PhD thesis defense to be held on February 11, 2025 at 10:00 (old ECE building, room 2.1.19)
Thesis title: Application of Quantum Computing Techniques and Quantum Information Theory in Plasma Physics
Abstract: The prospect that, for a range of problems, quantum computers could be exponentially faster than conventional computers has led to an enhanced interest in quantum computer sciences. Naturally, this raises the question of identifying suitable physical problems that can leverage these quantum resources for alternative numerical approaches. In this direction, the present thesis aims to explore integrating Maxwell equations within the quantum computation and information framework, focusing on electromagnetic wave propagation and scattering in magnetized plasmas and complex media. However, the goal is not to chase after a so called ``quantum advantage'' as it cannot be actually verified and tested in the Noisy Intermediate-Scale Quantum (NISQ) era. Instead, the objective is to identify the possibilities, limitations, and quantum resources required for a future quantum implementation of a realistic contemporary physical problem closely related to magnetic confinement fusion.
Supervisor: Professor Elias Glytsis
PhD Student: EFSTRATIOS KOUKOUTSIS