International Research Collaboration on Quantum Physics with Visiting Professor Igor Klep

The Gaspard Monge Visiting Professor program allows École Polytechnique to host internationally renowned researchers and professors for high-level collaborative teaching and research projects within its laboratories. Through this initiative, Igor Klep, an incisive and internationally recognized mathematician known for his contributions to functional analysis, operator algebra, and polynomial optimization, is joining École Polytechnique’s Computer Science Laboratory (LIX*) and the institution’s Center for Theoretical Physics (CPHT) as a Gaspard Monge Visiting Professor.

A faculty member at both the Faculty of Mathematics and Physics at the University of Ljubljana and the Faculty of Mathematics, Natural Sciences and Information Technologies at the University of Primorska, Igor Klep collaborates with PhIQus, a joint research group between LIX, CNRS, Inria Saclay, and École Polytechnique’s Centre for Theoretical Physics (CPHT).

PhIQus explores the intersection of physics, information theory, and quantum simulation, under the leadership of Marc-Olivier Renou, Junior Professor Chair at Inria Saclay and affiliated researcher at LIX and CPHT. As the group explores new frontiers in quantum information processing, it adopts a multi-disciplinary approach that integrates quantum information theory, theoretical computer science, and the mathematical frameworks of C*-algebras and non-commutative polynomial optimization.

A recognized specialist in functional analysis and mathematical optimization, Igor Klep contributes his expertise to this research. He and Marc-Olivier Renou had previously initiated discussions on applying Klep’s mathematical tools to quantum physics. Thanks to the Gaspard Monge Visiting Professorship program, they can now deepen this collaboration and explore how non-commutative algebra – an area in which Klep has played a leading role – can be applied to problems in quantum information theory.

Beginning with challenges identified by the PhIQus research group, the two scientists “discuss how to adapt the framework of polynomial optimization to solve them”, explains Igor Klep, emphasizing the collaborative value of this partnership. “The opportunity to interact closely with experts in this discipline at École Polytechnique provides unique perspectives and novel approaches that will benefit us all”, he stresses. 

At the intersection of Physics, Information Theory, and Quantum Simulation

Within the École Polytechnique’s Computer Science Laboratory (LIX), Igor Klep collaborates with the PhIQus research group led by Marc-Olivier Renou, whose research focuses on the distinctive capabilities of quantum systems for information processing, particularly within quantum networks and distributed computing. His work covers fundamental distinctions between classical and quantum information theory, identifying key tasks that illustrate these differences and developing protocols for experimental implementation. 

As his research approach combines quantum information theory, theoretical computer science, but also mathematical tools like C*-algebras and non-commutative polynomial optimization, Marc-Olivier Renou declares that “the collaboration with Igor is determinant, as adapting these mathematical tools to our areas of research requires both deep mathematical expertise and a strong understanding of quantum information theory”.