Full Quantum Computer for AI Applications (FES-PhD-2425-02)

Have you ever wanted to improve computing, and that while creating more intelligent systems? Computing has had a largely digital focus for a long period, but that does not seem to work that well anymore for all our current applications – so a hunt for better solutions is very pertinent. Do you want to join that search and lay the foundation for the future of computing? Are you interested in the quantum world and what that could mean for computing – including make quantum computing portable soon? Then read on ! The aim of this project is to explore a quantum approach of a new abstraction for computing that models the functionality of the human brain e.g. for AI applications. So far, this abstraction has been demonstrated successfully within an electronic and optical context where it was shown to make use of the complete spectrum of the technology (rather than a limited 0/1 abstraction) and we would now like to test and demonstrate the full quantum ability of this idea.

The model that we have developed so far aims to identify similarity (and differences) very effectively to e.g. perform recognition tasks. This then allows one to identify newly incoming information against previously learned information to create e.g. an associative memory in line with human brain functionality. The application area of this technology is not purely restricted to new computer architectures for AI but can also bring benefits in the context of e.g. speeding up currently available machine learning algorithms. The proposed abstraction makes use of basic physical principles, and so it operates in the same physical context of the information itself, while managing to be robust to noise. There are clear benefits to working with the full spectrum of information within its natural context, as it eases design, reduces energy consumption, improves reliability among many other benefits.  Taking that the basis to everything around us is energy, waves and vibrations, and that quantum is even more generally applicable than traditional electronics or optics this would help us establish if this technology can be generally applied and if so, it is likely to change computing substantially. With current digital computing largely being recognised as no longer progressing much, industry is looking for the next technology and while there may be several solutions that could fill up this space, our proposed solution is likely to be one of a few that overcomes a range of challenges known from existing approaches.

The objectives of the project would be to:

1)    Build up an understanding of the basic principles of our newly proposed technology as already demonstrated in traditional electronics and optics.

2)    Identify the quantum characteristics that will be beneficial to developing this technology for quantum use. If multiple options are available, then they will need to be compared, and their respective advantages/disadvantages identified.

3)    Simulating this quantum solution and demonstrating its suitability in the context of known challenges in the field, such as robustness against noise, thermal changes and so on.

4)    Time permitting, once the basic quantum cell has been demonstrated move towards proposing a suitable architecture that builds upon this basic cell.

You will develop an understanding of computer architecture, challenges with existing approaches in the context, currently proposed developments and their suitability and that across different technologies. This would put you at the cutting edge of these developments which are currently extremely pertinent taking that computer development has been stagnant for some time.

Making an application: Please read this information before making an application. Information on the application process is available at: https://www.gre.ac.uk/research/study/apply/application-process. Applications need to be made online via this link. No other form of application will be considered.    All applications must include the following information. Applications not containing these documents will not be considered.

•        Scholarship Reference Number – FES-PhD-2425-02 – included in the personal statement section together with your personal statement as to why you are applying

•        a CV including details of 2 referees *

•        academic qualification certificates/transcripts and IELTs/English Language certificate if you are an international applicant or if English is not your first language or you are from a country where English is not the majority spoken language as defined by the UK Border Agency *

*upload to the qualification section of the application form. Attachments must be a PDF format. Before submitting your application, you are encouraged to liaise with the Lead Supervisor on the details above.