TIME: 1:30 -- 2:30 pm, Tuesday, Feb 24, 2009

SPECIAL PLACE: CSE 503

SPEAKER: Dave Bacon,  University of Washington

TITLE: Symmetry in Quantum Algorithms

ABSTRACT:

Quantum computers can outperform their classical brethren at a variety
of algorithmic tasks.  Uncovering exactly when quantum computers can
exponentially outperform classical computers is one of the central
questions facing the theory of quantum algorithms today.  In this talk
I will argue that a key piece of this puzzle is the role played by
symmetry in quantum algorithms.  I will show how this point of view
can be used to make progress in finding new quantum algorithms.  This
talk will assume no prior knowledge of quantum theory, but hopefully
by the end of the talk you will have enough to begin to understand
quantum algorithms.