Colloquium - Olivier Pfister, University of Virginia

Monday Oct 26, 2026, 3:00 PM → 4:30 PM US/Eastern

307 (SERF)

3:00 PM → 3:30 PM Tea in the Atrium

3:30 PM → 4:30 PM Colloquium

Title: Photonic Quantum Computing: Light at the End of the Tunnel?

Abstract: A dark horse approach to universal, fault tolerant quantum computing at utility scale has been to use light and, in particular, to use its continuous quantum optical fields rather than single-photon qubits. Two major promises of photonic quantum computing are: (i), its outstanding scalability potential, which far surpasses that of all other platforms, and (ii), the prospect of operating at or near room temperature (as well as atmospheric pressure). Over the years, efforts have been made to move from the pioneering quantum optics experiments in free-space optics, which established QC feasibility, to integrated photonics on chip. I will review the basic concepts, progress, and prospects.