Electron spins are an attractive candidate for an implementation of quantum information processing (QIP) due to high polarization, fast control and long coherence times. Control in electron spin resonance benefits from extensive experience in liquid-state nuclear magnetic resonance QIP, and microwave and RF technology from industry. This thesis details the design and construction of an electron spin resonance spectrometer specifically for research in quantum information processing, including the microwave electronics and variable temperature resonators and probes. We also begin to evaluate our spectrometer using a novel technique known as randomized benchmarking which extracts a figure of merit relevant to QIP.

Electron spins are an attractive candidate for an implementation of quantum information processing (QIP) due to high polarization, fast control and long coherence times. Control in electron spin resonance benefits from extensive experience in liquid-state nuclear magnetic resonance QIP, and microwave and RF technology from industry. This thesis details the design and construction of an electron spin resonance spectrometer specifically for research in quantum information processing, including the microwave electronics and variable temperature resonators and probes. We also begin to evaluate our spectrometer using a novel technique known as randomized benchmarking which extracts a figure of merit relevant to QIP.

Quantum information processing is a multi-disciplinary science involving physics, mathematics, computer science, and even quantum chemistry. It is centred around the idea of manipulating physical systems at the quantum level, either for simulation of physical systems, or numerical computation. Although it has been known for almost a decade that a quantum computer would enable the solution of problems deemed infeasible classically, constructing one has been beyond today's capabilities. In this work we explore one proposed implementation of a quantum computer: Nuclear Magnetic Resonance (NMR) spectroscopy. We also develop a numerical software tool, a pulse sequence compiler, for use in the implementation of quantum computer programs on an NMR quantum computer. Our pulse sequence compiler takes as input the specifications of the molecule used as a quantum register, the desired quantum gate, and experimental data on the actual effects of RF pulses on a sample of the molecule, and outputs an optimum set of pre and post 'virtual' gates that minimize the error induced.

Quantum information processing is a multi-disciplinary science involving physics, mathematics, computer science, and even quantum chemistry. It is centred around the idea of manipulating physical systems at the quantum level, either for simulation of physical systems, or numerical computation. Although it has been known for almost a decade that a quantum computer would enable the solution of problems deemed infeasible classically, constructing one has been beyond today's capabilities. In this work we explore one proposed implementation of a quantum computer: Nuclear Magnetic Resonance (NMR) spectroscopy. We also develop a numerical software tool, a pulse sequence compiler, for use in the implementation of quantum computer programs on an NMR quantum computer. Our pulse sequence compiler takes as input the specifications of the molecule used as a quantum register, the desired quantum gate, and experimental data on the actual effects of RF pulses on a sample of the molecule, and outputs an optimum set of pre and post 'virtual' gates that minimize the error induced.

Many organizations are struggling to improve customer-focused quality in today's highly competitive domestic and global markets. At the same time, these organizations have failed to implement the Six Sigma methodology into their daily control and strategic planning processes. Six Sigma deployment failures have been categorized as coming from many sources, both management related and person related. Some of the key management related Six Sigma project failures have been identified and discussed in this research work. For continuous improvement to truly take root, organizations must realize that just successfully applying quality tools on any process will not necessarily provide dramatic results, unless the concepts of policy management and deployment are institutionalized. A model called "Six Sigma Policy Deployment" was developed and has been proposed which may help mitigate Six Sigma project failures that are presently attributed to management and organizational issues. By integrating Policy Deployment, the Six Sigma DMAIC (Define-Measure-Analyze-Improve-Control) problem solving approach, and the classic PDCA (Plan-Do-Check-Act) Cycle, the potential for breakthrough improvements in any organization can be enhanced. The model was contrasted against a list of 30 sources of failure in typical Six Sigma projects in order to validate its applicability to mitigate these failures. Furthermore these failures were matched with the work of recent quality theorists in order to validate their occurrence and relevance. A case study section is presented to illustrate FPL's Quality Improvement Program and the Six Sigma Lifecycle, which are bases for the new model. This section also highlights how the use of the proposed Six Sigma Policy Deployment model could help to mitigate potential Six Sigma project failures.

This thesis focuses on two aspects of Quantum Information Processing (QIP) and contains experimental implementation by Nuclear Magnetic Resonance (NMR) spectroscopy. The two aspects are: (i) development of novel methodologies for improved or fault tolerant QIP using longer lived states and geometric phases and (ii) implementation of certain quantum algorithms and theorems by NMR. In the first chapter a general introduction to Quantum Information Processing and its implementation using NMR as well as a description of NMR Hamiltonians and NMR relaxation using Redfield theory and magnetization modes are given. The second chapter contains a study of relaxation of Pseudo Pure States (PPS). PPS are specially prepared initial states from where computation begins. These states, being non-equilibrium states, relax with time and hence introduce error in computation. In this chapter we have studied the role of Cross-Correlations in relaxation of PPS. The third and fourth chapters, respectively report observation of cyclic and non-cyclic geometric phases. When the state of a qubit is subjected to evolution either adiabatically or non-adiabatically along the surface of the Bloch sphere, the qubit sometimes gain a phase factor apart from the dynamic phase. This is known as the Geometric phase, as it depends only on the geometry of the path of evolution. Geometric phase is used in Fault tolerant QIP. In these two chapters we have demonstrated how geometric phases of a qubit can be measured using NMR. The fifth and sixth chapters contain the implementations of “No Deletion” and “No Cloning” (quantum triplicator for partially known states) theorems. No Cloning and No Deletion theorems are closely related. The former states that an unknown quantum states can not be copied perfectly while the later states that an unknown state can not be deleted perfectly either. In these two chapters we have discussed about experimental implementation of the two theorems. The last chapter contains implementation of “Deutsch-Jozsa” algorithm in strongly dipolar coupled spin systems. Dipolar couplings being larger than the scalar couplings provide better opportunity for scaling up to larger number of qubits. However, strongly coupled systems offer few experimental challenges as well. This chapter demonstrates how a strongly coupled system can be used in NMR QIP.

This master's thesis is oriented on software development processes improvement techniques. It presents modern approaches of process development and analyses problems of their management and usage in various life cycle phases. In connection with these techniques it brings draft of support tool, which increases automatization of processes development with pertinent cooperation with other tools, as one of presumptions of improvement of their quality.