Exploring Quantum Computation with Alba Cervera-Lierta
Written on
Chapter 1: Introduction to Quantum Computation
In the 56th episode of Datacast, I had the pleasure of interviewing Alba Cervera-Lierta, a postdoctoral researcher with the Matterlab group at the University of Toronto. Our conversation spanned her journey into physics, her research on Bell inequalities, multipartite entanglement, and the integration of quantum computation with machine learning. Additionally, we discussed her educational background and her efforts in public outreach to raise awareness about quantum technologies.
Listen to the episode on (1) Spotify, (2) Apple Podcasts, (3) Google Podcasts, (4) Stitcher, (5) iHeart Radio, (6) Breaker, and (7) RadioPublic.
Section 1.1: Alba’s Academic Journey
Alba shared how her fascination with science began in childhood, largely inspired by her father. A pivotal high school physics teacher further ignited her passion for the subject, leading her to pursue a degree in physics at the University of Barcelona. She was part of the first cohort to study quantum information, also delving into particle physics during her master's program.
Section 1.2: Understanding Bell Inequalities
The Bell theorem revolutionized our understanding of quantum physics in the 1960s, positing that the correlations between entangled particles can be explained using classical physics. Alba explained that experiments with Bell inequalities reveal that when two entangled particles are separated, measuring one affects the other, violating classical bounds. This concept was experimentally validated two decades later, affirming quantum mechanics' unique properties.
Subsection 1.2.1: Research on Qutrits
Alba's research has led to the discovery of new Bell inequalities involving qutrits—quantum states with three levels—expanding our understanding of quantum correlations.
Section 1.3: Investigating High-Energy Physics
Alba's work also explores the dynamics of quantum electrodynamics, focusing on how fundamental interactions can create maximally entangled states. She emphasized that these interactions are foundational to our understanding of nature.
Chapter 2: Quantum Mechanics in Depth
Section 2.1: The Role of Spin Chains
Spin chains serve as essential models for studying magnetism at a fundamental level. Alba noted that these complex systems can elucidate phenomena such as superconductivity and quantum phase transitions, which occur due to quantum fluctuations rather than temperature changes.
Section 2.2: Theoretical vs. Experimental Challenges
Conducting quantum experiments is fraught with challenges, including isolating quantum particles and finding suitable systems to validate theoretical concepts. Alba stressed the importance of bridging theory and practice in quantum research.
Section 2.3: Collaboration at Quantic
Alba described a collaborative project named Quantic, which merges efforts from the University of Barcelona and the Barcelona Supercomputing Center, aimed at advancing quantum computation research.
Section 2.4: Metaphor of the Quantum Symphony
Alba likened quantum mechanics to a symphony, where quantum states represent musical notes. The interplay of these states produces complex chords, reflecting the intricacies of quantum computation.
Chapter 3: Innovations and Contributions
Section 3.1: Winning the QISKIT Challenge
Alba participated in IBM's QISKIT Challenge, creating a tutorial that showcased the performance of quantum simulation algorithms. Her unexpected victory garnered attention in both academic and public spheres, helping to raise awareness about quantum technologies.
Section 3.2: Quantum vs. Classical Physics
She discussed the fundamental differences between quantum and classical physics, highlighting entanglement as a unique quantum property. This phenomenon is crucial for algorithms that achieve significant speed improvements over classical counterparts.
Section 3.3: Developing the Quantum Classifier
Alba's research into quantum neural networks led to the development of a minimalist quantum classifier model that demonstrates the potential for quantum systems to replicate classical neural network capabilities.
Chapter 4: Future Directions and Outreach
Section 4.1: Postdoctoral Experience at the Matter Lab
Alba expressed her enthusiasm for being part of the Matter Lab group, which is at the forefront of quantum computing and AI applications in chemistry and physics. She noted Toronto's thriving quantum ecosystem, which fosters collaboration among numerous tech startups.
Section 4.2: The Meta-VQE Algorithm
Alba's work on the Meta-VQE algorithm combines quantum and classical computing to efficiently determine the ground-state energy of molecular systems, offering significant computational advantages.
Section 4.3: Tequila Library Development
She also discussed the creation of the Tequila library, designed to streamline quantum algorithm development by allowing users to translate their code into various quantum languages.
Section 4.4: The Call for Diverse Contributions
Alba emphasized the need for diverse expertise in the quantum field, ranging from engineers to mathematicians, to tackle the theoretical and experimental challenges of quantum computing.
Section 4.5: Promoting Science and Inclusion
As a woman in STEM, Alba is committed to inspiring the next generation of scientists and proving that women can excel in the quantum computing domain. She finds outreach activities rewarding, as they challenge her to explain complex concepts in accessible terms.
Timestamps
(1:55) Alba shared her background growing up interested in studying Physics and pivoting into quantum mechanics.
(3:33) Alba went over her Bachelor's in Fundamental Physics at The University of Barcelona.
(4:54) Alba continued her education with an M.S. degree that specialized in Particle Physics and Gravitation.
(6:40) Alba started her Ph.D. in Physics in 2015 and discussed her first publication, "Operational Approach to Bell Inequalities: Application to Qutrits."
(9:48) Alba also spent time as a visiting scholar at the University of Oxford and the University of Madrid during her Ph.D.
(11:25) Alba explained her second paper to understand the connection between maximal entanglement and the fundamental symmetries of high-energy physics.
(13:27) Alba dissected her next work titled "Multipartite Entanglement in Spin Chains and The Hyperdeterminant."
(18:56) Alba shared the origin of Quantic, a quantum computation joint effort between the University of Barcelona and the Barcelona Supercomputing Center.
(22:27) Alba unpacked her article "Quantum Computation: Playing The Quantum Symphony," making a metaphor between quantum computing and musical symphony.
(27:47) Alba discussed the motivation and contribution of her paper "Exact Ising Model Simulation On A Quantum Computer."
(32:51) Alba recalled creating a tutorial that won the Teach Me QISKit challenge from IBM back in 2018.
(35:01) Alba elaborated on her paper "Quantum Circuits For the Maximally Entangled States," which designs a series of quantum circuits that generate absolute maximally entangled states to benchmark a quantum computer.
(38:54) Alba dissected key ideas in her paper "Data Re-Uploading For a Universal Quantum Classifier."
(43:51) Alba explained how she leveled up her knowledge of classical neural networks.
(47:40) Alba shared her experience as a Postdoctoral Fellow at The Matter Lab at the University of Toronto — working on quantum machine learning and variational quantum algorithms.
(52:18) Alba explained her work on the Meta-Variational Quantum Eigensolver algorithm capable of learning the ground state energy profile of a parametrized Hamiltonian.
(59:23) Alba went over Tequila, a development package for quantum algorithms in Python that her group created.
(01:04:49) Alba presented a quantum calling for new algorithms, applications, architectures, quantum-classical interface, and more.
(01:08:59) Alba has been active in education and public outreach activities about encouraging scientific vocations for young minds, especially in Catalonia.
(01:12:07) Closing segment.
Her Contact Info
Website
Google Scholar
GitHub
Her Recommended Resources
- Ewin Tang (Ph.D. Student in Theoretical Computer Science at the University of Washington)
- Alán Aspuru-Guzik (Professor of Chemistry and Computer Science at the University of Toronto, Alba's current supervisor)
- José Ignacio Latorre (Professor of Theoretical Physics at the University of Barcelona, Alba's former supervisor)
- "Quantum Computation and Quantum Information" by Michael Nielsen and Isaac Chuang
- "Quantum Field Theory and The Standard Model" by Matthew Schwarz
- "The Structure of Scientific Revolutions" by Thomas Kuhn
- "Against Method" by Paul Feyerabend
- "Quantum Computing Since Democritus" by Scott Aaronson
For insights on Recommendation Systems, Deep Learning, MLOps, and Data Science Journalism, visit my Medium, GitHub, or join my mailing list for the latest updates!