The aim of the course is to exhibit some of the most recent research themes and problems in the field of quantum foundations, from the perspective opened by the experience of quantum information theory. The main objective of the course is to provide the students new tools for the analysis of problems in quantum theory that have potential applications in various fields beyond quantum foundations, including quantum technologies.
Course Prerequisites
A Physics bachelor graduate’s knowledge is supposed to be sufficient as a pre-requisite.
Teaching Methods
The teaching method is based on blackboard lectures where, besides discussing the topics by a step-by-step analysis of the logical arguments, many exercises will be solved in order to provide a working knowledge of the subject that allows the students to use the theory for the purpose of solving problems with effective techniques.
Assessment Methods
The learning achievements will be verified by an oral exam in which the student will be asked to illustrate in detail topics of the course, possibly solving simple problems, or to discuss some development over one subject of the course that will be chosen in agreement with the teacher.
Texts
G.M. D’Ariano, G. Chiribella, P. Perinotti, “Quantum Theory form First Principles. An Informational Approach”, Cambridge University Press, Cambridge, (2017)
Contents
The program includes in the first place the introduction of the framework of operational probabilistic theories (OPT), and in this context the discussion of the principles of causality, local discriminability and purification along with their main consequences. In the second part the students will be exposed to scenarios where contextuality appears, and starting from those they will be introduced to prepare-and-measure scenarios, generalised probabilistic theories (GPT), and “device-independent” principles. The course is closed by an introduction to the theory of quantum cellular automata.
