Quantum information science and technology is an emerging interdisciplinary academic program concerned with the study of the new possibilities quantum mechanics offers for the acquisition, transmission, and processing of information.
Quantum computing shows promise as a revolutionary technology because, in theory, it provides speedups for certain high-value problems over classical computers. In particular, quantum computing is ideally suitable for the prediction of the physicochemical properties of inherently quantum systems, which are at the basis of modern and future industries. Examples encompass the pharmaceutical, energy, and materials industries. This is an exciting time for quantum computing: we are at the cusp of demonstrating an overwhelming quantum advantage over classical computing, and a primary goal of research at USC is to help realize this potential.
USC has been at the forefront of quantum information science and technology for many years, with cutting-edge research in quantum computing, quantum cryptography, quantum information theory, and quantum error correction. IBM Quantum is the leading manufacturer of large-scale commercial quantum computers. Complementing the USC Frontiers of Computing Initiative, USC and IBM have partnered under the umbrella of the IBM Quantum Innovation Center (QIC) at USC, the first such Center on the US West Coast. This Partnership provides USC researchers and their academic and industry partners with access to the most advanced IBM quantum systems, priority queue time, and educational resources. The QIC will boost research capacity in quantum computation, quantum error correction, and quantum simulation, leveraging the two-decades-long theoretical foundations of research in these areas at USC.
The research pillars of the Center are:
- Quantum foundations
- Quantum error correction
- Quantum algorithms
- Quantum software stack
- Quantum devices
- Applications of quantum computing devices in physics, chemistry, materials science, and biology
In addition to access to the IBM fleet of quantum computers, the QIC provides USC researchers with the unique opportunity to enter IBM-led working groups (health, materials, energy, optimization), collaborate with IBM scientists, and co-organize scientific symposia.
The strong research focus of the QIC is closely coupled with education and outreach. Engagement with companies will prepare USC students and postdocs for the needs of the quantum workforce. Conferences and workshops held under the auspices of the QIC will bring together researchers, industrial stakeholders, and the public.