What is Quantum information: Definition and 101 Discussions

Quantum information is the information of the state of a quantum system. It is the basic entity of study in quantum information theory, and can be manipulated using quantum information processing techniques. Quantum information refers to both the technical definition in terms of Von Neumann entropy and the general computational term.
It is an interdisciplinary field that involves quantum mechanics, computer science, information theory, philosophy and cryptography among other fields. Its study is also relevant to disciplines such as cognitive science, psychology and neuroscience. Its main focus is in extracting information from matter at the microscopic scale. Observation in science is one of the most important ways of acquiring information and measurement is required in order to quantify the observation, making this crucial to the scientific method. In quantum mechanics, due to the uncertainty principle, non-commuting observables cannot be precisely measured simultaneously, as an eigenstate in one basis is not an eigenstate in the other basis. As both variables are not simultaneously well defined, a quantum state can never contain definitive information about both variables.Information is something that is encoded in the state of a quantum system, it is physical. While quantum mechanics deals with examining properties of matter at the microscopic level, quantum information science focuses on extracting information from those properties, and quantum computation manipulates and processes information – performs logical operations – using quantum information processing techniques.Quantum information, like classical information, can be processed using digital computers, transmitted from one location to another, manipulated with algorithms, and analyzed with computer science and mathematics. Just like the basic unit of classical information is the bit, quantum information deals with qubits. Quantum information can be measured using Von Neumann entropy.
Recently, the field of quantum computing has become an active research area because of the possibility to disrupt modern computation, communication, and cryptography.

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  1. A

    Programs Where can I do a masters in Quantum Mechanics?

    I am an undergraduate student in India doing my final year BS degree in Math. I am extremely interested in quantum mechanics and want to peruse quantum computation. What is the best possible course that I can take for my Masters? There appears to be a limited number of colleges that offer a...
  2. R

    I Energy conservation and information conservation

    How is information conserved when one form of energy is converted to other? Like how a black hole's gravitational energy is used to create photon pairs near the event horizon, what happens to the information in the gravitational wavepackets (gravitons?) and how is it not lost?
  3. P

    Prove relation for squeezed state - Quantum Information

    Homework Statement Prove the following relation for ##\zeta:=r e^{i \theta}##: S(\zeta)^\dagger a S(\zeta)= a \cosh r - a^\dagger e^{i \theta} \sinh r with ##S(\zeta)=e^{1/2[\zeta^\ast a^2-\zeta(a^\dagger)^2]}## and ##a## being the annihilation operator with eigenvalue ##\alpha##...
  4. J

    Studying Quantum Information and Computing

    I have just finished my 2nd year of undergraduate study, which had the first pass of QM in it. I want to do a PhD in Quantum information/computing. What can I learn in my own time to get me closer to understanding QM information/computing? Currently I only know what we covered in lectures, and...
  5. E

    Displacement operator, squeeze operator - problem interpreting notation....

    Homework Statement Prove the following relations (for ##\zeta:=r e^{i\theta}##): \begin{align} D(\alpha)^\dagger a D(\alpha)&=a+\alpha\\ S(\zeta)^\dagger a S(\zeta)&= a \cosh r- a^ \dagger e^{i\theta} \sinh r \end{align} Homework Equations ##|\alpha\rangle## is the coherent state. ##a## and...
  6. C

    Schools Comparing CU Boulder & University of Maryland for Quantum Information PhD

    Hi everyone, Hoping someone can give me insight on this. I am visiting two schools next week - CU Boulder and University of Maryland, both of which I have been accepted to for quantum information experiment (PhD.) Both are very highly ranked and seem to have great departments, and I'm...
  7. A

    Understanding POVMs and Quantum Information in Corollary Proofs

    Hi everyone I need help understanding the lines on the attached picture. In the proof of corollary 14 how does it follow from corollary 13 that: Λ(X) = ∑li><il Tr[KijXKij†] I think what has been done is take a partial trace over the system HB, but what exactly is the effect of this? It says...
  8. Richa Sharma

    Physics About internships related to quantum information science

    Hi, guys, I am an undergraduate pursuing electronics and communication in her 3rd year. For last few months, I have been trying to obtain internships in the field of quantum information so that I could have more exposure to it. I am already pursuing the subject learning it in bits by bits and...
  9. Kiarash

    Fermi's Golden Rule: Countable Quantum States & H-Theorem

    Consider a system with countable quantum states. One can define Jij as the rate of transition of probability from i-th to j-th quantum state. In H-theorem, if one assumes both $$ H:=\Sigma_{i} p_{i}log(p_{i})$$ $$J_{ij}=J_{ji}$$ then they can prove the H always decrease. The latter is Fermi's...
  10. kalimaa

    A Relationship between Quantum Numbers and Quantum Information

    I would appreciate any clarification (or opinion) on the relationship between Quantum Numbers and Quantum Information. My question is related to the puzzle wether matter merely represents information or - at the basement level of reality - actually can be said to be information. Just to give...
  11. A

    Quantum Information Theory: Trace of Density Matrix Explained

    Does anyone know anything about quantum information theory? I am reading a text about transmitting quantum states, represented by density matrices, through channels. Here the depolarising channel is defined as the map: X: -> (1-p)X + pτ Tr[X] which with probability (1-p) maps the state onto...
  12. Domenico94

    CNOT Quantum Gate Schematics: Physical Implementation

    Hi everyone. I'm just looking for schematics of cnot quantum gate, but on the Internet it only talks about it from a mathematical point of view. I want to ask you if you have some drawing, or schematics of it, from a "Physical" implementation, in the sense, how are the spins prepared, how we...
  13. EJC

    Schools Chances of Getting Into Graduate School Ph.D Programs

    I am a rising senior at a small liberal arts college, with an incredibly small (and therefore unrecognized) physics program. I am seeking advice regarding which Ph.D programs are within my reach. I plan on applying to AMO (Atomic, Molecular, and Optics) Ph.D programs with the intention of...
  14. M

    Exploring Quantum Optics: An Introduction to Quantum Computation and Information

    Hello everybody, This first post is intended, as requested, as a small self presentation. I'm an italian electronic engineer, a programmer for job and a passionate in Quantum Physics and Physics (and Mathematics) in general. I live and work in Padua. I've almost finished to follow a series of...
  15. Z

    Geometric measure of entanglement for fermions or bosons?

    For a system consisting of multiple components, say, a spin chain consisting ofN≥3spins, people sometimes use the so-called geometric measure of entanglement. It is related to the inner product between the wave function and a simple tensor product wave function. But it seems that none used this...
  16. AdityaDev

    Understanding Data Storage in SSD: Comparing to HDD and the Role of Atoms

    I am still in high school but my curiosity is not stopping me from posting in this forum. How is data stored in SSD? How does it differ from the old HDD? I heard that atoms are used to store data. How? Binary consists of 0 and 1. How does someone use an atom to represent 0 and 1? Does positive...
  17. V

    Statistical Physics vs QFT for quantum information processing

    Good day, I'm starting my master in physics, and it's time for me to choose my courses. I've decided that I probably want to pursue the direction of quantum information processing, and I'm trying to pick my courses with that in mind. For my first semester I'll be taking four courses: Quantum...
  18. P

    What sub-field of quantum information should I focus on for my research?

    Hi everyone, Recently I read an introduction to quantum information and got interested to begin a research work on it. I am now reading Neilsen's Quantum Computation and Quantum Information. There are a lot of things but I don't know how I can find a suitable issue and start writing an article...
  19. W

    A few basic questions about quantum information

    Could someone provide me with simple answers to the following questions? I have tried to find the answers on the internet but most search results are beyond my comprehension. 1. What is the maximum number of qubits that a photon can carry? 2. If Alice packs a qubit in a photon and sends...
  20. Jilang

    Quantum Mechanics as Quantum Information

    Is there a thread on this forum that discusses this paper? http://arxiv.org/pdf/quant-ph/0205039v1.pdf It would suggest that the quantum wavefunction is a representation of our state of knowledge of a system. Is this an accepted view?
  21. H

    Why are Microwaves Better for Quantum Info Stability?

    Hi guys, I've been reading a paper recently about trapping pseudo molecules in a magnetic field gradient. It says at one point that one of the successes has been due to using microwaves opposed to lasers; they claim that the reason for this is because lasers are notoriously difficult for...
  22. Magna Visus

    Quantum Information: Exploring How It Works

    A big hello to all physicist, chemist, engineers and anybody reading this thread, Back in the old days, information that used to be transmitted was analogue. Later it became numerical improving immunity vs noise; However I read a couple of days ago articles about the possibility of...
  23. nomadreid

    Classical versus quantum information

    I am a little confused at the description of quantum information, even though I more or less understand the concept of a qubit as being a superposition. That which confused me was a phrase saying that the quantum information is the classical information that can be retrieved. But one can only...
  24. G

    Questioning Neil Turok's Claim on Quantum Information

    I'm skeptical of something Neil Turok said, having to do with quantum information. http://thetyee.ca/Books/2012/10/13/Neil-Turok-Universe-Within/ From what I understand, a qubit can store an infinite amount of information. So, where does he get the number 300 from? Why not just one? Also...
  25. T

    Background for Quantum Information Theory

    Hi everyone, I'm looking to go to graduate school for a Master's in scientific computing or computational science but want to go back for a PhD in physics. I'm just starting to look into quantum information theory and while I find plenty of PDF files and articles about the topic I can't find...
  26. Q

    Schools Universities with PHD programs in Quantum Information Theory

    I will finish my Master studies in theoretical physics next year, and I want to do a PHD in Quantum Information (my main interest). I want to apply to universities in the UK and Germany (right now I restrict myself to these two countries). What are the universities you know of, that have Quantum...
  27. B

    Quantum Information: Why |<φ|exp(iα)|ψ>|^2 Differs

    Why is |<{\phi}|exp(i{\alpha}|{\psi}>|^2 for any alpha not dependent on choice of alpha, but |<phi | exp(i\alpha) \psi >|^2 is dependent on choice of alpha. Also, is there a list somewhere for how to type this garbage on physics forums; I'm used to using TeX maker for writing math, but I always...
  28. R

    What is the true significance of Quantum Information Theory?

    Hi! As I understand it, Quantum Information Theory is an attempt to apply the Classical Information Theory (i.e 0's and 1's) into the Quantum realm of superpositions. I recently came across a fascinating interpretation of QIT wherein it was described as possibly the law that effectively...
  29. W

    Schools Scope for Quantum Information theory - Graduate school and beyond

    Hi, I am a student in Europe. I have been reading through the posts on Graduate schools and the essays like the one by Zapper on how to become a physicist. I am now in the stage of searching for a PhD position. 1. I would like to know what you guys think about the scope of Quantum...
  30. A

    Quantum Information and Brain neurons

    Hello, i want to know if there is any way we can describe the way our brain transfers information using Quantum Information theory. I have been looking at Quantum Information theory for some time now and would want to know if it will ever be possible to transfer information directly from the...
  31. B

    Wondering about quantum information and phase factors.

    I seem to be at a loss to understand something pertaining to the role of the phase factors in defining quantum states and their consequences in quantum computing. So, I learned in class and read in numerous books, and online, that the phase factor has no physical significance as it does not...
  32. JK423

    What's the research about in the field of Quantum Information?

    I'm a graduate student, and now in the second year at graduate school I'm going to have to work on a research project on some field. I want to specialize in theoretical quantum information. My main motivation is that this field studies, in fact, quantum mechanics and is actually building and...
  33. M

    What Are Good Beginner Books on Quantum Information Theory?

    Anybody have suggestions on any reading material that would be (sorta) accessible to an undergrad? Intro stuff, anything would be great. THANKS!
  34. D

    Programs Where can I find top research opportunities for studying quantum information?

    What is the best place to do a PhD in quantum information? I want to do research on quantum entanglement and quantum teleportation.
  35. A

    Programs PhD, Quantum Information and Condensed Matter Physics

    Hi everybody, I ve been thinking a lot lately about the thesis I am supposed to start next year. I will study the categoric formulation for quantum mechanics, polytope correlations and links with the complexity theory (post quantum models etc). But on the other hand, I find my courses on...
  36. T

    Quantum Computation & Quantum Information

    hello,i had posted in this forum a question about linar algebra and quantum mechanics because i am studying quantum computation and information, i have the following book:"quantum computation and quantum information" by Michael A.Nielsen and Isaac L.Chuang. and i think it covers most topics of...
  37. Truecrimson

    Schools Graduate schools in quantum information theory in US and UK

    Hi. I'm an undergrad majoring in maths/physics from a US university now taking a year abroad at university of Bristol (UOB) in UK. After this academic year, I'll go back to study in my home university for a year and then graduate. The quantum information (QI) researches at the department of...
  38. E

    The nature of the universe as interpreted quantum information

    Note: This is a revised re-post of an earlier thread that I started, but I feel there was some misunderstanding in it's purpose so I have attempted to clarify with the current revisions. This is not intended to be a thread on metaphysical speculation, but rather an observation on a property of...
  39. E

    Looking for U. with research in Quantum Information Science and AMO

    I'm trying to find grad schools to apply to, and I'm particularly interested in universities with strong programs in quantum information science/quantum optics/quantum computing (what each university calls it seems to change depending on who's funding it). I haven't gotten my physics subject...
  40. C

    Explore Top MSc Quantum Information Programs in Europe - Expert Opinions

    I'm an undergraduate physics student and I'm looking for a MSc program at a european university (taught in English), related to quantum information, quantum optics etc. Any opinions?
  41. P

    Simple Quantum Information Question

    Hey folks, I have a pretty simple quantum information question that I was hoping somebody could answer. let's say I have a pure state \ket{\psi} = \alpha \ket{10} + \beta \ket{11} + \gamma \ket{01} + \theta \ket{00}. I then perform a measurement on only the first qubit and observe a...
  42. S

    Quantum information (sum is 4 or 6)

    Homework Statement We have two people, Alice and Bob. They get numbers random, but we have two cases. Firs case: \sum6 If: Bob get 6 then Alice get 0 Bob get 5 then Alice get 1 Bob get 4 then Alice get 2 Bob get 3 then Alice get 3 Bob get 2 then Alice get 4 Second case \sum4 If...
  43. P

    Organisms respond to quantum information

    And: So they have used phase information to control a biological process, but how about the organisms themselves: do they use light in the same way? They also mention 'the vision response', is that our eyes? Do our eyes/brain use phase information to create our vision?
  44. B

    Quantum information science and M-theory

    Hello. I've got childish question. I know that quantum computers are more effective than classical ones in solving some problems. Naturally, a thought have come to me: are there computers which are more effective than quantum ones, maybe some "Superstring" computers? And maybe there are...
  45. M

    Is there jobs on quantum information?

    is there jobs on quantum information?? does anyone know the career potential for someone who takes phd on quantum information? i mean a kind of job other than research assisstant in university?
  46. G

    Quantum Computation and Quantum Information

    Hey all, I'm a beginner of the Quantum Computation and Quantum Information. For a long time, I feel very confuse about the question bellow. Could you do me a favor and show me the proof? Many thanks! Question: Show that any qubit can be expressed as psi=exp(iγ)[cos(θ/2)0+exp(iΦ)sin(θ/2)1]...
  47. T

    Quantum Information: Explaining the Computing Power Boost

    Hello, In my university there is a bit of a fuss about Quantum Information (QI). A few professors work in this field and there have been some conferences where they try to explain to the rest what is QI and so on. I think it is safe to say I know a bit of quantum mechanics, not at a...
  48. S

    Can Quantum Systems Transport Information Without Altering It?

    In quantum systems/domain, the transporting of information from two locations, say A to B is the basis of all quantum connective logistic processes. What process, is available for the transport of information, without altering the information, surely if your moving information, you are...
  49. S

    Future study in Quantum Information Theory/Computing

    I am currently a freshman at rutgers university and I am planning to do a double major in Physics and Mathematics with a minor in Comp Sci. I am very much interested in the research fields of Quantum Information Theory and Quantum Computing and I was wondering if anybody could recommend a track...
  50. I

    Quantum information science project

    ALOHA! I'm doing a career project for my science class, and I chose quantum information science. One of the major requirements is to get an interview from a professional in the field. I have e-mailed about 5 or 6 scientists in the past 2 weeks, and have not (to my great dismay) received a...
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