The Week in Quantum Computing - August 26th 2024 - MIT decrypting RSA, Diraq joins the 99 club, Sandia kills GPS
Issue #198
Can you see that? Issue #198!! We are close to the issue #200. And while that number is not as cool as 42, or 6.023*1023 It is still 200. 200 bloody editions of this weekly newsletter. Week in and out no rest. Giving you the best snarky comments and little piggy stories in the quantum industry. What started as a personal thing just to keep myself informed, ended up on what you have in your screen today. And people recognizing me in conferences as “hey, you are the quantum pirate!”. So that keeps me going.
So, here’s the thing. We will do a meme contest! And for edition 200 (you have two weeks to work on this, my friends) I will select and publish the top 3 best memes rated by… well… by me, sorry. No democracy allowed on a pirate ship. The best quantum memes will get:
A free copy of my book delivered to your house
1h consulting / support for anything you want (we can just have a virtual coffee!)
A 20$ Amazon gift card to buy yourself a fancy rubik’s cube, or something.
And of course all the love in the world and a mention in the 201 edition :) Deal? How to participate? Easy: 1) Create your quantum meme. 2) Send it to me via twitter, Linkedin or Substack message. I will acknowledge receipts. 3) Wait and see, like we wait for 5 nine two-gate fidelity. (oh, and yeah, you have to be subscribed to participate!). (Disclaimer: participation will be at the personal level, not company)
Quick Recap
Researchers led by Tuomo Tanttu and Diraq have achieved over 99% fidelity in two-qubit gates using silicon metal-oxide-semiconductor quantum. Sandia National Labs has developed ultra-compact optical chips for quantum navigation, replacing bulky laser systems in atom interferometers. These chips enable precise navigation without GPS, addressing vulnerabilities like signal disruption or spoofing. QuDef launched Open Access SQOUT platform and NIST's post-quantum cryptographic standards. The collaborative efforts and strategic alliances, such as those between Fujitsu Australia and ANU (are they filling in for Microsoft leaving Australia?), are essential for driving innovation. At the same time, quantum companies express their concenrs about export controls.
The Week in Quantum Computing
Diraq researchers publish assessment of the errors of high-fidelity two-qubit gates in silicon quantum dots
Researchers led by Tuomo Tanttu and Diraq researchers have achieved over 99% fidelity in two-qubit gates using silicon metal-oxide-semiconductor quantum dots, a significant milestone for scalable quantum computing. The study, published in Nature Physics, analyzed errors in spin qubit processors, identifying sources such as nuclear and electrical noise. The team used two strategies for entangling gates: a simple square pulse and a composite gate with dynamical decoupling. Validation across three devices, including different isotopic purifications of silicon, confirmed the consistency of operations.
https://www.nature.com/articles/s41567-024-02614-w
GPS-free navigation nears reality with quantum breakthrough
Sandia National Labs has made a significant advancement in quantum navigation by developing ultra-compact optical chips that replace bulky laser systems in atom interferometers. These chips, small enough to be deployed almost anywhere, enable precise navigation without GPS, addressing vulnerabilities like signal disruption or spoofing. Sandia scientist Jongmin Lee highlighted the unparalleled accuracy in measuring acceleration and angular velocity provided by these sensors. The cost-effective production, as noted by Ashok Kodigala, involves manufacturing hundreds of modulators on a single wafer, drastically reducing expenses. Beyond navigation, these chips have potential applications in LIDAR, quantum computing, and optical communications
QuDef Unveils Groundbreaking Quantum Threat Intelligence Platform SQOUT, Says CEO Bob Dirks
QuDef has launched Open Access SQOUT, the first-ever quantum technology threat intelligence platform, on August 21, 2024. This platform identifies and shares Tactics, Techniques, and Procedures (TTPs) and countermeasures for quantum technology threats. CEO Bob Dirks highlighted the platform's importance in understanding vulnerabilities in rapidly advancing quantum technologies. CTO Michal Krelina emphasized its role in fostering collaboration and knowledge sharing among professionals. The platform provides unclassified insights into quantum and classical threat mitigations and aims to enhance security assessments and compliance. QuDef plans to expand SQOUT with deeper intelligence features
NIST’s first post-quantum standards
On August 13, 2024, the US National Institute of Standards and Technology (NIST) published its first three post-quantum cryptographic standards: ML-KEM, ML-DSA, and SLH-DSA. This milestone aims to secure communications against future quantum computer threats. The standards emerged from an eight-year global effort involving 82 algorithm submissions, culminating in the selection of four algorithms, with the fourth, FN-DSA, to be released later in 2024. Cloudflare, alongside Google, Apple, Meta, and Signal, has already begun implementing these standards, with over 16% of its traffic now protected by post-quantum key agreements. This marks a critical step towards safeguarding digital communications in a quantum computing era.
https://blog.cloudflare.com/nists-first-post-quantum-standards
Paper: A Framework for Integrating Quantum Simulation and High Performance Computing
Researchers Amir Shehata, Thomas Naughton, and In-Saeng Suh present a framework to integrate quantum simulation with high-performance computing (HPC). This framework aims to streamline the use of quantum simulation software on HPC resources, reducing the complexity and friction for scientific application developers. Key contributions include a classification of usage models for quantum simulation in HPC, a review of the software architecture, and a prototype implementation using TNQVM and NWQ-Sim simulators. Initial experiments were conducted on the Frontier supercomputer at Oak Ridge Leadership Computing Facility (OLCF) using the SupermarQ quantum benchmarking framework.
https://arxiv.org/abs/2408.08098v1
Software expertise powers up quantum computing
The Quantum Software Lab (QSL), established in April 2023 at the University of Edinburgh’s School of Informatics, leverages its strategic alliance with the UK’s National Quantum Computing Centre (NQCC) to address real-world problems using quantum computing. Directed by Elham Kashefi, who also serves as Chief Scientist of the NQCC, the QSL benefits from her ability to bridge computer science and quantum physics. Sir Peter Knight praises Kashefi for her ability to unite diverse talents to tackle significant challenges in quantum computing. The QSL aims to demonstrate quantum utility by delivering reliable quantum solutions that surpass classical computing capabilities, emphasizing innovation and user adoption.
https://physicsworld.com/software-expertise-powers-up-quantum-computing/
European, Canadian space agencies to test Quebec-made quantum sensor
SBQuantum, a Sherbrooke-based company, has secured contracts with the European Space Agency (ESA) and the Canadian Space Agency to test its quantum magnetometers, which leverage quantum-level imperfections in synthetic diamonds to map magnetic fields. CEO and co-founder David Roy-Guay, who began developing the technology during his PhD in quantum physics, expressed that this collaboration validates their years of work. The technology aims to enhance navigation tools and facilitate the search for critical minerals on Earth, the moon, and Mars. The ESA's interest underscores the potential of SBQuantum's sensors to enable smaller satellites and improve scientific missions.
https://montrealgazette.com/technology/space/space-agencies-to-test-quebec-made-quantum-sensor
Fujitsu and ANU Join Forces to Launch Cutting-Edge Quantum Research Center in Australia
Fujitsu Australia and the Australian National University (ANU) have signed a memorandum of understanding to establish a quantum research center. This collaboration will provide Australian researchers, students, government, and industry with access to Fujitsu's advanced quantum technologies. Fujitsu will offer its quantum systems and simulators from Japan, while ANU will develop teaching and training modules. The center aims to support research in cryptography, material science, and quantum simulations. Graeme Beardsell, EVP at Fujitsu, emphasized the importance of global collaboration in achieving quantum breakthroughs. Australia's National Quantum Strategy projects a A$6 billion opportunity and 19,400 jobs over two decades, with significant government funding available, including A$36 million from the Critical Technologies Challenge Program.
https://www.miragenews.com/fujitsu-and-anu-to-set-up-quantum-research-1300782/
TU/e researchers contribute to new post-quantum cryptography method now ready for global use
In 2016, the National Institute of Standards and Technology (NIST) initiated the Post-Quantum Cryptography Standardization competition, receiving 82 proposals. By 2022, four methods were selected, and NIST has now published standards for three: Kyber, Dilithium, and SPHINCS+. TU/e researchers Andreas Hülsing and Tanja Lange co-developed SPHINCS+, a signature scheme for verifying document authenticity. Hülsing emphasized the global impact, noting that secure connections, such as those to banks, will adopt these new standards. Kyber, a key encapsulation mechanism, is already in use by major services like Apple’s iMessage and Google Chrome. Kathrin Hövelmanns contributed to Kyber's security analysis. The publication of these standards marks a significant advancement in preparing for quantum computing threats.
Photon Sifter Separates Single Photons from Multiphoton States
Researchers led by Richard Warburton at the University of Basel have developed a device that separates single photons from multiphoton states, a significant step toward all-optical quantum computing. The device uses a 20-nm-wide quantum dot within an optical cavity to distinguish photon states based on their interactions. By analyzing the output through a polarization-sensitive beam splitter, the team achieved a second-order correlation function value of 587, vastly surpassing the previous high of 20. This breakthrough could enable the creation of photonic logic gates essential for quantum computers.
https://physics.aps.org/articles/v17/s105
Technology | Speeding on the digital freeway
At the Tata Institute of Fundamental Research (TIFR) in Mumbai, India’s first quantum computer is nearing completion, marking a significant milestone for the Quantum Measurement and Control (QuMaC) lab. Led by Dr. R. Vijayaraghavan, the project collaborates with the Defence Research and Development Organisation (DRDO) and Tata Consultancy Services (TCS). This small-scale quantum computer is a crucial step towards building larger systems, such as a proposed 100-qubit computer within five years. Globally, quantum technology funding reached $42 billion in 2023, with India earmarking Rs 6,000 crore for its National Quantum Mission. Dr. Nagendra Nagaraja's startup QpiAI in Bengaluru is also developing a 25-qubit quantum computer, aiming to integrate AI and quantum computing.
Quantum computing startups will invest overseas if government shelves further tech funding, warns top UK startup
Phasecraft, a prominent UK quantum computing startup, has cautioned the government against halting further technology funding, warning that such a move could drive startups to invest overseas. The new Labour government has reportedly shelved £1.3 billion in tech and AI funding pledged by the previous Conservative administration. Ashley Montanaro, Phasecraft's co-founder, emphasized the importance of stable funding, noting that the UK risks losing its leadership in quantum computing without government support. Phasecraft, which has raised £17.5 million, recently opened a US office in Washington DC, led by former Amazon research scientist Steve Flammia. Montanaro highlighted the US as a key hub for quantum talent and indicated potential future expansions in Europe and Australia.
Department of Industry backs strict quantum export controls amid backlash
The Department of Industry, Science and Resources (DISR) supports the Department of Defence's decision to impose stricter export controls on quantum computing technology, aligning with the AUKUS alliance's goals. Quantum computers with 34+ qubits and specific error rates are now regulated under the Defence and Strategic Goods List (DSGL). Violations can lead to up to 10 years imprisonment. The National Quantum Strategy, part of the Labor government’s National Reconstruction Fund, has allocated significant funds, including $1 billion for critical technologies. Michael Biercuk, CEO of Q-CTRL, criticizes the controls for stifling innovation and creating administrative burdens. Despite these challenges, the DISR emphasizes that the new controls aim to protect national interests while fostering industry growth.
Supercharging AI With the Power of Quantum Computing
Scott Likens, US and Global Chief AI Engineering Officer at PwC, highlights the potential of quantum computing to address AI's sustainability challenges. AI's rapid growth has raised concerns about its environmental impact, particularly from model inferencing. Quantum computing can significantly speed up AI model training, optimize processes, and enhance data analysis, potentially reducing energy consumption. It can also improve machine learning algorithms, enable faster data processing, and offer efficient simulations for applications like drug discovery and climate modeling. Additionally, quantum computing can enhance cryptography, making AI systems more secure. As AI's energy demands grow, quantum computing offers a promising solution for a more sustainable and efficient future.
(Note from the editor: Yeah sure… This article is one example of how an article can say nothing at all, sharing information that is either inaccurate or lacks a lof of context and detail. Most of the claims there either are not there yet, or are controversial. For example, faster data analysis. How exacltly?)
Researchers propose a smaller, more noise-tolerant quantum factoring circuit for cryptography
MIT researchers, led by Vinod Vaikuntanathan and graduate student Seyoon Ragavan, have developed a more efficient quantum factoring algorithm that combines the speed of Oded Regev's recent improvement with the memory efficiency of Peter Shor's original algorithm. This new approach requires fewer qubits and is more noise-tolerant, potentially making it more feasible for practical implementation. The research, presented at Crypto 2024, addresses key bottlenecks in previous algorithms, such as memory requirements and error correction. Regev praised the work, stating it resolves critical issues. While not immediately practical, this advancement brings quantum factoring algorithms closer to reality, posing a future threat to RSA cryptography. Vaikuntanathan notes, "Our work could potentially bring us one step closer to a practical implementation."
https://techxplore.com/news/2024-08-smaller-noise-tolerant-quantum-factoring.html
https://news.mit.edu/2024/toward-code-breaking-quantum-computer-0823
IBM’s Big Bet on the Quantum-Centric Supercomputer
IBM is advancing towards a quantum-centric supercomputer, integrating quantum processing units (QPUs) with classical computing. This hybrid approach aims to solve complex problems like drug modeling and efficient material development, which current supercomputers like Oak Ridge National Laboratory's Frontier struggle with. Key advancements in quantum hardware and noise management have made quantum computers more viable. IBM envisions quantum and classical systems working together, with facilities in Germany, Japan, and Poland planning to incorporate quantum hardware. Pioneering algorithms by Peter Shor and Lov Grover demonstrate quantum computing's potential to outperform classical methods in specific tasks. IBM's vision represents a significant shift towards leveraging quantum mechanics for practical computational applications.