Taking the questions out of quantum computing – July 24, 2013

When Blackberry co-founder Mike Lazaridis announced a new $100 million fund for quantum computing technologies in March, discussion re-ignited as to just what a quantum computer will look like.

But computers aren’t the only application of quantum mechanics to information. Quantum technologies will change everything, from how we encrypt our data to correcting errors in GPS sensors.

In the summer of 2013, several events showcased Canadian and international work in this field:

QCRYPT, the 3rd Annual Conference on Quantum Cryptography, runs from August 5-9 in Waterloo, ON.

QCSYS, the Quantum Cryptography School for Young Students, runs from August 12-16 in Waterloo, ON.

Conference on Quantum Information and Quantum Control, Fields Institute, August 12-16, Toronto ON.

In advance of these events, the SMCC has organized a background briefing with leading Canadian experts, to brief journalists on the basics of quantum computing and quantum cryptography. Come and find out

  • How close are we to the unconditionally secure data encryption promised by quantum cryptography?

  • Why generating a truly random number is difficult, important and now possible, thanks to Canadian technology?

  • What exactly is a ‘qubit’?

Speakers:
(click the name to hear the audio recording)

Ray Laflamme, Executive Director, Institute for Quantum Computing, University of Waterloo

Michele Mosca, Deputy Director, Institute for Quantum Computing, University of Waterloo

Barry Sanders, Director, Institute for Quantum Information Science, University of Calgary

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