Paul Skrzypczyk

Associate Professor | Royal Society University Research Fellow | CIFAR Azrieli Global Scholar | School of Physics | University of Bristol, UK

I am theoretical quantum physicist.

My primary research interest is quantum theory, in particular, the renewed understanding that has been gained with the advent of quantum information. I am interested in many aspects of quantum theory, with a primary focus on are quantum nonlocality, quantum measurements, and quantum thermodynamics.

In quantum theory the way actions in one place effect far-away places is much more intricate and fascinating than in classical physics. In particular, quantum theory allows for ‘nonlocal’ effects, whereby actions in one place seemingly affect another distant place instantaneously, although this can only ever be confirmed later in time. My aim is to obtain a deep understanding of this counter-intuitive phenomenon. This is not only crucial in order to really understand quantum theory and the way the microscopic world behaves, but also for applications in quantum information processing, where it opens up new possibilities which are impossible using only classical physics.

The process of measurement plays a much more fundamental and prominent role in quantum theory compared to much of classical physics. It is through the process of measurement that we gain information about the microscopic world, and in quantum theory this measurement necessarily disturbs the system measured. I am particularly interested in this information gain, and also affects related to the fact that not all properties of a system can be measured simultaneously in quantum theory, known as measurement incompatibility.

The laws of thermodynamics are arguably the most prevalent in the whole of physics. It is fascinating to understand to what extent they apply at the quantum level, especially for small systems - far from their original realm of applicability. Pursuing this line of investigation is not only a way to probe the limits of quantum theory and thermodynamics, but is also relevant for future quantum technologies, where both quantum and thermal effects will ultimately play a role.

News

Jun 28, 2024 Very pleased to once again getting a backlog of papers out this year:
Jun 26, 2024 I am delighted to announce the Ben Jones successfully defended his PhD last week. Many congratulations to Ben. His examiners were Andreas Winter and Tony Short. Photo of Tony Short, Paul Skrzypczyk, Ben Jones and Andreas Winter toasting Ben's viva success
Jun 24, 2024 I am thrilled that Chung-Yun Hsieh has been offered a prestigious Leverhulme Early Career Fellowship, which means he will be able to stay in Bristol for a further 3 years! Many congratulations to Chung-Yun on this well-deserved fellowship!
Jun 30, 2023 Very pleased to have started to get a backlog of papers finally out:
Mar 13, 2023 My textbook Semidefinite Programming in Quantum Information Science, written with Daniel Cavalcanti, has just been published by IOP Publishing as part of their IOP Series in Quantum Technology.

Selected Publications

  1. Textbook
    Semidefinite Programming in Quantum Information Science
    P. Skrzypczyk, D. Cavalcanti
  2. Phys. Rev. Lett. Editor’s Suggestion
    Robustness of Measurement, Discrimination Games, and Accessible Information
    P. Skrzypczyk, N. Linden
    Phys. Rev. Lett. 122, 140403 (2019)
  3. Phys. Rev. Lett. Editor’s Suggestion
    All Entangled States can Demonstrate Nonclassical Teleportation
    D. Cavalcanti, P. Skrzypczyk, I. Šupić
    Phys. Rev. Lett. 119, 110501 (2017)
  4. Nature Commun.
    Detection of entanglement in asymmetric quantum networks and multipartite quantum steering
    D. Cavalcanti, P. Skrzypczyk, G. H. Aguilar, R. V. Nery, P. H. Souto Ribeiro, S. P. Walborn
    Nature Commun. 6, 7941 (2015)
  5. Nature Commun.
    Work extraction and thermodynamics for individual quantum systems
    P. Skrzypczyk, A. J. Short, S. Popescu
    Nature Commun. 5, 4185 (2014)
  6. Phys. Rev. Lett.
    Quantifying Einstein-Podolsky-Rosen Steering
    P. Skrzypczyk, M. Navascués, D. Cavalcanti
    Phys. Rev. Lett. 112, 180404 (2014)