About

Activities in quantum computing

As highlighted in a recent study [1] by the high-performance computing group at ETH Zurich, the most important quantum algorithms are those that can provide an exponential speedup over classical computing. For this reason, my primary research interest is in studying quantum algorithms that have a realistic prospect of achieving exponential speedup. In particular, I am interested in exploring quantum optimization and search algorithms that can potentially outperform Grover’s algorithm by exploiting special features of a problem [2].

Currently, I am collaborating with the Foams and Complex Systems group at Trinity College Dublin, whose work includes the study of clusters of mutually repelling particles (for example, ion clusters in an ion trap).

[1] Disentangling Hype from Practicality: On Realistically Achieving Quantum Advantage, Torsten Hoefler, Thomas Häner, and Matthias Troyer, Communications of the ACM, Vol. 66 No. 5, pages 82-87

[2] Accelerated quantum search using partial oracles and Grover’s algorithm, Fintan M. Bolton, arxiv.org/abs/2403.13035

Biography and background

My academic career started at the Foams and Complex Systems group at Trinity College Dublin, followed by my doctoral work on the theory of many-electron systems in quantum dots at the Theory of Condensed Matter group in Regensburg University. I then spent two years on an EU fellowship at the Semiconductor Physics Group at the University of Cambridge.

Thereafter, I entered the world of IT, joining IONA Technologies as a consultant and trainer. I am the author of the book Pure CORBA (a technology that was once touted to become the plumbing of the Internet, but was ultimately replaced by REST APIs).

For many years, I have worked as a technical writer and project manager in the software industry, but was recently inspired by the remarkable potential of quantum technologies to turn my focus back to quantum physics and engage in the field of quantum computing.