Quantum information processing promises a fundamentally more powerful way of computation and communication than traditional classical information processing. Using the quantum properties of matter allows us to solve some important computational problems that are classically “hard”, and gives us a way to protect cryptographic key distribution from eavesdroppers. Quantum mechanics even allows us to make measurements that are more precise than classical measurements. In Sheffield we develop new quantum information processing technologies in the solid state. In particular, we can coherently control qubit degrees of freedom in self-assembled quantum dots, and we are creating integrated quantum circuits on semiconductor chips. As a first step towards new quantum technologies, we aim to create a quantum repeater that allows us to extend quantum communication protocols from a few kilometres to hundreds or even thousands of kilometres.

Related Research Projects:

• Quantum Computation Theory
• Quantum Metrology and Imaging
• Photonic Structures
• Coherent Control