Quantum Annealing: Theory and Practice - DLS Talk by Catherine McGeoch, Amherst College

Date
Location

Hugh Dempster Building (6245 Agronomy Rd), Room 110

Speaker:  Catherine C. McGeoch, Professor, Amherst College

Title:  Quantum Annealing:  Theory and Practice

Host:  Anne Condon, UBC Computer Science

Abstract: 

A quantum annealer is a computing device that solves NP-hard optimization problems heuristically.   It uses an algorithm implemented in hardware,  that exploits quantum properties such as superposition and entanglement.   These quantum processors are manufactured for sale by D-Wave Systems of Burnaby BC.   I will give an overview of quantum annealing,  and survey what (little) is known theoretically about performance.   I will also discuss results from experimental performance analysis and benchmarking studies of these novel computing platforms.

Research Interests: 

My research interests are in algorithms and heuristics for NP-Hard problems; experimental algorithmics, including methodology, statistics, and data analysis; and lately, experimental analysis of quantum annealers and adiabatic quantum systems.

This seminar is proudly sponsored by:

 Pacific Institute for the Mathematical Sciences


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This event's address: https://my.cs.ubc.ca/event/2016/09/quantum-annealing-theory-practice-dls-talk