Optical Quantum Computation (2006-2010)

Optics has proved a fertile field for tests of fundamental quantum mechanical effects. It is also a key technology for the storage and communication of information. Quantum optics is thus viewed as a strong contender for the realisation of quantum information technologies. This project aims to produce a blue-print for the optical realisation of efficient quantum information processing and to identify and implement milestones towards that goal. Each step towards this goal will probe deeper and deeper into the fundamental science of quantum mechanical systems and stimulate ever more precise techniques of optical control and measurement. Ultimately these techniques may be used to build a quantum computer.