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402-0461-00L 6 Credits BSC , MSC D-ITET , D-MATH , D-INFK , D-PHYS
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Quantum Information Theory

Lecturers & Examiners: Dr. Joseph Renes
VVZ CR 4.2

Last Updated: 2026-06-01 11:33:15

Abstract

This course aims to introduce the concepts and methods of quantum information theory. It starts with an introduction to the mathematical theory of quantum systems and then discusses the basic information-theoretic aspects of quantum mechanics. Further topics include using information-theoretic methods to analyse foundational questions in physics.

Objective

By the end of the course, students are able to explain the basic mathematical formalism (e.g. states, channels) and the tools (e.g. entropy, distinguishability) of quantum information theory. They can adapt and apply these concepts and methods to analytically solve quantum information-processing problems.

Content

Mathematical formulation of quantum theory: entanglement, density operators, quantum channels and their representations. Basic tools of quantum information theory: distinguishability of states and channels, formulation as semidefinite programs, entropy and its properties. Applications of the concepts and tools: communication of classical or quantum information over noisy channels, quantitative uncertainty relations, randomness generation, entanglement distillation, security of quantum cryptography.

Resources

Lecture Notes

Distributed via moodle.

Literature

Nielsen and Chuang, Quantum Information and Computation Preskill, Lecture Notes on Quantum Computation Wilde, Quantum Information Theory Watrous, The Theory of Quantum Information

General Information

Language
English
Levels
BSC , MSC
Frequency
Yearly recurring

Examination

Type
session examination
Mode
written 90 minutes
Aids
A single double-sided A4 sheet with a self-written summary.

Course Components

Type Title Time & Place Hours
lecture Quantum Information Theory
  • Mon 11:45-13:30 (HPV G 4)
2 h weekly
exercise Quantum Information Theory
  • Tue 12:45-13:30 (HIT H 42)
  • Tue 12:45-13:30 (HIT H 51)
  • Tue 12:45-13:30 (HIT J 51)
  • Thu 12:45-13:30 (HIT F 31.1)
  • Thu 12:45-13:30 (HIT J 51)
  • Thu 12:45-13:30 (HPL D 34)
1 h weekly

Offered In