Seminars & Colloquia Calendar

Abstract: Quantum mechanics is associated with both quantum probability, which is an alternate probability theory which is needed to interpret quantum mechanics; and quantum computing, which is an alternate computational model provided by quantum probability and which might lead to actual quantum computers one day.   Quantum probability and quantum computing are both entirely rigorous mathematical topics.   Although they require some graduate-level preparation, they are not insuperably difficult as mathematics.  Nonetheless, both topics are difficult to understand, even for many working mathematicians, because they are difficult to believe.    In this talk, I will try to make quantum probability and quantum computing easier to believe.   I will also outline a few of the connections between these areas and some traditional areas of pure mathematics and computer science.  I will choose from connections to (among other possible topics) classical probability, coding theory, group theory, quantum algebra, traditional computational complexity, and cryptography.