Quantum Computing: how to build a really cool computer

Speaker: Professor Viv Kendon, University of Strathclyde

Computers are everywhere: in phones, cars, toasters, on the moon, in orbit, leaving the solar system, running the internet, keeping track of your money, deliveries, the NHS. Every year we are urged to upgrade to the latest, fastest model. But what exactly is a computer, and how can we build a really fast one? Quantum physicists are busy designing and testing the next generation of superfast, supercool computers, made from single atoms and exquisitely controlled light.

As part of the Physics Student Seminar Series of the University of Chester, Prof Viv Kendon of the University of Strathclyde, will deliver a 45-min webinar with the title "Quantum Computing: how to build a really cool computer". She will explain what computers are (and are not), how to build a quantum computer, and a few of the things we could do with it, once we have built a big enough one. A Q&A session will follow that would include questions about career prospects.

The event is organised by 3rd-year student, Elliott Halford, and supervised by Dr Theodoros Papadopoulos, University of Chester. It is supported by the IOP Wales branch, and the IOP North Wales and Cheshire Centre. Attendance is free for all and will be hosted on Microsoft Teams. Please click on the following link to attend the webinar, or call in (audio only) at +44 2045 265 795 with phone ID: 146 684 68# Click here to join the webinar.

Short biography of the speaker: Prof Viv Kendon is a Professor of Quantum Technology at the University of Strathclyde. She is researching into many aspects of quantum computation, from understanding how the quantum speed-up is achieved to comparison of analogue and digital versions of quantum computers. Much of her work involves classical numerical simulation, calculating the entanglement in quantum registers and investigating the properties of quantum versions of random walks. For further information, please have a look at her personal webpage: https://kendon.info/viv/