Students look at complex challenges of the future at local quantum computing camp

How do you quantify quantum physics and computing? That is a question that is easier asked than answered.

But over the course of four weeks at the University of New Mexico, high school students from around the state tried their hand at answering that question.

Under the instructions of several scientists and instructors from Sandia, Los Alamos and Lawrence Berkeley National Laboratories, these kids learned the fundamentals of the perplexing phenomenon of quantum physics and how to apply it to the growing field of quantum computing at the third annual QCaMP, hosted by Sandia National Laboratory.

QCaMP, an acronym for quantum, computing, mathematics and physics, is a free program that focuses on quantum computing, which is a specialized technology that includes computer hardware and algorithms to take advantage of quantum mechanics in order solve complex problems that classical computers or supercomputers either can’t solve or can’t solve quickly enough.

For the first two weeks of the camp, the 18 QCaMP students learned the basic concepts of quantum physics and computing through hands-on activities involving quantum circuits and learning how to encode messages in binary code.

During the final two weeks of the camp, the students apply what they have learned in a final research project using quantum physics and computing to solve a real world problem. Spencer Jensen, a junior at Valley High School, and William McGlumphy, a junior at Eldorado High, partnered on a project to keep online data safe.

“We did something called quantum key distribution,” McGlumphy said. “It’s a method of creating an encryption key that keeps data online safe in new ways that are not susceptible to quantum computer hacking.”

Both juniors were first time attendees of the camp and cited the impact quantum computing will have on the future as the main reason they decided to attend.

“Quantum is definitely something I could do in the future. I never really thought about that, but this has opened up all sorts of new opportunities,” Jensen said.

The pair and fellow campers presented their final projects on Friday at the University of New Mexico Physics and Astronomy and Interdisciplinary Building. Camp instructors graded the work, and the winner for the best project was announced during an award ceremony that followed the presentations.

Jensen and McGlumphy’s project won, and each was awarded a gift card and trophy. Several other awards went to students for being the best participant and most improved over the course of the camp.

“These kids are incredible, and they want to make a difference in the world,” Megan Ivory, co-director of QCaMP, said. “I think that’s something really powerful that we’re seeing in the coming generation.”

In addition to attending the camp, the students who participated were also paid a weekly stipend of $500 a week to help ease the burden of having to choose to attend the camp or work a summer job. A separate three-day QCaMP was held in June for high school teachers to learn about new ways of introducing and teaching quantum science.