| Centre for Quantum Technologies (CQT) | |
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CQT Logo |
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| Established | 2007 |
| Type | Research institute |
| Director | Artur Ekert |
| Location | Singapore, Singapore |
| People | 150+ scientific researchers and support staff |
| Website | www.quantumlah.org |
The Centre for Quantum Technologies (CQT) in Singapore is a Research Centre of Excellence[1][2] hosted by the National University of Singapore[3]. The Centre brings together quantum physicists and computer scientists to explore the quantum nature of reality and the fundamental limits of information processing[4].
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The mission of CQT is to conduct interdisciplinary theoretical and experimental research in quantum theory and its application to information processing. The discovery that quantum physics allows fundamentally new modes of information processing has required that classical theories of computation, information and cryptography be superseded by their quantum generalizations. These hold out the promise of faster computation and more secure communication than is possible classically. A key focus of CQT is the development of quantum technologies for the coherent control of individual photons and atoms, exploring both the theory and the practical possibilities of constructing quantum-mechanical devices for cryptography and computation.
Research in quantum information science in Singapore began in 1998[5]. It was initiated by Kwek Leong Chuan, Lai Choy Heng, Oh Choo Hiap and Kuldip Singh as a series of informal seminars at the National University of Singapore. The seminars attracted local researchers and as a result, the Quantum Information Technology Group (informally referred to in Singlish as "quantum lah") was formed.
In February 2002, with support from Singapore's Agency for Science, Technology and Research (A*STAR), research efforts in the field were consolidated. This led to a number of faculty appointments. In 2007 the Quantum Information Technology Group was selected as the core of Singapore's first Research Centre of Excellence. The Centre for Quantum Technologies was founded in December 2007 with $158 million to spend over ten years.
The Centre for Quantum Technologies is funded by the Singapore National Research Foundation and the Ministry of Education. It is hosted by the National University of Singapore, but has significant autonomy both in pursuing its research goals and in governance. The Centre has its own Governing Board, a Scientific Advisory Board and is headed by Director Artur Ekert.
The Centre for Quantum Technologies conducts research across a wide range of areas in quantum information science, from the very theoretical to the very applied[6]. CQT employs more than 100 researchers, offers a PhD program and has its own technical workshops and support staff [7]. Research results from CQT are regularly published in major journals, including Nature, Science and Physical Review Letters[8]. The following are active research groups at the Centre:
Principal Investigators: Rahul Jain, Hartmut Klauck, Miklos Santha, Stephanie Wehner
Research areas include:
Principal Investigators: Dimitris G. Angelakis, Berthold-Georg Englert, Dagomir Kaszlikowski, Kwek Leong Chuan, Oh Choo Hiap, Valerio Scarani, Vlatko Vedral, Andreas Winter
Research areas include:
Principal Investigators: Murray Barrett, Kai Dieckmann, Rainer Dumke, Björn Hessmo, Christian Kurtsiefer, Wenhui Li, Alexander Ling, Dzimitry Matsukevich
Research areas include:
The Centre for Quantum Technologies provides a joint graduate studies program with the National University of Singapore. The PhD@CQT program seeks and attracts talented students, offering a vibrant research environment and generous scholarship. As of 2011, CQT has around 40 students taking their graduate studies in research areas across the range of expertise of the research staff.
CQT offers a lively schedule of events including colloquia, talks, workshops, and conferences[9]. Special events have included a cryptography trip to the Grand Canyon[10]. CQT also organises a variety of outreach activities, from tours of the Centre to talks in schools[11]. The Centre has a page on Facebook[12] and tweets on Twitter as @quantumlah[13].
CQT is the principal occupant of the building at 3 Science Drive 2 (off Lower Kent Ridge Road), Block S15 on the campus of the National University of Singapore. The building is readily accessible by the NUS Internal Bus Service 'A1', 'A2' , 'C' or 'D' to CQT.
CQT's Quantum Cafe is well known to its visitors, staff and students, as is the large food court located behind the main building.
Visitors travelling to CQT by taxi from the airport should expect a journey of 30–45 minutes and a fare of S$25–$30. A cab ride from the city-centre to CQT takes about 15–25 minutes with a fare of S$15–$20.