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Overview

Information Revolution in the 20th century

The concept of `information’, as developed in the 20th century, has revolutionised society at all levels.

The explosive development of science, social diversification and economic globalization over the last few decades cannot be explained without reference to the rapid development of information technology. The information revolution in the last century has also introduced a novel approach to science, providing a powerful framework for understanding complex natural phenomena.

Next Information Revolution From Quantum Information

What comes next in the 21st century?

The newly emerging field of quantum information science aims at the ultimate theory of information processing based on the most fundamental theory of physics: quantum mechanics. Quantum information science promises next-generation information technology, which is likely to be far more powerful than what is currently available.

Quantum information also provides a novel perspective to view the natural world. Given that matter is fundamentally governed by quantum mechanics, quantum information theory represents a more natural framework for describing physical phenomena compared to classical information theory. Understanding information at the level of quantum will likely be a driving force behind pushing modern science to the next-level.

Quantum Information: from Pure Mathematics to Start-Up Companies

The last few years have seen an explosion in the potential applications of quantum information science: from understanding the early universe, to simulating chemical reactions. Furthermore, The field quantum information science is intricately linked to other fields of research. In pure mathematics, for instance, there are many cases where profound new mathematics has lead to developments in quantum information science, and eventually to applications in science and engineering.

It is important to stress that developments in quantum information science are not limited to theory, but are being sublimated into technologies that can be actually realized with the recent advances in photon technology and single atom control technology. In fact, in recent years, investment in quantum information technology from major IT companies as well as venture capital from universities, has been rapidly increasing.

“Quantum” and “Information”: Goals of this Unit

The goal of this unit is twofold. One is to develop information technology based on quantum mechanics, contributing to a brighter future of society. The other is to develop the new paradigm for doing science based on “quantum” and “information”.

By pushing forward on various research topics we will therefore pave the way to both technological breakthroughs and pioneering science.

【Examples of research Topics in this unit】

  • Quantum and information
    • Information theory and quantum theory
    • Computational theory and quantum theory
    • Quantum and deep learning
    • The future of artificial intelligence
  • Quantum information and physics
    • The boundary between quantum and classical mechanics
    • Black holes and its information paradox
    • Quantum information and gauge-gravity correspondence
    • Quantum information and thermodynamics
  • Quantum information and chemistry
  • Quantum theory and biology
    • Vital phenomena and quanta
  • Mathematics, Mathematical sciences and quantum information
    • Mathematical basis of quantum theory
    • Game theory and its applications
    • Marketing strategy for quantum technologies
  • Application, implementation, and realization of quantum information technology
    • Various issues for realization of large-scale quantum computers
    • Implementation of quantum sensing technology
    • Implementation of quantum communication technology
  • Quantum information and society
    • Impact of quantum information technology on society
  • Others