Date of Award

Summer 8-5-2020

Document Type

Thesis

Degree Name

Master of Arts (MA)

Department

Physics and Astronomy

First Advisor

Professor Mark Hillery

Second Advisor

Professor János Bergou

Abstract

As quantum computing continues to evolve, the ability to design and analyze novel quantum algorithms becomes a necessary focus for research. In many instances, the virtues of quantum algorithms only become evident when compared to their classical counterparts, so a study of the former often begins with a consideration of the latter. This is very much the case with quantum walk algorithms, as the success of random walks and their many, varied applications have inspired much interest in quantum correlates. Unfortunately, finding purely algebraic solutions for quantum walks is an elusive endeavor. At best, and when solvable, they require simple graphical structure, exploitable symmetries, and case by case analyses. In more complex instances, as with most arbitrary graphs, the pursuit of a general solution is untenable. Enter Qwasi (Quantum Walk Simulator), a software tool that allows for the composition of arbitrary graphs by a user, includes a mathematical backend that can construct the Hilbert Space from these graphs, and simulates the evolution of the quantum walk as a set of numerical data. This simulation can be observed in real time, compiled into graphical plots, or exported as a CSV file. At present, the software focuses upon discrete-time scattering quantum walks, but expansion to other graph-based algorithms – anything that operates on a collection of vertices and connected edges – would not be a demanding task.

Qwasi_1.0.zip (752 kB)
Qwasi Software First Release Build Update - Fixed Typo

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