Quantum Computation & Information Course | Prof. Chiranjib Mitra | IISER Kolkata
Course Details
| Exam Registration | 443 |
|---|---|
| Course Status | Ongoing |
| Course Type | Elective |
| Language | English |
| Duration | 12 weeks |
| Categories | Physics |
| Credit Points | 3 |
| Level | Postgraduate |
| Start Date | 19 Jan 2026 |
| End Date | 10 Apr 2026 |
| Enrollment Ends | 02 Feb 2026 |
| Exam Registration Ends | 20 Feb 2026 |
| Exam Date | 25 Apr 2026 IST |
| NCrF Level | 4.5 — 8.0 |
Mastering the Quantum Future: An In-Depth Look at Quantum Computation and Information
The field of quantum information processing (QIP) represents one of the most exciting frontiers in modern science, promising to revolutionize computing, cryptography, and communication. For postgraduate students and advanced undergraduates seeking to navigate this complex landscape, a structured and expert-led course is invaluable. The course Quantum Computation and Quantum Information, taught by Professor Chiranjib Mitra at IISER Kolkata, stands as a premier educational offering in this domain.
Meet the Instructor: Prof. Chiranjib Mitra
Prof. Chiranjib Mitra brings a wealth of academic and research experience to the classroom. An experimental physicist specializing in quantum information processing, his research focuses on spin qubits in low-dimensional systems and the characterization of entanglement through experimental witness operators. He also has significant expertise in QIP using nitrogen-vacancy centers in diamond.
His academic journey includes a PhD from TIFR, Mumbai, followed by postdoctoral research at prestigious institutions in Germany, the University of Cambridge, and University College London. Since joining IISER Kolkata in 2007 and becoming a Professor in 2018, he has been instrumental in developing and teaching the institute's quantum information curriculum for over five years.
Course Overview and Prerequisites
This 12-week advanced course is designed for fourth-year BS-MS/BTech students or postgraduate scholars. It adopts a formal, theoretical approach to the subject, building upon a strong foundation in core physics concepts.
Prerequisites include:
- Intermediate Quantum Mechanics
- Mathematical Methods
- Statistical Mechanics
- Familiarity with Hilbert Space, bra-ket notation, and linear algebra
- Basic knowledge of Condensed Matter Physics and Optics is beneficial
The course will introduce necessary concepts like rotation operators and tensors, ensuring a comprehensive learning curve for all dedicated participants.
Detailed 12-Week Course Layout
The curriculum is meticulously structured to build knowledge from fundamental principles to advanced applications.
| Week | Topics Covered |
|---|---|
| Week 1-2 | Motivation, Classical vs. Quantum computers, Deutsch's algorithm, Qubits, Bloch Sphere, Pauli Gates, Density Matrix. |
| Week 3-4 | Density Matrix properties, Classical & Von Neumann Entropy, Entanglement in pure states, Schmidt decomposition. |
| Week 5-7 | Bell's inequality, Quantum Protocols (Dense Coding, Teleportation), Cryptography (RSA), Experimental implementations. |
| Week 8-9 | Quantum Fourier Transform, Quantum Circuits, and the groundbreaking Shor's algorithm for factorization. |
| Week 10-12 | Decoherence, Open Quantum Systems, Quantum Channels, Generalized Measurements (POVM), and Entanglement in mixed states. |
Industry Relevance and Applications
This course is not just an academic exercise; it directly prepares students for cutting-edge industries:
- Cybersecurity & Cryptography: Understanding RSA and quantum cryptography protocols is fundamental for securing future digital infrastructure.
- Finance & Data Science: Algorithms like Shor's (factorization) and Grover's (search) offer potential for massive speedups in data analysis and complex financial modeling.
- Technology & Computing: Modules on physical qubits (NMR, superconducting) provide crucial insight for hardware development in the quantum computing industry.
- Telecommunications: Quantum protocols like teleportation and dense coding pave the way for ultra-secure and efficient communication networks.
- Aerospace & Defense: Quantum principles are key to advancing secure satellite communication and navigation systems.
Essential Reading and Resources
The course draws from seminal texts and resources:
- Nielsen & Chuang: Quantum Computation and Quantum Information – The standard textbook in the field.
- John Preskill's Lecture Notes: Renowned notes from Caltech (Ph229).
- Bouwmeester, Ekert & Zeilinger: The Physics of Quantum Information – A excellent resource on core protocols.
This course, born from years of teaching and research experience, offers a rare opportunity to gain a deep, formal understanding of quantum information science from a leading expert. It equips the next generation of scientists and engineers with the theoretical tools needed to contribute to the ongoing quantum revolution.
Enroll Now →