School of Electrical Engineering & Telecommunications

UNSW Engineering

ELEC4605
Quantum Devices and Computers

Term 2, 2022

ELEC4605 // Term 2, 2022 // published at 17-05-2022 © UNSW Sydney, 2022

1
Course Overview
Staff Contact Details
Convenors

Name Email Availability Location Phone

Jarryd Pla [email protected] By email or Room 103B,

Teams Level 1,
appointment Newton
Building
(J12)

Lab Staff

Name Email Availability Location Phone

Arne Laucht [email protected]

School Contact Information

Consultations: Lecturer consultation times will be advised during the first lecture.
You are welcome to email the tutor or laboratory demonstrator, who can answer
your questions on this course and can also provide you with consultation times.
ALL email enquiries should be made from your student email address with
ELEC/TELExxxx in the subject line; otherwise they will not be answered.

Keeping Informed: Announcements may be made during classes, via email (to
your student email address) and/or via online learning and teaching platforms – in
this course, we will use Moodle https://moodle.telt.unsw.edu.au/login/index.php.
Please note that you will be deemed to have received this information, so you
should take careful note of all announcements.

Student Support Enquiries

For enrolment and progression enquiries please contact Student Services

Web

Electrical Engineering Homepage

Engineering Student Support Services

ELEC4605 // Term 2, 2022 // published at 17-05-2022 © UNSW Sydney, 2022

2
Engineering Industrial Training

UNSW Study Abroad and Exchange (for inbound students)

UNSW Future Students

Phone

(+61 2) 9385 8500 – Nucleus Student Hub

(+61 2) 9385 7661 – Engineering Industrial Training

(+61 2) 9385 3179 – UNSW Study Abroad and UNSW Exchange (for inbound students)

Email

Engineering Student Support Services – current student enquiries

e.g. enrolment, progression, clash requests, course issues or program-related queries

Engineering Industrial Training – Industrial training questions

UNSW Study Abroad – study abroad student enquiries (for inbound students)

UNSW Exchange – student exchange enquiries (for inbound students)

UNSW Future Students – potential student enquiries

e.g. admissions, fees, programs, credit transfer

ELEC4605 // Term 2, 2022 // published at 17-05-2022 © UNSW Sydney, 2022

3
Course Details
Units of Credit 6

Summary of the Course

Quantum Engineering is concerned with the design and production of devices that exploit the laws of
Quantum Mechanics, unlocking novel functionalities and improved performance. This course will
provide an Engineering-oriented and in-depth treatise of the conceptual and practical tools required to
model, design and understand natural and engineered quantum systems, such as quantum computers
and quantum-enhanced sensors and amplifiers. Particular attention will be given to platforms and
algorithms for quantum computation, a technology synonymous with the new quantum revolution.

The course includes a laboratory component that will introduce fundamental quantum effects, ranging
from spin resonance to superposition and entanglement. The experiments will demonstrate the tangible
applications of these quantum effects, including quantum logic operations, quantum cryptography,
quantum state control and magnetic resonance imaging.

A primary outcome of the course is to train and empower students to become active contributors to the
emerging field of quantum technologies, which is undergoing an explosive growth, accompanied by an
accelerating demand for highly skilled quantum engineers in the workforce.

Course Aims

The course aims to:

Provide students with an overview of the state-of-the-art devices and technologies that exploit
Quantum Mechanics to achieve novel or improved functionalities.
Equip students with the conceptual and practical tools to model, design and understand
engineered quantum devices, such as quantum computers and quantum-enhanced sensors and
amplifiers.
Introduce students to algorithms and high-level programming languages for quantum
computation.
Provide students with a hands-on experience in assembling quantum experimental apparatus
and making fundamental demonstrations of quantum effects in a laboratory setting.
Empower students to become active contributors to the emerging field of quantum technologies.

Course Learning Outcomes

After successfully completing this course, you should be able to:

Learning Outcome EA Stage 1 Competencies

1. Apply the principles of quantum control to manipulate a PE1.1, PE1.2, PE1.4, PE2.1,
quantum state and extend its coherence lifetime. PE2.2, PE3.2, PE3.3

2. Develop code to simulate the response of a quantum system to PE1.1, PE1.2, PE1.4, PE2.1,
arbitrary control sequences. PE2.2, PE3.2, PE3.3, PE3.1,
PE3.4, PE3.5

ELEC4605 // Term 2, 2022 // published at 17-05-2022 © UNSW Sydney, 2022

4
 Learning Outcome EA Stage 1 Competencies

3. Argue the relative merits of the different physical platforms for PE1.1, PE1.2, PE1.3, PE1.4,
quantum computation. PE3.2

4. Construct quantum algorithms using primitive quantum logic PE1.1, PE1.2, PE1.3, PE1.4,
gates. PE2.2, PE3.2, PE3.3, PE3.1,
PE3.4, PE3.5

5. Assemble advanced quantum experiments and use them to PE1.1, PE1.2, PE1.3, PE1.4,
make fundamental demonstrations in spin resonance and PE2.1, PE2.2, PE3.2, PE3.3,
quantum computation (e.g. quantum control, entanglement, logic PE3.5
gates).

6. Show a broad understanding of the quantum-enhanced PE1.1, PE1.2, PE1.3, PE1.4

techniques and devices used in quantum sensing and
amplification.

Targeted Graduate Capabilities

Electrical Engineering and Telecommunications programs are designed to address the following targeted
capabilities which were developed by the school in conjunction with the requirements of professional and
industry bodies:

The ability to apply knowledge of basic science and fundamental technologies;

The skills to communicate effectively, not only with engineers but also with the wider community;
The capability to undertake challenging analysis and design problems and find optimal solutions;
Expertise in decomposing a problem into its constituent parts, and in defining the scope of each
part;
A working knowledge of how to locate required information and use information resources to their
maximum advantage;
Proficiency in developing and implementing project plans, investigating alternative solutions, and
critically evaluating differing strategies;
An understanding of the social, cultural and global responsibilities of the professional engineer;
The ability to work effectively as an individual or in a team;
An understanding of professional and ethical responsibilities;
The ability to engage in lifelong independent and reflective learning.

UNSW Graduate Capabilities

The course delivery methods and course content directly or indirectly addresses a number of core
UNSW graduate capabilities, as follows:

Developing scholars who have a deep understanding of their discipline, through lectures and
solution of analytical problems in tutorials and assessed by assignments and written
examinations.
Developing rigorous analysis, critique, and reflection, and ability to apply knowledge and skills to
solving problems. These will be achieved by the laboratory experiments and interactive
checkpoint assessments and lab exams during the labs.
Developing capable independent and collaborative enquiry, through a series of tutorials spanning
the duration of the course.

ELEC4605 // Term 2, 2022 // published at 17-05-2022 © UNSW Sydney, 2022

5
 Developing digital and information literacy and lifelong learning skills through assignment work.

Teaching Strategies

Delivery Mode

The course will be delivered through the following methods:

Lectures: Face-to-face lectures will be used to present students with core material essential for
an understanding of quantum mechanics and engineered quantum systems. The lectures will be
live streamed and recorded via Microsoft Teams.
Laboratory: A two-hour laboratory session will provide students with hands-on experience in
experimental quantum control and quantum computing.
Tutorial: A 1 hour face-to-face tutorial/workshop will be held fortnightly to solve problems
assigned in the lectures. The tutorials will be live streamed and recorded via Microsoft Teams.

On-line resources

Moodle: For course notes, up-to-date lecture schedules and related links, the primary website for
this course will be http://moodle.telt.unsw.edu.au. The student will be encouraged to check the
web-site regularly, especially before attending lectures.
Mailing list: Announcements concerning course information will be given in the lectures and/or on
Moodle and/or via email (which will be sent to student email addresses).

Additional Course Information

Relationship to Other Courses

This is a 4th year elective course in the School of Electrical Engineering and Telecommunications.

Pre-requisites and Assumed Knowledge

The pre-requisite for this course is ELEC3705, or an equivalent combination of mathematics and physics
courses. Please contact the lecturers if you are unsure whether you have the required background
knowledge.

Following Courses

There are no courses that directly follow from this course. However, students interested in this stream
might want to consider TELE9757, Quantum Communications.

ELEC4605 // Term 2, 2022 // published at 17-05-2022 © UNSW Sydney, 2022

6
Assessment

Assessment task Weight Due Date Course Learning

Outcomes Assessed

1. Laboratory Exam 25% Week 5 and Week 10 1, 2, 5

2. Assignments 25% Week 4 and Week 8 1, 2, 4

3. Final Exam 50% Not Applicable 3, 4, 6

Assessment 1: Laboratory Exam

Due date: Week 5 and Week 10

Two in-class laboratory oral tests at the end of each experiment topic.

Students are also required to submit a laboratory report summarising experimental results for each topic,
due at the end of your laboratory sessions. The oral test and lab report for each experiment will
contribute a combined 12.5% to final course grade.

Assessment 2: Assignments

Due date: Week 4 and Week 8

Two take-home assignments each is worth 12.5% of the final grade.

This assignment is submitted through Turnitin and students do not see Turnitin similarity reports.

Assessment 3: Final Exam

The final examination will test the students' knowledge of theoretical topics covered in the lectures. This
will be a two-hour closed-book examination, with feedback returned in the form of a final grade.

ELEC4605 // Term 2, 2022 // published at 17-05-2022 © UNSW Sydney, 2022

7
Attendance Requirements
Students are strongly encouraged to attend all classes and review lecture recordings.

Course Schedule
Learning in this course

You are expected to attend all lectures, tutorials, labs, and the final exam in order to maximise learning.
You must prepare well for your laboratory classes and your lab work will be assessed. In addition to the
lecture notes/video, you should read relevant sections of the recommended text. Reading additional
texts will further enhance your learning experience. Group learning is also encouraged. UNSW assumes
that self-directed study of this kind is undertaken in addition to attending online (face-to-face when
possible) classes throughout the course.

Tutorial classes

You should attempt all of your problem sheet questions in advance of attending the tutorial classes. The
importance of adequate preparation prior to each tutorial cannot be overemphasized, as the
effectiveness and usefulness of the tutorial depends to a large extent on this preparation. Group learning
is encouraged. Answers for these questions will be discussed during the tutorial and the tutor will cover
the more complex questions in the tutorial class. In addition, during the tutorial, 1-2 new questions that
are not in your notes may be provided by the tutor, for you to try in class. These questions and solutions
may not be made available on the web, so it is worthwhile for you to attend your tutorial classes to gain
maximum benefit from this course.

Laboratory program

The laboratory schedule is deliberately designed to provide practical, hands-on exposure to the concepts
conveyed in lectures soon after they are covered in class. You are required to attend laboratory from
Week 2 to Week 10. Laboratory attendance WILL be kept, and you MUST attend at least 80% of labs.

The laboratory experiments are performed as teams of 2-3 people. As such, those able to attend a
physical laboratory will be required to wear a face mask for the duration of the class. Please notify
course staff prior to your class if for any reason you are not able to comply with this rule (for example
due to a medical condition).

Laboratory Exemption

There is no laboratory exemption for this course. Regardless of whether equivalent labs have been
completed in previous courses, all students enrolled in this course must take the labs. If, for medical
reasons, (note that a valid medical certificate must be provided) you are unable to attend a lab, you will
need to apply for a catch-up lab during another lab time, as agreed by the laboratory coordinator.

View class timetable

Timetable

Date Type Content

Week 1: 30 May - 3 Lecture Revision of key concepts in quantum engineering

ELEC4605 // Term 2, 2022 // published at 17-05-2022 © UNSW Sydney, 2022

8
June (matrix mechanics, operators, density matrices)

Week 2: 6 June - 10 Lecture Controlling quantum systems (rotation operators,

June decoherence, filter-function formalism, Ramsey
fringes, Hahn echo, dynamical decoupling, noise
spectroscopy and magnetometry)

Tutorial Tutorial 1: Revision

Laboratory Spins: Introduction to experiment (lock-in

detection, data acquisition, optics)

Week 3: 13 June - 17 Lecture Quantum computation (classical computing,

June quantum circuit model, one and two-qubit logic
gates, conditional unitary operators, universal
gates, approximating quantum gates)

Laboratory Spins: ESR spectrum, Zeeman splitting, Rabi

oscillations

Tutorial Tutorial 2: Spins and control

Week 4: 20 June - 24 Lecture Quantum algorithms (quantum simulation,

June quantum Fourier transform, quantum search)

Laboratory Spins: Coherence (T2) time, two-axis control,

dynamical decoupling

Assessment Assignment 1 due

Week 5: 27 June - 1 Lecture The quantum harmonic oscillator (raising and

July lowering operators, number operator, quantum
LC circuit, quantisation of EM fields, vacuum
fluctuations)

Laboratory Spins: Assessment

Tutorial Tutorial 3: Quantum computing (gates)

Assessment Lab report 1 due and oral assessment

Week 6: 4 July - 8 July Study week, no activities planned

Week 7: 11 July - 15 Lecture Quantum optics (photonic qubits, single and two-
July qubit gates)

Laboratory Optics: Measuring single photons and generating

bi-photons

Tutorial Tutorial 4: Quantum computing (algorithms)

Week 8: 18 July - 22
July
Lecture Quantum transport and the single-electron
transistor (Aharonov-Bohm effect, Coulomb
blockade, quantum dots)

ELEC4605 // Term 2, 2022 // published at 17-05-2022 © UNSW Sydney, 2022

9
 Laboratory Optics: Quantum states and indistinguishability of
photons

Tutorial Tutorial 5: QHO and quantum optics

Assessment Assignment 2 due

Week 9: 25 July - 29
July
Lecture Superconductivity (Cooper pairs, the Josephson
effect, flux quantisation, SQUIDs)

Laboratory Optics: Entangled photons

Week 10: 1 August - 5

August
Lecture Superconducting qubits (charge, transmon and
flux qubits); Atomic clocks

Laboratory Optics: Assessment

Tutorial Tutorial 6: Quantum transport and

superconductivity

Assessment Optics: Lab report 2 due and oral assessment

ELEC4605 // Term 2, 2022 // published at 17-05-2022 © UNSW Sydney, 2022

10
Resources
Prescribed Resources

Textbooks

Prescribed textbook

Michael A. Nielsen & Isaac L. Chuang. Quantum Computation and Quantum Information. Edn. 10
(Cambridge University Press, 2010).

On-line resources

Moodle: As a part of the teaching component, Moodle will be used to disseminate teaching materials,
host forums and occasionally quizzes. Assessment marks will also be made available via Moodle:
https://moodle.telt.unsw.edu.au/login/index.php.

Mailing list: Announcements concerning course information will be given in the lectures and/or on
Moodle and/or via email (which will be sent to your student email address).

Recommended Resources

Textbooks

Reference books

Claude Cohen-Tannoudji, Bernard Diu & Frank Lalo. Quantum Mechanics. Edn. 1 Vol. 1 (Wiley,
1991).
Supriyo Datta. Quantum Transport: Atom to Transistor. Edn. 2 (Cambridge University Press,
2005).
Charles Kittel. Solid State Physics. Edn. 8 (Wiley, 2005).
Grosso and Pastori Parravicini. Solid State Physics. (Academic Press, 2000).
David A. B. Miller. Quantum mechanics for scientists and engineers. Edn. 1 (Cambridge
University Press, 2008).

Course Evaluation and Development

This course is under constant revision in order to improve the learning outcomes for all students. Please
forward any feedback (positive or negative) on the course to the course convener or via the online
student survey myExperience. You can also provide feedback to ELSOC who will raise your concerns at
student focus group meetings. As a result of previous feedback obtained for this course and in our efforts
to provide a rich and meaningful learning experience, we have continued to evaluate and modify our
delivery and assessment methods.

ELEC4605 // Term 2, 2022 // published at 17-05-2022 © UNSW Sydney, 2022

11
Academic Honesty and Plagiarism
Academic Honesty and Plagiarism

Plagiarism is the unacknowledged use of other people’s work, including the copying of assignment works
and laboratory results from other students. Plagiarism is considered a form of academic misconduct, and
the University has very strict rules that include some severe penalties. For UNSW policies, penalties and
information to help you avoid plagiarism, see https://student.unsw.edu.au/plagiarism. To find out if you
understand plagiarism correctly, try this short quiz: https://student.unsw.edu.au/plagiarism-quiz.

General Conduct and Behaviour

Consideration and respect for the needs of your fellow students and teaching staff is an expectation.
Conduct which unduly disrupts or interferes with a class is not acceptable and students may be asked to
leave the class.

ELEC4605 // Term 2, 2022 // published at 17-05-2022 © UNSW Sydney, 2022

12
Academic Information
COVID19 - Important Health Related Notice

Your health and the health of those in your class is critically important. You must stay at home if you are
sick or have been advised to self-isolate by NSW health or government authorities. Current alerts and a
list of hotspots can be found here. You will not be penalised for missing a face-to-face activity due
to illness or a requirement to self-isolate. We will work with you to ensure continuity of learning during
your isolation and have plans in place for you to catch up on any content or learning activities you may
miss. Where this might not be possible, an application for fee remission may be discussed.

If you are required to self-isolate and/or need emotional or financial support, please contact the Nucleus:
Student Hub. If you are unable to complete an assessment, or attend a class with an attendance or
participation requirement, please let your teacher know and apply for special consideration through the
Special Consideration portal. To advise the University of a positive COVID-19 test result or if you
suspect you have COVID-19 and are being tested, please fill in this form.

UNSW requires all staff and students to follow NSW Health advice. Any failure to act in accordance with
that advice may amount to a breach of the Student Code of Conduct. Please refer to the Safe Return to
Campus guide for students for more information on safe practices.

Dates to note
Important Dates available at: https://student.unsw.edu.au/dates

Student Responsibilities and Conduct

Students are expected to be familiar with and adhere to all UNSW policies (see
https://student.unsw.edu.au/policy), and particular attention is drawn to the following:

Workload

It is expected that you will spend at least 15 hours per week studying a 6 UoC course, from Week 1
until the final assessment, including both formal classes and independent, self-directed study. In periods
where you need to complete assignments or prepare for examinations, the workload may be greater.
Over-commitment has been a common source of failure for many students. You should take the required
workload into account when planning how to balance study with employment and other activities.

Attendance

Regular and punctual attendance at all classes is expected. UNSW regulations state that if students
attend less than 80% of scheduled classes they may be refused final assessment.

Work Health and Safety

UNSW policy requires each person to work safely and responsibly, in order to avoid personal injury and
to protect the safety of others.

ELEC4605 // Term 2, 2022 // published at 17-05-2022 © UNSW Sydney, 2022

13
Special Consideration and Supplementary Examinations

You must submit all assignments and attend all examinations scheduled for your course. You can apply
for special consideration when illness or other circumstances beyond your control interfere with an
assessment performance. If you need to submit an application for special consideration for an exam or
assessment, you must submit the application prior to the start of the exam or before the assessment is
submitted, except where illness or misadventure prevent you from doing so. Be aware of the “fit to
sit/submit” rule which means that if you sit an exam or submit an assignment, you are declaring yourself
well enough to do so and cannot later apply for Special Consideration. For more information and how to
apply, see https://student.unsw.edu.au/special-consideration.

Administrative Matters

On issues and procedures regarding such matters as special needs, equity and diversity, occupational
health and safety, enrolment, rights, and general expectations of students, please refer to the School
and UNSW policies:

https://student.unsw.edu.au/guide

https://www.engineering.unsw.edu.au/electrical-engineering/resources

Disclaimer

This Course Outline sets out description of classes at the date the Course Outline is published. The
nature of classes may change during the Term after the Course Outline is published. Moodle should be
consulted for the up-to-date class descriptions. If there is any inconsistency in the description of activities
between the University timetable and the Course Outline (as updated in Moodle), the description in the
Course Outline/Moodle applies:

Image Credit
Synergies in Sound 2016

CRICOS

CRICOS Provider Code: 00098G

Acknowledgement of Country

We acknowledge the Bedegal people who are the traditional custodians of the lands on which UNSW
Kensington campus is located.

ELEC4605 // Term 2, 2022 // published at 17-05-2022 © UNSW Sydney, 2022

14
 Appendix: Engineers Australia (EA) Professional Engineer Competency
Standard

Program Intended Learning Outcomes

Knowledge and skill base

PE1.1 Comprehensive, theory based understanding of the underpinning natural and ✔

physical sciences and the engineering fundamentals applicable to the engineering discipline

PE1.2 Conceptual understanding of the mathematics, numerical analysis, statistics, and ✔

computer and information sciences which underpin the engineering discipline

PE1.3 In-depth understanding of specialist bodies of knowledge within the engineering ✔

discipline

PE1.4 Discernment of knowledge development and research directions within the ✔

engineering discipline

PE1.5 Knowledge of engineering design practice and contextual factors impacting the
engineering discipline

PE1.6 Understanding of the scope, principles, norms, accountabilities and bounds of

sustainable engineering practice in the specific discipline

Engineering application ability

PE2.1 Application of established engineering methods to complex engineering problem ✔

solving

PE2.2 Fluent application of engineering techniques, tools and resources ✔

PE2.3 Application of systematic engineering synthesis and design processes

PE2.4 Application of systematic approaches to the conduct and management of engineering

projects

Professional and personal attributes

PE3.1 Ethical conduct and professional accountability ✔

PE3.2 Effective oral and written communication in professional and lay domains ✔

PE3.3 Creative, innovative and pro-active demeanour ✔

PE3.4 Professional use and management of information ✔

PE3.5 Orderly management of self, and professional conduct ✔

PE3.6 Effective team membership and team leadership

ELEC4605 // Term 2, 2022 // published at 17-05-2022 © UNSW Sydney, 2022

15

Powered by TCPDF (www.tcpdf.org)