Tata Institute of Fundamental Research

Public Quantum Network: The First Node

STCS Seminar
Speaker: Keshav Kapoor (University of Illinois Urbana-Champaign)
Organiser: Raghuvansh Saxena
Date: Monday, 2 Sep 2024, 10:00 to 11:00
Venue: H.B.A. Foyer

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Abstract: 

Quantum networks are being developed around the globe in order to facilitate cryptographic systems, improve metrology, and advance quantum computing systems. These networks have yet to be made readily available to the general public. We have developed a publicly accessible quantum network node, located in Urbana-Champaign.  We utilize a polarization-based entanglement source located at the University of Illinois Urbana-Champaign. One of the photons from the source is routed through fiber optic cables to the Urbana Free Library, a public library. In order to introduce quantum mechanics concepts we develop a series of displays, activities, and written resources that build up to quantum entanglement and encourage people to directly interact with photons in the network. These resources culminate in a projection measurement system located in the library, where the public can choose measurement bases and perform their own CHSH inequality measurements.

Short Bio:

Keshav Kapoor received the B.A. degree in physics and applied mathematics from the University of California, Berkeley, in 2021. He is currently pursuing the Ph.D. degree at the University of Illinois Urbana–Champaign advised by professors Paul Kwiat and Virginia Lorenz. His research focuses on quantum information science, optics, and networks. Before starting the PhD program, he was a Quantum Computing Associate with the Fermi National Accelerator Laboratory (Fermilab), where he had been working on the FQNET Project.