A Landmark Visit: Professor Mark Hillery at QUTE.sk
The QUTE.sk institute had the honor of hosting Professor Mark Hillery from New York, USA, who recently visited Slovakia for two significant events: the CEQIP science conference and a series of lectures on Introduction to Quantum Algorithms. Professor Hillery’s visit was not only a highlight for the scientific community but also a testament to his continued contributions and collaborative spirit in the field of quantum technologies.
CEQIP 2024: Quantum Insights and Engaging Dialogues
Professor Hillery was an invited speaker at the CEQIP (Central European Quantum Information Processing) conference, held from June 3 to 6, 2024 in a beautiful town of Skalica. The conference, renowned for its focus on the latest challenges and paradigms in quantum technologies, provided a platform for distinguished scientists to share their insights and foster collaboration. Other notable speakers included Giulio Chiribella from Hong Kong, Sergei Filippov from Helsinki, Teiko Heinosaari from Jyväskylä, Michał Oszmaniec from Warsaw, and Marcin Pawlowski from Gdansk.
The CEQIP workshops are celebrated for their engaging discussions on the mathematical and computational aspects of quantum technologies. The conference’s social program, which included a traditional wine tasting, a cipher game, and a boat trip to the Czech Republic, created a friendly and creative atmosphere conducive to intellectual exchange.
Professor Hillery’s presentation on “Broadcasting Quantum States” was a highlight of the conference’s opening session. His lecture delved into the complexities of quantum state broadcasting, captivating the audience with his profound knowledge and innovative ideas.
Engaging the Next Generation: Quantum Algorithms Lectures
Following the CEQIP conference, Professor Hillery led a series of five lectures on Introduction to Quantum Algorithms from June 10 to 14, 2024, at the Auditorium QUTE, Institute of Physic, Slovak Academy of Sciences in Bratislava. These lectures aimed to introduce quantum algorithms to MSc and PhD students but also attracted other interested participants.
The lecture series covered a broad range of topics essential for understanding quantum algorithms. Starting with an introduction to generating an eigenstate of an unknown Controlled-U gate, the lectures proceeded to explore the Deutsch-Jozsa algorithm, the Berstein-Vazirani algorithm, Grover’s search algorithm, quantum walks, Simon’s algorithm, and the quantum Fourier transform and phase estimation. The lectures were designed to provide a comprehensive foundation for anyone interested in the burgeoning field of quantum computing.
A Dedicated and Approachable Quantum Pioneer
Mark Hillery is not only a distinguished scientist but also a long-term collaborator with the Slovak quantum research community. He began his cooperation in the early 1990s with Vladimír Bužek on quantum optics, precisely when quantum information theory was emerging. Together, they have published approximately 50 research papers, with significant contributions such as the Approximate Quantum Cloning and Quantum Secret Sharing Cryptographic Protocol papers, which are among the most cited physics research papers in Slovakia.
Professor Hillery’s contributions have been recognized with the prestigious Slovak Academy Award, underscoring his impact on the field and his collaborative spirit. His recent paper, “Grover search under localized dephasing,” co-authored with Daniel Reitzner and published in Phys. Rev. A, further exemplifies his dedication to advancing quantum research.
Looking Ahead
The visit of Professor Mark Hillery to QUTE.sk was a memorable event, fostering knowledge exchange and inspiring the next generation of quantum scientists. His expertise, combined with his approachable and polite demeanor, left a lasting impression on all who had the privilege of attending his lectures and presentations. Professor Hillery’s lecture series was the final one for this semester, and we look forward to continuing our educational programs courseQUTE after the holiday break.
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For more information about Professor Hillery’s work and his collaborations with Slovak researchers, visit the Slovak Academy of Sciences’ website. We look forward to many more such enriching events and collaborations in the future.