Dr Michael Biercuk from the School of Physics has been awarded a $1.7 million research grant.
The US National Security Agency and Army Research Office have awarded a $1.7 million research grant to Dr Michael J Biercuk, a quantum physicist based within the School of Physics. The grant is focused on a research area of tremendous interest to governments, industry, and academia worldwide - the attempt to harness the principles of quantum mechanics to deliver new technological capabilities. One quantum technology of interest to the US intelligence agencies is the Quantum Computer. This device uses quantum mechanics to store and process information in a revolutionary manner and, if realised, would unlock the ability to solve problems that have thus far been nearly impossible using conventional computers - specifically problems related to code-breaking. Quantum computers aren't simply theoretical, however. Recent experiments have demonstrated a fully programmable, but very small, quantum computer - but too small to be useful for any practical purpose. Dr Biercuk said the fundamental challenge in developing a useful and scalable quantum computer was in understanding how to deal with error - a problem potentially far more severe than found in classical digital processors.
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