NDAK24010U Quantum Error Correction (QEC)

Volume 2024/2025
Content

The course will cover the basic theory of quantum error correction and fault-tolerance, including the following specific topics:

  1. Basics of classical coding theory, parity check matrices, tanner graphs 
  2. Basic quantum codes: Shor code, concatenation codes
  3. QEC theory: Knill Laflemme conditions, Gottesman Knill theorem, threshold theorem, 
  4. Topological codes: the toric code, color code. 
  5. Decoding algorithms (mostly for the color code) 
  6. Fault tolerance: Lattice surgery, and magic state injection. 
  7. Fault-tolerant photonic quantum computing
  8. (If time permits) Advanced topics: LDPC codes, self correction, bosonic codes
Learning Outcome

Knowledge:

  • Describe and design quantum error correction codes
  • Describe and design fault-tolerant architectures for quantum computing 

 

Skills:

  • Perform resource estimates based on specific QEC architectures.
  • Design of decoders for topological codes

 

Competences:

  • Ability to work on state of the art topics in quantum error correction, and read research publications on the topic. 

The teaching material will be gathered from various sources, including: 

  • Personal set of lecture notes
  • Various review articles
Bachelor in Mathematics, Physics or Computer Science

Academic qualifications equivalent to a BSc degree is recommended.

You should have passed the courses NFYK23002U Introduction to Quantum Information Science & NMAK23007U Introduction to Quantum Computing or similar course before registering for this course.
Lectures and exercises
  • Category
  • Hours
  • Lectures
  • 28
  • Preparation
  • 160
  • Exercises
  • 14
  • Exam
  • 4
  • Total
  • 206
Continuous feedback during the course of the semester
Credit
7,5 ECTS
Type of assessment
On-site written exam, 4 hours under invigilation
Aid
Only certain aids allowed
  • Books
  • Notes
  • Calculator
Marking scale
7-point grading scale
Censorship form
No external censorship
Re-exam

Same as the ordinary exam

Criteria for exam assesment

See Learning Outcome