Adrian Kent by Graham Allen

Professor Adrian Kent

Adrian's main research is in the foundations of quantum theory and quantum information theory, and in applications to quantum cryptography, quantum computing and quantum communication. 

 

Adrian Kent by Graham Allen

Adrian completed a BA and MMath. in Mathematics and a PhD in Theoretical Physics at Cambridge. After holding postdoctoral positions at the University of Chicago and the Institute for Advanced Study in Princeton, he returned to Cambridge, where he is currently Professor of Quantum Physics in Department of Applied Mathematics and Theoretical Physics and co-leader of the Centre for Quantum Information and Foundations in the Department of Applied Mathematics and Theoretical Physics.

His main research is in the foundations of quantum theory and quantum information theory, and in applications to quantum cryptography, quantum computing and quantum communication. 

He also has a strong interest in work on mitigating risks to humanity and in using science and technology to steer our future in beneficial directions, and is a member of the scientific advisory board of the Cambridge Centre for the Study of Existential Risk.  

Research interests

Adrian’s most recent work in quantum cryptography is on 'supermoney', a form of virtual token whose security is based on quantum physics and the impossibility of signalling faster than light.

He has also been working lately on the foundations of quantum gravity, and recently published a refutation of an old and influential argument by Eppley and Hannah, which purported to show that no classical gravity theory can consistently be combined with quantum theory. His theoretical work in this area plays a significant role in Space QUEST, a world-wide collaboration which aims to use satellite experiments to carry out new tests of the link between quantum theory and gravity.