When the Royal Swedish Academy of Sciences announced this year’s award recipients, physicist Armin Tavakoli was among those honoured. He has been awarded the Lindbom Prize, in recognition of his work on convex optimisation methods within theoretical quantum physics. These methods make it possible to describe quantum correlations in a clearer and more systematic way.
" I am deeply honoured that my research is being recognised by such an important and venerable institution as the Royal Swedish Academy of Sciences" says Armin Tavakoli.
Understanding quantum correlations
The term quantum correlations covers a wide range of phenomena in quantum physics. These include Bell inequalities, teleportation and quantum communication, as well as more technical applications such as determining how much randomness a quantum random-number generator produces, or how many keys can be generated for quantum cryptography.
These correlations are difficult to calculate, and it is often just as important to identify which correlations are not possible according to quantum theory.
"It is about understanding both what quantum physics predicts and what it cannot allow" says Armin Tavakoli.
Over the past 20 years, convex optimisation methods have become one of the most important tools in the field. Armin’s contributions to the continued development of these methods form the basis of the award.
Research in the group
Armin Tavakoli’s research group works within three main areas.
1. Convex optimisation methods
The group develops methods that help researchers determine which quantum correlations are possible. They continue to refine these tools to make them even more accurate.
2. Quantum physics without superpositions
Here, the group investigates whether certain quantum operations can be described without using superpositions. This could provide new insights into the fundamental laws of quantum physics.
3. “Tiny attacks” on quantum technology
The third area concerns security. The group studies extremely small, almost unnoticeable attacks on quantum technological systems. Despite their subtlety, such attacks can have major effects. The research shows how important it is to build robust and secure systems for the future.
Further reading
For readers interested in convex optimisation methods, Armin Tavakoli recommends the review article “Semidefinite programming relaxations for quantum correlations”, available on the APS Reviews of Modern Physics website:
The article “Semidefinite programming relaxations for quantum correlations” on the APS website.
More information
Armin Tavakoli’s profile in Lund University’s research portal.