Advancing the frontiers of quantum science and engineering

Abstract: Effective decoding of quantum error-correcting codes is fundamental to achieving fault-tolerant quantum computation. This talk will present recent progress in developing sophisticated decoding algorithms that address the inherent complexities of quantum errors and code structures. We will explore a class of exact decoding methods that offer optimal solutions for certain quantum codes under realistic noise conditions, demonstrating significant improvements over conventional techniques in logical error rates and identifying precise error thresholds. Additionally, we will discuss the application of generative machine learning models to quantum decoding. This novel approach leverages unsupervised learning to efficiently approximate maximum likelihood decoding across various quantum error-correcting codes, including surface codes and quantum LDPC codes. These generative methods provide enhanced decoding accuracy and adaptability to diverse noise environments. Together, these advancements represent a substantial step forward in building robust and scalable decoding infrastructure crucial for the future of practical quantum computing.

Abstract: We explore the optical properties of quantum materials through two complementary systems: ultracold indium gas and hexagonal manganese telluride (MnTe). These represent atomic and solid-state frontiers of quantum matter, unified by the theme of light–matter interaction. In the first part, I demonstrate the first laser cooling and trapping of indium, a Group-III element. By constructing a dedicated setup with a Zeeman slower and magneto-optical trap, we achieved sub-Doppler cooling to 15 µK, and further confined spin-polarized atoms in a 1064 nm optical lattice with a 3-second lifetime. These results establish indium as a new platform for quantum simulation and optical clock applications. In the second part, I study MnTe, a semiconducting altermagnet with strong magnetic anisotropy. Using femtosecond pump–probe spectroscopy, we observe photoinduced electronic, lattice, and spin dynamics, including band-gap renormalization, coherent phonons, and melting of antiferromagnetic order, revealing a nonthermal phase transition driven by light. Together, these studies demonstrate how optical fields can control and probe quantum systems across vastly different regimes, bridging atomic physics and condensed matter physics under a unified optical framework.

Abstract: Recently the Quantronics group at CEA Saclay demonstrated inductive detection of individual spin-defects in solid state [1], and in doing so resolved a crucial question of cavity-QED at microwave frequencies [2]. Namely, could the microwave spin transitions of individual solid-state defects be used as coherent qubits in a cQED architecture? Here I will discuss the main results of our work, with a focus on one key outstanding challenge; achieving strong coupling between a superconducting microwave resonator and a single rare-earth spin defect. [1] Wang, Z., Balembois, L., Rančić, M. et al. Single-electron spin resonance detection by microwave photon counting. Nature 619, 276–281 (2023) [2] Herbert Walther et al 2006 Rep. Prog. Phys. 69 1325

Abstract:In many quantum information tasks, we encounter scenarios where informationabout two incompatible observables must be retrieved. A natural approach is toperform consecutive measurements, raising a key question: How does theinformation gained from the first measurement compare to that from both? Theconsecutive measurement theorem (CMT) provides a general relation between thesequantities and has found applications in quantum cryptography. However, itsprevious formulations are often either too loose or too brittle to yieldmeaningful bounds. In this work, we first establish a tight CMT and apply it toachieve the best upper bounds on the quantum value of certain nonlocal gamesand their parallel repetitions to date. We then develop a robust CMT andexplore a novel application of CMT to obtain a tighter no-go theorem forquantum oblivious transfer in some regime. These contributions strengthen thetheoretical tools for analyzing quantum advantage and have concreteimplications for nonlocal games and quantum cryptographic protocols. 

Abstract: Quantum computing is usually introduced through code and equations, but what happens when we approach it through design? In this talk, Klem Jankiewicz will present interactive tools she has designed as alternatives to traditional interfaces. From the Quantum Flytrap game & virtual lab (originating at CQT) to graphical environments for building algorithms and exploring large quantum circuits, she will show how design offers new ways to visualize, communicate, and engage with quantum technologies.

Abstract: The Hidden Subgroup Problem lies at the very core of some fundamental results for quantum advantage, such as integer factorization through Shor’s algorithm. Fault-tolerant computers are required to solve the HSP due to the requirement to execute a Quantum Fourier Transform. In this work, we will explore a method to find the State HSP, a variant of the HSP in which a quantum state is invariant under the action of the hidden subgroup, in the event that the received state suffers from noise. Our method differs from other approaches on the post-processing of data. While other methods find the kernel of the sampled outcomes, we collect all data and then perform operations motivated by number theory, and in particular on the concentration of the greatest common divisor. In this scenario, we achieve robustness against noisy states, as well as an improvement in the cost of the procedure from logarithmic to constant in certain instances. This procedure opens an avenue to investigate the effect of imperfect data on quantum machine learning scenarios. 

Abstract: Manipulating quantum phenomena of microscopic particles to emulate novel states of matter and establish high-precision time standards promises to greatly advance future technological developments. Techniques involving ultracold atoms have formed a nexus between disciplines such as quantum information science, condensed matter physics, and quantum precision measurement, positioning them at the forefront of hot research areas in physics. In this talk, I will introduce the latest developments in quantum manipulation based on ultracold fermionic systems for quantum simulation and quantum metrology in USTC. In quantum simulation, systems comprising hundreds up to millions of atoms can be artificially created and controlled to mimic complex systems found in condensed matter physics and quantum field theory. This facilitates the validation or prediction of novel quantum phenomena, exploration of the underlying microscopic mechanisms, and fosters the next generation of technological and industrial revolutions. Utilizing small-scale and manageable ultracold fermionic systems, important unsolved models in condensed matter physics like the Fermi-Hubbard model can be simulated, aiming to acquire phase diagrams of strongly correlated fermionic systems at low temperatures. In the field of quantum metrology, ultracold atomic optical lattice clocks have achieved the highest time measurement accuracy to date. To overcome limitations such as gravitational fluctuations in terrestrial and near-Earth environments, there is an urgent need to develop optical frequency standards based on high-orbit space platforms. Ultracold atomic optical lattice clocks on medium-to-high orbit space platforms, integrated with quantum communication and time-frequency transfer technologies, will enable precise star-to-ground clock comparisons and become a key component in the next generation of optical clock-based second definitions.

Quantum Techniques in Machine Learning (QTML) is a leading international conference at the forefront of quantum science and machine learning. Held annually, it brings together researchers and industry experts to explore how quantum computing can transform learning, optimisation, and data-driven discovery. CQT is proud to support planning for the ninth edition of this international conference, QTML 2025, to take place in Singapore 16-21 November. Registration is now open.

Venue: CQT Level 3 Seminar Room, S15-03-15

Abstract: Quantum learning from remotely accessed quantum compute and data must address two key challenges: verifying the correctness of data and ensuring the privacy of the learner's data-collection strategies and resulting conclusions. The covert (verifiable) learning model of Canetti and Karchmer (TCC 2021) provides a framework for endowing classical learning algorithms with such guarantees. In this work, we propose models of covert verifiable learning in quantum learning theory and realize them without computational hardness assumptions for remote data access scenarios motivated by established quantum data advantages. We consider two privacy notions: (i) strategy-covertness, where the eavesdropper does not gain information about the learner's strategy; and (ii) target-covertness, where the eavesdropper does not gain information about the unknown object being learned. We show: Strategy-covert algorithms for making quantum statistical queries via classical shadows; Target-covert algorithms for learning quadratic functions from public quantum examples and private quantum statistical queries, for Pauli shadow tomography and stabilizer state learning from public multi-copy and private single-copy quantum measurements, and for solving Forrelation and Simon's problem from public quantum queries and private classical queries, where the adversary is a unidirectional or i.i.d. ancilla-free eavesdropper. The lattermost results in particular establish that the exponential separation between classical and quantum queries for Forrelation and Simon's problem survives under covertness constraints. Along the way, we design covert verifiable protocols for quantum data acquisition from public quantum queries which may be of independent interest. Overall, our models and corresponding algorithms demonstrate that quantum advantages are privately and verifiably achievable even with untrusted, remote data. https://arxiv.org/abs/2510.07193

Abstract: This introductory talk visits the ultraviolet catastrophe, atomic bombs, atomic clocks, transistors, superconductivity, quantum entanglement and more. Find out how quantum physics has given us modern technologies and what future applications of quantum technologies could look like. There will be time left at the end of the talk for a Q&A session. Come with your burning questions! https://www.nlb.gov.sg/main/whats-on/event-detail?event-id=176102726630

The goal of this workshop is to bring the active research community together to discuss the progress, challenges and new possible directions for quantum repeaters and networks. We invite researchers working on key enabling technologies and system integration, protocols for connecting repeaters across network links with high fidelity, architectures for large-scale networks, and applications of distributed quantum entanglement. The WQRN has been and continues to be a limited-attendance, few-day workshop, in which participants are given the opportunity to share ideas, directions, and concerns to advance the state of the field. Talks are by invitation only and catered to broadly cover the applications, theory, components, and worldwide directions in quantum repeaters and networks. These talks frame group discussion sessions for which all participants are welcome to contribute; participants are also welcome to contribute to a poster session.