Title of talk: Markovian Noise Modelling and Parameter Extraction Framework for Quantum Devices
Speaker: Dean Brand
(Stellenbosch University, South Africa)
Abstract:
In recent years, Noisy Intermediate Scale Quantum (NISQ) computers have been widely used as a test bed for quantum dynamics. This work provides a new hardware-agnostic framework for modelling the Markovian noise and dynamics of quantum systems in benchmark procedures used to evaluate device performance. As an accessible example, the application and performance of this framework is demonstrated on IBM Quantum computers. This framework serves to extract multiple calibration parameters simultaneously through a simplified process which is more reliable than previously studied calibration experiments and tomographic procedures. Additionally, this method allows for real-time calibration of several hardware parameters of a quantum computer within a comprehensive procedure, providing quantitative insight into the performance of each device to be accounted for in future quantum circuits. The framework proposed here has the additional benefit of highlighting the consistency among qubit pairs when extracting parameters, which leads to a less computationally expensive calibration process than evaluating the entire device at once.
Bio:
Dean is a second-year PhD student in the Quantum Research Group of Stellenbosch University in South Africa, under the supervision of Prof. Francesco Petruccione. His current research is focussed on the intersection of quantum computing and neuromorphic computing, to find an optimal hybridisation of these technologies. Dean completed his BSc and BSc Honours at the University of the Witwatersrand, Johannesburg, majoring in astronomy, astrophysics, and theoretical physics. After this he completed a NITheCS internship with Prof. Francesco Petruccione and Prof. Ilya Sinayskiy (UKZN) which was an introductory research project on quantum computing. This led to a Master’s degree with the same supervisors at the University of KwaZulu-Natal, which was based on an application of Open Quantum Systems techniques to model the noise of IBM quantum computers. His research interests have since evolved to include machine learning and quantum algorithms, which are central to the idea and aims of neuromorphic quantum computing especially for applications such as artificial intelligence and deep learning.
The announcement can be found here.
We are pleased to announce that Dr Vinayak Jagadish has joined Quantum@SUN as of 31 Jan 2024, having been formally appointed as a research fellow at the National Institute for Theoretical and Computational Sciences (NITheCS).
We extend our congratulations to Dr Jagadish and wish him every success in his new position.
We are very pleased to announce that Dr Yaseera Ismail has joined Quantum@SUN as of 1 Jan 2024, after being appointed Senior Lecturer at Stellenbosch University.
Dr Ismail specialises in the development of quantum technologies, particularly in the field of quantum information science. She is an experimentalist developing quantum optical tools for the advancement of free-space, long-range secure quantum communication.
She received the 2016 TechWomen Emerging Leader Award and is a 2018 Optica (formerly Optical Society of America (OSA)) Ambassador. She serves on the editorial board of the Scientific Reports Journal and is Optica’s Vice President on the International Commission for Optics, which was established in 1947. She was the 2023 committee Chair of the Theodor W. Hänsch Prize in Quantum Optics and is the Chair of the International Commission for Optics Education Committee for Strategic linkages on the African Continent. She also serves on the selection committee for the Optica Amplifying Scholarship.
We wish to congratulate Dr Ismail on her new position at Stellenbosch University and anticipate much success within her new role.
Our research group recently held an unconference, which was a great success. We spent a whole day together, and every group member presented some interesting research questions. It was amazing to see the group’s diversity of topics and perspectives and how we all came together to share our ideas.
The unconference format was new to some of us, but it was a great way to ensure everyone could speak and be heard. We all brainstormed and developed new ideas for future work. The energy and enthusiasm in the room were palpable, and there was a real sense of collaboration as we worked together to refine our research questions and develop new approaches.
One of the key takeaways from the unconference was the importance of active listening and open communication. By creating a safe and supportive environment, we could engage in productive and meaningful discussions, which allowed us to move forward in our research.
Overall, the unconference was an excellent experience for everyone involved. It was an opportunity to learn from each other, share our knowledge and expertise, and develop new ideas for our future work. We look forward to continuing this collaborative spirit as we progress our research projects.
The yearly Quantum@SUN Unconference will take place on 12 December 2023.
You can find the program here
