Description of the thesis topic

Context :
The usage of quantum information in modern technologies is a highly active topic at the interface of fundamental research and applications. The development of quantum technologies has been identified as a national strategic area. Furthermore, in December 2023, the European Union (EU) Council recognized the strategic importance of quantum technologies for the EU's scientific and industrial competitiveness. The ETIS and LPTM research laboratories at CY Cergy Paris University are contributing to this initiative through their work on quantum physics, quantum error-correcting codes, and quantum computing. The medium- and long-term goal of this work is to develop the collaborative quantum computing research network within the university and its European alliance, EUTOPIA.

Objectives:
The goal of this PhD will be to adapt quantum systems to real-world error patterns: we therefore aim to go beyond the traditional depolarizing error model generally accepted in the quantum coding community. One therefore wishes to adapt existing decoding algorithms to real-world error patterns by means of learning methods. This requires a recognition of the diverse and complex error patterns that can occur in quantum devices in real-world scenarios. To achieve this goal, it is paramount to characterize the added value of using machine learning in estimating and decoding quantum errors occurring in coded quantum systems.

Research program:

The PhD student will first review the known facts about error correction and decoding, and in particular acquire the group's previous experience. Their task will then be to implement AI-based quantum decoders, to train them, to make measurements, to understand and to optimize their performance, in particular by taking into account new data measurement from real-life devices.

Skills
For this position, you should meet the following requirements:
• Master degree in theoretical physics, computer science or communication systems
• Excellent programming skills
• Experience in optimization, numerical methods or learning
• Proficiency in spoken and written English
• Scientific curiosity and desire to work in an interdisciplinary project related to quantum technologies
• Intellectual rigor and proactive attitude
An experience related to the topic of the PhD project will be a plus.

Work Context

This position is a 36-month doctoral contract within the framework of the CNRS MITI research call. This doctorate is thus part of a broader scientific project including internal and external collaborations from which the candidate will also benefit. The doctoral project will be carried out between the ETIS laboratory (UMR8051), under the supervision of Prof. Iryna Andriyanova, and the LPTM laboratory (UMR8089), under the supervision of Prof. Andreas Honecker. The candidate will be affiliated with both laboratories. ETIS is a joint laboratory between CY Cergy Paris University, ENSEA and the CNRS, and a leading research unit in computer science in France. LPTM is a joint laboratory between CY Cergy Paris University and the CNRS, and is a research unit recognized for its work in quantum physics.