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402-0448-50L 6 Credits MSC D-PHYS , D-ITET

Bosonic Quantum Information Processing

Lecturers & Examiners: Dr. Alexander Grimm, Moritz Fontboté Schmidt
VVZ CR n/a

Last Updated: 2026-06-03 00:14:41

Abstract

Bosonic qubits robustly encode quantum information in the Hilbert space of harmonic oscillators. This rapidly emerging field draws on fundamental concepts from quantum optics, open quantum systems, and nonlinear oscillators. In this course, we will introduce relevant theoretical tools and discuss experimental implementations of bosonic qubits such as GKP, Schrödinger cat, and binomial codes.

Objective

The aim of this course is to give students the introductory knowledge necessary for understanding current research in bosonic quantum error correction. It will convey the theoretical framework underpinning bosonic qubits and give insight into the most relevant experimental methods used to implement them. The learned concepts will be applied through Python simulations and by understanding and presenting recent research papers.

Content

The course will also include a refresher on core theoretical tools required for bosonic quantum error correction such as: - phase-space representations of harmonic oscillator states - unitary frame transformations - open quantum systems - basics of quantum error correction We will then cover the most relevant bosonic codes in-depth: - 2- and 4-component Schrödinger-cat codes - Binomial codes - Gottesman Kitaev Preskill code We will furthermore give an overview of other codes such as the pair-cat code, etc. We will illustrate these concepts with concrete examples by explaining how the different bosonic qubits are implemented and operated using the experimental tools available to superconducting circuits and trapped ions. The understanding gained from this will be solidified in the exercises through a combination of calculations, numerical simulations (Python QuTiP library), and discussion of research papers.

Resources

Lecture Notes

Written notes will be provided for each lecture. Python scripts will be made available for the exercise classes.

Learning Materials (Links)

General Information

Language
English
Levels
MSC
Frequency
Every two years

Examination

Type
graded semester performance
Students will be assessed based on an independent project that will be presented at the end of the semester.

Course Components

Type Title Time & Place Hours
lecture Bosonic Quantum Information Processing
  • Fri 09:45-11:30 (HIL E 6)
2 h weekly
exercise Bosonic Quantum Information Processing
  • Fri 11:45-12:30 (HIL E 6)
1 h weekly

Offered In