Building a superconducting quantum computer requires several key components: a quantum processor containing the qubits, a dilution refrigerator to cool down the qubits and a microwave system to control and read the state of the qubits. The microwave system sends pulses in the range of GHz to the qubits, made of Josephson junctions and parallel capacitive pads, located at the milliKelvin stage in the dilution refrigerator. In my talk, I will introduce on the work done in Rainer’s Dumke group at the Centre for Quantum Technologies (CQT), Singapore. I will first present our efforts in the quantum processor fabrication, where the transmon junctions are fabricated in-house. I will then talk about the development of our custom microwave control system which is based on the RFSoC FPGA and lastly, I will introduce some of our previous and more recent measurements.

When degeneracy occurs in non-Hermitian systems, their eigenvalues and eigenvectors could simultaneously coalesce at certain values of systems’ parameters. The points where degeneracy occurs are called exceptional points. In contrast to degeneracy in Hermitian systems, the Hamiltonians in non-Hermitian systems cannot be diagonalized at the exceptional points. They can at best be brought into a Jordan block form. The consideration can be carried over into the Liouvillians of open quantum systems. They are dissipative systems and the Liouvillians are non-Hermitian. We discuss our work on the structure of the exceptional points in the Liouvillian of continuous variable system for a harmonic oscillator. Then we discuss a recent experiment using a single trapped ion as quantum heat engine. When the heat engine encircles a Liouvillian exceptional point, it is shown that larger net work can be extracted from a bath. This heat engine makes use of an effective two-level Liouvillian exceptional point.

In this presentation, I will share the motivation and the objectives underlying the setting up of a dedicated interdisciplinary center for Quantum Information Science and Technology (QIST) at Universiti Malaya. While research in the field of quantum physics covering both fundamental questions and applications of quantum mechanics are scattered in various pockets of research groups or individuals, a different strategy is needed to capitalize on the spotlight cast upon quantum technologies in global perspective but projected on the local variables in Malaysian context. Such a strategic foresight is still lacking. This requires collaborative spirit and openness to knowledge sharing and talent diffusion. QIST@UM earmarked 4 areas or tracks for research enhancement, namely quantum computing and optimization, quantum communication and security, quantum sensing and qubit source. I will briefly mention the ongoing efforts along these tracks but intend to solicit collaborative prospects from consortium members of the Malaysia’s Quantum Initiative (MyQI) with similar or complementary expertise. Given the limited talent pool and preconditioned focus on critical national agenda by the major funding agencies in Malaysia, QIST@UM proposes strategic partnership among MyQI members in sourcing funds that benefit the members, while sending unequivocal message to the funding decision makers based on realistic foresight.

The field of group theory in physics has since played an important role and powerful mathematical tool in describing symmetry and transformations in various physical theories. One of the key to the well-established group theoretic method is known as the group representation theory. Interestingly, one of the current technologies that is essentially based on group symmetry is the quantum error correction (QEC). QEC in brief, is a technology that will protect a quantum state from noise and decoherence and thus has become one of the important features that is to improve the error threshold of fault-tolerant quantum computing. In this talk, we present our previous and ongoing work that involved group theory and the quest to properly understand group theoretic methods in quantum error correction.

The world is witnessing a quantum revolution, with advancements in quantum technologies poised to reshape industries and societies in unprecedented ways. As quantum capabilities expand, the need for coherent and forward-thinking policies becomes increasingly evident. Quantum global policy initiatives and landscape have emerged as crucial focal points, encompassing diverse efforts by nations and international organizations to navigate the challenges and opportunities presented by this transformative field. This brief presentation provides an insight into the dynamic interplay between technology, governance, and security on a global scale and explores the key thrusts and challenges of quantum policy initiatives.