2023-2024 Quantum Computing Ph.D. Qualifying Examination

Department of Computer Science, Virginia Tech

Exam committee

• Dr. Jamie Sikora, Chair

• Dr. Atul Mantri

• Dr. Lenwood Heath

Exam Format

• The committee will provide a topic in Quantum Computing and also suggest important papers within. The student will write a written report as detailed in the link below. After submitting their paper to the committee, the student will give a 15-minute presentation of their work followed by a brief question period (approximately 15 minutes). 

• Each student will be evaluated on the content and quality of their written paper and their presentation/answers.

Schedule

• The list of topics (and, contained within, the recommended format for the paper) will be released on December 1, 2023.

• In order to register for this exam, students must send an email to Jamie Sikora by December 07, 2022 with the subject "PhD qualifying exam registration 2023-24 - Quantum Computing". 

• In order to submit the written exam, students must send an email with attachment to Jamie Sikora by January 16, 2024 with the subject "PhD qualifying exam report 2023-24 - Quantum Computing". After which, the presentation will be scheduled in consultation with the committee. 

Note: Registration is binding.

Topics

• Quantum state discrimination

Before each of the dates above make sure you check this webpage for updates (which will be listed below).

Update #1: Written exam pdf posted (posted on 12/01)

Update #2: Written report deadline extended to 01/16 (posted on 12/01)