Anniversary Edition, Anniversary edition. Cambridge ; New York: Cambridge University Press, 2011.

Advanced quantum information theory:

1. S. Khatri, L. Lami, and M. M. Wilde, Principles of Quantum Communication Theory: A Modern Approach. Latest version: https://markwilde.com/PQCT-khatri-lami-wilde.pdf
2. J. Watrous, The Theory of Quantum Information, 1st ed. Cambridge University Press, 2018. doi: 10.1017/9781316848142.
3. M. M. Wilde, Quantum Information Theory, 2nd edition. Cambridge: Cambridge University Press, 2017.

SURVEY:
Please complete the following short survey. It gives me an idea of the background of people interested in participating. https://forms.gle/GJk6KCc9dyyhmUeq5