Quantum Computing & Simulation

Columbia’s theoretical scientists are exploring the fundamental differences between classical and quantum computers, advancing our understanding of complexity theory, cryptography, and information theory, and developing algorithms and programming languages for quantum devices.

Meanwhile, our experimentalists and engineers are developing novel particles and materials, including semiconductors and atomic systems, that can be used to implement quantum bits in quantum computers. They are also constructing quantum simulators to study fundamental questions about quantum mechanics.

Key Faculty

Headshot
Ronghui Gu

Programming Languages, Systems Verification, and Proof Automation

Headshot
James Hone

2D Material Synthesis and Nano-fabrication of Novel Devices

Headshot
Rocco Servedio

Computational Complexity, Learning Theory, Randomness in Computation

Headshot
Sebastian Will

Quantum Simulation with Ultracold Atoms and Molecules

Headshot
Henry Yuen

Theoretical Quantum Information, Computation, and Complexity

Latest News & Research

Columbia Leads Effort to Build a Quantum Simulator  | The project is supported by an NSF Convergence Accelerator award that funds team-based, multidisciplinary initiatives addressing challenges of national importance. 

Meet Henry Yuen, a computer scientist exploring the boundaries between classical and quantum computers. Yuen joined Columbia Engineering as an assistant professor in January 2021.

Sebastian Will is quoted in Popular Science about IBM's 127-qubit chip, Eagle. 

Using 2D materials, researchers have built superconducting qubits that are a fraction of previous sizes, paving the way for smaller quantum computers.

With 2021 drawing to a close, Columbia physicists note the biggest quantum advances they saw last year and what may be coming as we head into 2022.

The theoretical computer scientist will use the award to push the boundaries of quantum information science.

The theoretical computer scientist joins four other Columbians being recognized for outstanding contributions to their field with a $75,000 Sloan Research Fellowship.

Columbia chemists contribute to a ground-up approach to designing customizable qubits.

Before he left for the Quantum Information Processing meeting, we asked Mousavi about combining quantum mechanics with computer science and how endurance sports help keep his mind fit.

Researchers at Columbia and Google Quantum AI have developed an algorithm that uses the most quantum bits to date to calculate ground state energy, the lowest-energy state in a quantum mechanical system. The discovery could help make it easier to design new materials.

IEEE Spectrum covers a new hybrid quantum-classical approach from Columbia chemists David Reichman and Joonho Lee that could help avoid issues with noise in quantum circuits.

Students learn about the rapidly advancing research field and work with real quantum computing hardware and software. 

The project, entitled “Topological Quantum Architectures Through DNA Programmable Molecular Lithography,” will span three years. U of M School of Physics and Astronomy Associate Professor Vlad Pribiag is collaborating with Columbia University Professor Oleg Gang, whose lab will handle the DNA nanoassembly part of the work.

Three computer scientists have posted a proof of the NLTS conjecture, showing that systems of entangled particles can remain difficult to analyze even away from extremes. Columbia Computer Scientist Henry Yuen comments. 

This GS’23 student did research in a quantum lab in Colorado for her summer internship.

Joonho Lee and Elena Meirzadeh were recognized for their work in quantum and materials chemistry.

WATCH: Henry Yuen joined CBS News to discuss what quantum computing is, its potential uses, and how close we are to seeing the technology in action.

A recap from the Quantum Information Conference in Taipei. 

News, showing -