Spin chain systems for quantum computing and quantum information applications

One of the most essential processes in classical computation is that related to the information manipulation; each component or register of a computer needs to communicate to others by exchanging information encoded in bits and transforming it through logical operations. Hence the theoretical study of methods for information transfer and processing in classical information theory is of fundamental importance for telecommunications and computer science, along with study of errors and robustness of such proposals. When adding the quantum ingredient, there arises a whole new set of paradigms and devices, based on manipulations of \emph{qubits}, the quantum analogues of conventional data bits. Such systems can show enormous advantage against their classical analogues, but at the same time present a whole new set of technical and conceptual challenges to overcome. The full and detailed understanding of quantum processes and studies of theoretical models and devices therefore provide the first logical steps to the future technological exploitation of these new machines. In this line, this thesis focuses on spin chains as such theoretical models, formed by series of coupled qubits that can be applied to a wide range of physical systems, and its several potential applications as quantum devices. In this work spin chains are presented as reliable devices for quantum communication with high transfer fidelities, entanglement generation and distribution over distant parties and protected storage of quantum information. Methods to design these tools to have some robustness against errors and noise are provided, giving optimism for future quantum technologies.