Date of Award

Fall 1-2-2026

Document Type

Thesis

Degree Name

Master of Arts (MA)

Department

Physics and Astronomy

First Advisor

Mark Hillery

Second Advisor

János Bergou

Academic Program Adviser

Mark Hillery

Abstract

Quantum computing is revolutionizing computational science, offering fundamentally new approaches to information processing that surpass classical limitations. One of the most versatile and powerful tools in this emerging field is quantum walks. Quantum walks are quantum analogs of classical random walks that leverage superposition and interference to explore complex spaces efficiently.

This thesis will explore how discrete-time scattering quantum walks can be simulated and analyzed to investigate patterns of secure data access. By modeling quantum walks on a variety of graph structures and studying the dynamics of marked vertices, the project aims to demonstrate how quantum interference and graph topology affect the discoverability and retrieval of information.

The work will involve the development of a simulation tool using Python with visualization capabilities, enabling a comparative analysis of quantum versus classical access dynamics. The results will shed light on how quantum walk behavior could inform the design of secure data systems and contribute to broader research in quantum computation and information science.

Share

COinS
 
 

To view the content in your browser, please download Adobe Reader or, alternately,
you may Download the file to your hard drive.

NOTE: The latest versions of Adobe Reader do not support viewing PDF files within Firefox on Mac OS and if you are using a modern (Intel) Mac, there is no official plugin for viewing PDF files within the browser window.