Quantum Information Theory and Quantum Foundations

Our group investigates the mathematical and conceptual foundations of quantum theory from the perspective of information theory and quantum computation. We rigorously analyze the fundamental limits and possibilities of information processing imposed by the structure of quantum mechanics. Our research sits at the intersection of quantum information theory, quantum field theory, and quantum statistical mechanics, and is organized along the following main research directions.

Operational Probabilistic Theories

We study the distinctive features of quantum theory within general diagrammatic and probabilistic frameworks. Our work focuses on information-theoretic axioms and on alternative theories beyond the standard quantum and classical paradigms. We investigate information processing in Fermionic systems, highlighting their structural differences with respect to qubit-based models.

Higher-Order Quantum Theory

In this framework, transformations themselves act as fundamental carriers of information, enabling the description of processes with either fixed space-time structure or indefinite causal order. We explore applications to enhanced information processing and to the quantification of space-time resources.

Quantum Cellular Automata

We analyze local dynamics on discrete lattices as fundamental models for interactions and for the simulation of quantum field theories. In this context, we study the emergence of effective continuous dynamics and the classification of admissible evolutions, with applications to topological phases of matter.

Principal Investigators: Paolo Perinotti, Alessandro Bisio

Members of the Group: Paolo Perinotti, Alessandro Bisio, Alessandro Tosini, Tommaso Brambilla, Andrea Pizzamiglio, Saverio Rota