Freres Mentouri University Constantine
Algeria
Problem Statement
Atoms are the basic component of matter but, their microscopic size makes them difficult to understand. This research investigates ways of detecting and manipulating the properties of quantum systems for large-scale use and application in various aspects of medicine, chemistry, drug design, climate change, food security, and epidemic preparedness.
Progress Highlights
We have created a research team of promising young PhD and master’s students eager to explore the fascinating quantum world. Some of our achievements are 15 local communications, 16 international communications, attendance at four international summer/winter schools, three local training sessions, over 20 hours of free mentorship at international events, more than 50 quantum-related certificates earned, and participation in 8 hackathons with five prizes won (including three first prizes). Moreover, we have published one paper in a peer-reviewed Q1 journal, have two additional research papers under review, and have publicly shared a white paper highlighting the results of a collaboration with a US-based start-up. Furthermore, we developed an open-source package for Topological Quantum Computing and established QAlgeria, the local chapter of an international quantum education network called QWorld.
Key Findings
We have designed and implemented several quantum algorithms for quantum chemistry and optimization problems on state-of-the-art quantum computers. Our team has gained valuable experience designing Variational Quantum Algorithms (VQA) and Quantum Annealing (QA). VQA and QA are up-and-coming tools, paving the way to unlocking quantum capabilities and achieving accuracy and efficiency beyond the current capabilities of supercomputers in fields such as chemistry, medicine, materials science, logistics, and more.
Potential Impact
Available quantum computers may help explore specific problems, such as the simulation of chemical molecules and optimization problems. As quantum technology develops, this could prepare the tools for a significant advantage over classical computers. The design of quantum algorithms and their implementation on real quantum devices are precious skills we are developing within our group. Furthermore, quantum education efforts are vital in preparing an African quantum workforce.
Summary
Atoms are the basic component of matter but, their microscopic size makes them difficult to understand. Cooling atoms make them easier to manipulate, and many quantum phenomena can be observed using cold atoms. Cold atoms can be used to simulate other more complicated quantum systems for instance in condensed-matter physics, high-energy physics, quantum chemistry—and even unreachable far cosmological systems.
Dr. Mohamed’s research will investigate ways of detecting and manipulating the properties of quantum systems for large scale use and application in various aspects of medicine, chemistry, drug design, climate change, food security and epidemic preparedness.
Grantee Description
Dr. Mohamed Taha Rouabah is an Associate Professor at Frères Mentouri Constantine 1 University (UFMC1), Algeria. He received a Ph.D. in Physics in 2015, jointly delivered from Frères Mentouri Constantine 1 University (UFMC1), Algeria, and Université Nice Côte d’Azur (UNCA), France. His doctoral work focused on coherence effects in light scattering by atomic ensembles and quantum entanglement of coherent states.
Dr. Rouabah is captivated by exploring the fascinating quantum world and the several potential applications of quantum mechanics to improve calculations capacities and investigate yet unreachable states of matter.
Project: Light Scattering, Quantum Information & Quantum Simulation by Cold Atoms
The project aims to ensure high-quality training for junior scientists and engineers in theoretical and experimental aspects of quantum optics, cold atoms, and quantum simulation through collaborations with international teams having a confirmed experience in the field to create a multidisciplinary research team with both theoretical and experimental skills.
The principal objective of the project will be to set up the first cold-atoms experiments in Constantine and some of the rare to exist in Algeria and Africa. During this project, we aim to first achieve a basic cold atoms experiment, then upgrade the experiment to explore emerging "collective" phenomena such as super radiance, sub-radiance, and light-atoms entanglement and their applications in quantum information. The second objective is to build another cold atoms experiment to explore the quantum simulation of some specific topological phases of matter. The third objective of the project is to collaborate with cosmologists to tackle the possibility of simulating some cosmological phenomena using a cold atoms system.
