Using Modern Algebraic Geometry for Old-Fashioned Quantum  Algorithms

November 20, 2008 - 3:30-3:55pm

RLE Conference 36-428

Abstract

I will dream out loud about the potential benefits of using the tools and concepts of algebraic geometry for the design of new quantum algorithms. After that, I will explain why the realization of such dreams will be very hard to achieve as it requires a proper understanding of this notoriously difficult field (algebraic geometry that is, not quantum computing).

Bio

Wim van Dam's research focuses on the theory of quantum computation and quantum communication. His main interest is in the development of new quantum algorithms that give an exponential speed-up when compared with traditional, classical algorithms. Van Dam received his Ph.D. in Physics from the University of Oxford, UK in 2000 and in 2002 he received his Ph.D. in Computer Science from the University of Amsterdam, The Netherlands. Before joining the Computer Science Department at UCSB in July 2004 and the Physics Department in July 2005, he was a postdoc at UC Berkeley, HP Labs Palo Alto, the Mathematical Sciences Research Institute and MIT.