Hy-Q Colloquium by Professor Anthony Laing, Bristol University

Title: Special purpose quantum computers in integrated photonics

Abstract: Richard Feynman would be 100 years old this month. Since he first proposed the idea of quantum computing less than 40 years ago, a quantum information revolution, though in its early stages, has triggered the formation of quantum computing companies. Integrated photonics has been established as a platform for quantum information processing, and recent progress includes programmable circuitry and the integration of photon sources. Together with high-speed and low-loss photonic switches, a general purpose quantum computer is possible, though seems a long term prospect. On the other hand, special purpose quantum computers, such as quantum simulators, could provide industrially useful results on a shorter timescale. I will discuss experimental progress of integrated photonics as a quantum computing and simulation platform.