ECE 39595 - Fundamentals of Quantum Technology

Course Details

Lecture Hours: 3 Credits: 3

Counts as:

  • EE Elective
  • CMPE Complementary Elective

Experimental Course Offered:

Fall 2022, Fall 2023

Requisites:

ECE 20001 and [MA 26200 or [MA 26500 and MA 26600]] and PHYS 27200 or [PHYS 24100 + PHYS 25200]

Requisites by Topic:

Basic physics, linear algebra, differential equations, and linear circuit analysis. Basic Python/Matlab programming to manipulate matrices and vectors.

Catalog Description:

This course is intended to introduce the fundamental concepts of quantum physics needed to prepare engineers to work on the development of quantum technologies or pursue more advanced studies in this field. Focus is placed on developing an understanding of the basic behavior of quantum systems, the implications of which are discussed in the context of the popular experimental platform of quantized circuits where possible. Topics covered include Lagrangian and Hamiltonian analysis of circuits, the fundamentals of wavefunctions and the Schrodinger equation, the general mathematical framework of quantum mechanics, the interactions between (artificial) atoms and linear circuits, and the density matrix. The principles behind revolutionary quantum technologies such as quantum communication systems, quantum computers, and quantum sensing systems are also discussed.

Required Text(s):

  1. Quantum Mechanics for Scientists and Engineers , 1st Edition , D. A. B. Miller , Cambridge University Press , 2008 , ISBN No. 978-0521897839

Recommended Text(s):

  1. Introduction to Quantum Mechanics , 3rd Edition , D. J. Griffiths and D. F. Schroeter , Cambridge University Press , 2018 , ISBN No. 978-1107189638

Learning Outcomes:

A student who successfully fulfills the course requirements will have demonstrated an ability to:
  1. analyze mechanical and electrical systems using the formalism of Lagrangian and Hamiltonian mechanics. [1]
  2. apply fundamental quantum mechanical principles to analyze simple quantum systems. [1]
  3. utilize the mathematical framework of quantum mechanics to analyze the dynamics and interactions of quantized circuits and (artificial) atoms. [1]
  4. use engineering judgement to assess the capabilities and challenges of revolutionary quantum technologies. [3,6,7]

Lecture Outline:

Week Topic(s)
1 Brief history of quantum mechanics; overview of quantum technologies; introduction to calculus of variations
2 Lagrangian and Hamiltonian mechanics for simple mechanical and electrical systems
3 Time-independent Schrodinger equation
4 Time-dependent Schrodinger equation; time-dependent Schrodinger equation
5 Time-dependent Schrodinger equation; mathematical framework of quantum mechanics
6 Mathematical framework of quantum mechanics; generalized uncertainty principle
7 Building blocks of a quantum computer; Grover???s search algorithm
8 Ladder operators; quantum mechanics of simple circuits (canonical quantization of LC oscillator, capacitively coupled LC oscillators)
9 Quantum mechanics of simple circuits (Schrodinger and Heisenberg pictures, driven quantum LC oscillator, coherent states)
10 Time-dependent perturbation theory; introduction to (artificial) atoms
11 Superconducting circuit artificial atoms; two-level systems; introduction to circuitatom interactions (formulation of semiclassical analysis, driven Rabi oscillations)
12 Introduction to circuit-atom interactions (the Jaynes-Cummings model, vacuum Rabi oscillations, spontaneous and stimulated emission, Purcell effect)
13 Density matrix; introduction to quantum information
14 Introduction to quantum communication systems
15 Introduction to quantum sensing

Engineering Design Content:

  • Analysis

Assessment Method:

Homework, projects, presentations and Exams