3rd DQC Annual Conference

Speaker Information and Talk Abstracts

10:00 - 10:45  Dr Joseph Goodwin - "Maximally modular quantum computation via cavity-mediated ion-photon networks"

Bio: Joe Goodwin is an Associate Professor and UKRI ERC Frontier Research Fellow in the University of Oxford Department of Physics, where he leads the Ion-Cavity Optical Networks group. His principal research interests lie in the development of scalable techniques for the quantum and classical control of cold, trapped atomic ions, with applications in quantum computation, communication and metrology. He received a PhD from Imperial in 2015, providing the first demonstration of ground state cooling in a Penning trap. Following a postdoctoral fellowship in Imperial developing novel quantum logic gates, he moved to the Oxford Ion Trap Quantum Computing Group, where he worked across numerous experiments, including the development and operation of a world- leading two-node quantum network demonstrator. Since 2020 he has led efforts within Oxford to develop a new generation of networking experiments leveraging ion-trap-integrated microcavities. He is also a founder and director of Quantum Fabrix Ltd, a recent Oxford spin- out focusing on the supply of core OEM componentry to the quantum technology sector.

Abstract: Networked architectures provide a route to freely-scalable quantum computation with trapped ions, with entanglement between ions in remote nodes mediated by the coherent production, interference and measurement of single photons.
The work described in this talk is motivated by our pursuit of a ‘maximally modular’ route to full-scale networked quantum computation. We propose a hybrid architecture of matter and light, built upon a very large number of discrete nodes, each of a minimally complex design. By confining all quantum control to the nodes, while realising near-arbitrary connectivity via routing through the quasi-classical photonic network, we leverage the complementary strengths of the two modalities.
The combination of exceptional qubit fidelity and high connectivity greatly decreases the overheads required for useful fault-tolerance. This has the potential to reduce the challenge of scalable quantum computation to a matter of mass production of nodes – that is, provided a robust, efficient and high-fidelity route to ion-photon entanglement can be demonstrated. Two-node networks have provided proof-of-principle demonstrations but have been limited in the rate of entanglement achieved. To approach equivalency with local, phonon-mediated entangling operations, network photons must be generated near-deterministically and at high rate, most readily achieved via integration of a high-finesse optical cavity.
We are tackling the challenge of scalable network design from multiple angles, considering the protocols used at both the physical and logical layers, and the engineering of the nodes themselves. We will deploy these architectural and engineering developments in the construction of a four-node network designed to demonstrate all of the functionality necessary for larger, high-connectivity systems, including reconfigurable photonic routing and parallel entanglement of multiple nodes pairs. I will finish by describing our plans for this system. ♦ [back to the conference schedule]

10:45 - 11:15   Prof. Osvaldo Simeone - "Efficient and Reliable Quantum Machine Learning"

Bio: Osvaldo Simeone is a Professor of Information Engineering, and he co-directs the Centre for Intelligent Information Processing Systems within the Department of Engineering of King's College London. He is also a visiting Professor with the Connectivity Section within the Department of Electronic Systems at Aalborg University. From 2006 to 2017, he was a faculty member at the New Jersey Institute of Technology (NJIT). Among other recognitions, Prof. Simeone is a co-recipient of the 2022 IEEE Communications Society Outstanding Paper Award, the 2021 IEEE Vehicular Technology Society Jack Neubauer Memorial Award, the 2019 IEEE Communication Society Best Tutorial Paper Award, the 2018 IEEE Signal Processing Best Paper Award, and the 2015 IEEE Communication Society Best Tutorial Paper Award. He was awarded an Open Fellowship by the EPSRC in 2022 and a Consolidator grant by the European Research Council (ERC) in 2016. Prof. Simeone is the author of the textbooks "Machine Learning for Engineers" and "Classical and Quantum Information Theory" (Cambridge University Press), four monographs, two edited books, and more than 200 research journal and magazine papers. He is a Fellow of the IET, EPSRC, and IEEE.

Abstract: Quantum machine learning has emerged as a promising data-driven design framework for noisy intermediate-scale quantum (NISQ) computers, with applications across various engineering and scientific domains. This talk addresses two critical challenges: identifying efficient quantum network architectures and ensuring reliable decision-making despite hardware unreliability and probabilistic measurement outcomes. For efficient network design, two novel approaches tailored for time-series data processing will be presented, one leveraging geometric learning principles and the other inspired by neuromorphic computing concepts. To address the issue of reliability, the talk will introduce a robust decision-making framework grounded in conformal prediction, which provides guarantees on predictive confidence. ♦ [back to the conference schedule]

11:30 - 12:00   Prof. Florian Mintert - "Optimal control of ion shuttling and state preparation with quantum invariants"

Bio: Florian Mintert works on quantum optimal control and its application in quantum information. He received his PhD in 2004 from the LMU in Munich. After his PostDoc years in Brasil and the USA, and a position as group leader at FRIAS in Freiburg, he joined Imperial College in 2013.

Abstract: Trapped ions are one of the most advanced platforms for quantum computing, and most architectures are based on several coherently interconnected nodes. One of the currently explored mechanisms to connect nodes is based on ion-shuttling, i.e. mechanical transport of ions between nodes. Since high gate-fidelities are achieved best with ions that are cooled close to the quantum mechanical ground state, it is essential that such shuttling protocols do not result in high motional excitations. Quantum invariants are a popular tool to construct unadiabatic protocols to guide the dynamics of a quantum system from the ground-state of an initial Hamiltonian to the ground-state of a final Hamiltonian. I will discuss the construction of quantum invariants and their use for shuttling protocols of trapped ions. While generalisations of quantum invariants to systems of interacting qubits seem infeasible, I will discuss how more numerical approaches to optimal control can benefit from the framework of quantum invariants also for chains of interacting qubits. ♦ [back to the conference schedule]

12:00 - 12:30   Prof. Lajos Hanzo - "On the Cleansing Power of Quantum Codes"

Bio: Lajos Hanzo (FIEEE'04) received his Master degree and Doctorate in 1976 and 1983, respectively from the Technical University (TU) of Budapest. He was also awarded the Doctor of Sciences (DSc) degree by the University of Southampton (2004) and Honorary Doctorates by the TU of Budapest (2009) and by the University of Edinburgh (2015). He is a Foreign Member of the Hungarian Academy of Sciences and a former Editor-in-Chief of the IEEE Press. He has served several terms as Governor of both IEEE ComSoc and of VTS. He has published 2000+ contributions at IEEE Xplore, 19 Wiley-IEEE Press books and has helped the fast-track career of 123 PhD students. Over 40 of them are Professors at various stages of their careers in academia and many of them are leading scientists in the wireless industry. He is also a Fellow of the Royal Academy of Engineering (FREng), of the IET and of EURASIP. He holds the Eric Sumner Field Award. ♦ [back to the conference schedule]

14:00 - 14:30   Adrian Wonfor - "The UK Quantum Network"

Bio: Adrian Wonfor works on quantum communication systems, from QKD to entanglement-based systems. He has designed and deployed the UK Quantum Network, which connects Cambridge to Bristol and BT Labs in Ipswich. He has also developed standards compliant key management and routing overlays which enable operation of networks secured by both QKD and PQC. Adrian is a co-investigator on the Integrated Quantum Network hub. ♦ [back to the conference schedule]

14:30 - 15:00   Dr Stavroula Kapoulea - "Cryoelectronics for Scalable Qubit Control & Readout"

Bio: Dr. Stavroula Kapoulea holds the position of Postdoctoral Research Associate specializing in cryogenic nanoelectronics for quantum computing at the James Watt School of Engineering, University of Glasgow. Her academic background includes a BSc degree in Physics, an MSc in Electronics, and a PhD focused on the development of advanced analog integrated circuits, all obtained from the University of Patras in 2016, 2018, and 2022 respectively. Her current research focuses on the development of cryogenic electronics utilizing low-power CMOS nanoscale technology to enable efficient multi-qubit control and readout. The overarching objective is establishing an energy-efficient cryogenic qubit control/readout interface for scalable quantum computing systems. She has authored/co-authored 52 peer-reviewed journal publications and conference proceedings, and three book chapters, while she is a reviewer for several journals and international conferences. Dr. Kapoulea was awarded the 2018 Armen H. Zemanian Best Paper Award in the area of Circuits and Systems in the Circuits and Signal Processing Journal and the Best Paper Award for 2021 in the International Journal of Electronics and Communications (AEUE) Journal, Elsevier, 2021.

Abstract: Quantum computers are rapidly scaling towards qubit numbers at which they achieve quantum advantage over classical ones, a key objective for developing practical quantum computing systems. A major hurdle to full-scale deployment is the interfacing of cryogenic quantum processors with room- temperature control and readout electronics. As quantum systems scale toward the anticipated millions of qubits required for fault-tolerant quantum advantage, the number of connections required to individually address each qubit increases significantly. This interconnection scaling reaches a physical impasse, as the volume required to accommodate the increasing number of electrical RF connections becomes prohibitive and introduces unwanted thermal load from the room-temperature electronics into the cryogenic environment.
Cryogenic complementary metal-oxide-semiconductor (cryo-CMOS) nanoscale technology is a leading emerging tool for achieving the coveted scalability and developing multi-qubit computing System-on- Chip (SoC). CMOS technology is particularly suitable for enabling quantum computing hardware, due to its compatibility with nanoscale, low-voltage operation requirements and its potential for seamless on-chip integration. However, a major drawback remains the lack of cryogenic device models and Process Design Kits (cryo-PDKs), which hinders the reliable design and simulation-level validation of cryo-CMOS circuits. In this talk, we address this critical bottleneck by leveraging the fully depleted silicon-on-insulator (FD-SOI) CMOS technology, which allows for restoring the hardware performance under the challenging cryogenic conditions. ♦ [back to the conference schedule]

15:00 - 15:30   Dr Jessica Wade - "The Centre for Quantum Engineering, Science and Technology at Imperial"

Bio: Dr Jess Wade is a Royal Society University Research Fellow and Lecturer in Functional Materials in the Department of Materials at Imperial College London. Her research considers new materials for optoelectronic devices and quantum technologies, with a focus on chiral systems and the identification of strategies to control photon and electron spin. Outside of the lab, Jess is involved with several science communication and outreach initiatives. She is committed to improving diversity in science, both online and offline.

Abstract: The Centre for Quantum Engineering, Science and Technology (QuEST) looks to translate fundamental discoveries in quantum physics into transformative technologies that benefit society. QuEST connects academics and students across Imperial for joint research projects, networking events, international collaborations, and industry partnerships. We work with policymakers to ensure quantum remains at the forefront of government strategy and help investors understand quantum enough to finance quantum start-ups. We are committed to advancing real-world quantum technologies by creating a vibrant, inclusive, interdisciplinary, and well-supported community of scientists and engineers—and we will do everything in our power to make that vision a reality. ♦ [back to the conference schedule]

16:00 - 16:30   Dr Alejandra Beghelli - "Quantum research at BT"

Bio: Dr. Beghelli's research interests focus on resource allocation in  optical and quantum networks. After completing her PhD at UCL, she developed a career of 15 years working as an academic in Latin America. In 2020  she moved back to the UK, where she worked as a Lecturer and later as an Associated Professor in the Electronic  Electrical Engineering Department, UCL.  Since February 2025, Dr. Beghelli works as a Senior Research Specialist in the Optics  Quantum Centre of Excellence at British Telecom.

Abstract: This talk will briefly present the current research interests of BT in the areas of networks for quantum and quantum for networks. ♦ [back to the conference schedule]

16:30 - 17:00   Dr Nitish K. Panigrahy - "Scheduling in Quantum Satellite Networks: Fairness and Performance Optimization"

Bio: Dr. Nitish Kumar Panigrahy is an assistant professor in the School of Computing at Binghamton University. Previously, he was a postdoctoral researcher at NSF Engineering Research Center for Quantum Networks. He earned his PhD degree in Computer Science at University of Massachusetts Amherst in 2021. Nitish’s research interests lie in modeling, optimization, and performance evaluation of quantum information networks. He has been active on the program committees of several conferences including ACM Sigmetrics, ACM Mobihoc, and IEEE QCE conferences. His papers have received the IEEE Quantum Week'23 Best Paper Award (second place) and IEEE MASCOTS'18 Best Paper Runner-Up Award.

Abstract: Satellite based quantum communication has emerged as a promising technology for realizing global scale quantum networks. Due to better loss distance scaling compared to ground-based fiber communication, satellites can distribute high quality quantum entanglements between ground stations that are geographically separated at very long distances. In this talk, I will present our recent work addressing a key challenge in this domain: determining which satellite should serve which ground station pairs and at what time, often referred to as the scheduling problem in quantum satellite networks. Our approach considers practical constraints such as limited satellite resources, fairness among users, entanglement quality thresholds, and real-world non-idealities like cloud cover, atmospheric effects, and background noise. I will also discuss the added complexity introduced by multi-hop scenarios involving inter-satellite links and how our solution navigates these challenges. ♦ [back to the conference schedule]