Our Approach
Course Development
The support provided for this program will enable WSSU to implement an interdisciplinary QISE minor degree led by the departments of Chemistry and Computer Science that focus on integrated research and education approaches. The specific core courses to be developed are:
- Introductory Quantum Information Science: This course will introduce students to the foundations of quantum technology including concepts of superposition, entanglement, and quantum circuit model using a math-free pictorial formalism first. Then, students will become familiarized with the more rigorous mathematical formalism (i.e., Dirac notations, matrix representations). The course will be accompanied by hands-on quantum programming sessions using the IBM-Q education platform where students will have the opportunity to work with real-world quantum computers via the cloud.
- Quantum Cryptography and Networking: This course will introduce the foundations of quantum computing and its important role in cryptography and networking. We will begin with a brief introduction to quantum computing, and then discuss quantum algorithms, quantum cryptography, and quantum networking. We will cover possible quantum attacks on classical cryptography and how to achieve resilience to them, security protocols that use quantum resources such as quantum key distribution, no-cloning protection and quantum money.
Hands-On Experiences
The hands-on training of the WS-QEC participants is provided by the CU partners through summer and winter boot camps at the Laboratory for Band Engineering of Quantum Systems (LaBEQ) and the Advanced Materials Research Laboratory (AMRL). Specific skills acquired during the boot camps include:
- Python Programming: A series of traditional script exercises are designed to teach basic techniques (e.g., loops, assignments, data types), instrument interfacing, and model fitting. Students can also perform exercises as part of their PHY 2331 General Physics I, PHY 2332 General Physics II, and CHE 3312 Physical Chemistry II (Quantum Chemistry) courses.
- Electronics for Quantum Scientist: A modified version of Physics 2 Lab at WSSU and CU with more emphasis on advanced electronics including computer control systems (PyVisa, LabView), microwave circuit building and analysis, etc.
- Summer Quantum Engineering Internship Program (SQEIP): An 8-week program that focuses on first-hand experiences involving solid-state qubit design, fabrication and characterization. The specific thrusts are listed below.
- Superconductor Growth and Characterization: Using a sputtering deposition system, we grow Nb films on Si and measure AC/DC transport properties.
- Cryogenic Measurement Systems and Microwave Measurements: Students learn how to build and measure microwave circuits relevant to superconducting circuit applications.
- Fabrication and Characterization of Superconducting Circuits: Students become familiar with the techniques of micro-/nano-fabrication of superconducting circuits and learn about the typical methods to measure qubit coherence.
