Dr. Charles Cao, Virginia Polytechnic Institute

Title: From quantum error correction to quantum gravity -- and back again

Abstract: Recent advances in quantum computing have generated tremendous excitement. Quantum bits, however, are easily corrupted and protocols called quantum error correction are essential for maintaining quantum coherence during the computation process. Although quantum error correction may sound like a purely engineering concept, it bears a surprising connection to quantum gravity. In this talk, I will discuss how techniques developed to protect quantum information against decoherence have reshaped the way we think about spacetime and gravity. Conversely, insights from quantum gravity have inspired powerful “quantum Lego” design principles, allowing us to construct quantum error-correcting codes piece by piece, much like playing with Lego blocks.