The University of Wisconsin-Madison is home to a major research and development program that aims to apply quantum computing to the solution of problems that cannot be solved with “classical” computers. But what is a quantum computer and what sorts of problems can it solve? Professor Mark Saffman, Director of the Wisconsin Quantum Institute, will tell us what’s going on in research at WQI and how the results of that research are likely to affect the world in which we live.
Mark is an experimental physicist working in the areas of atomic physics, quantum and nonlinear optics, and quantum information processing. He has made significant contributions to the physics of optical solitons, pattern formation, sources of entangled light, and quantum computing. His current research effort is devoted to the development of neutral atom based quantum computing devices. His research team was the first to demonstrate a quantum CNOT gate between two trapped neutral atoms, and the deterministic entanglement of a pair of neutral atoms. This was done using dipole mediated interactions between highly excited Rydberg atoms. He is currently developing scalable neutral atom platforms using arrays of trapped atoms.
He is a Professor of Physics at the University of Wisconsin-Madison, Director of the Wisconsin Quantum Institute (wqi.wisc.edu), and Chief Scientist for Quantum Information at ColdQuanta, Inc. He is a fellow of the American Physical Society and the Optical Society of America and has been recognized with the Alfred P. Sloan Fellowship and a University of Wisconsin Vilas Associate Award. He also serves as an Associate Editor for Physical Review A.
If you have preliminary questions for the speaker, please email them in advance to program coordinator Millard Susman at msusman@wisc.edu by Tuesday, November 2.
Food Pantry Contributions:
Checks payable to UW-Foundation, with "Open Seat" on the memo line may be mailed to UWRA, 21 North Park Street, Room 7205, Madison, WI 53715-1218.
Registration Deadline: Thursday, November 4
Registration:
Advance registration is required. You are encouraged to register online. To register by phone or email, call the Association office. If you or your guest registered for this seminar but cannot attend, please cancel your registration online, or email/call the UWRA office.
NOTE: The weblink and virtual call information will be included in the meeting reminders registrants receive.
UW-Madison Retirement Association
21 N Park St, Room 7205
Madison WI 53715-1218
608-262-0641
retireassn@mailplus.wisc.edu
