The Week in Quantum Computing - February 12th 2024 - 3D Electron Breakthrough, Riverlane's $1.3 Trillion Prediction, Linux Foundation's PQC Alliance, Nord Quantique logical qubit and more
Issue #172
The Week in Quantum Computing. Brought to you by Sergio Gago (@piratecto).
Quick Recap
This has been “one of those weeks” when everything happens at once and you love to be working in this industry. Many people have popped up the champaign bottles this week.
IBM has simulated clasically MIT/QuEra experiments, like many others did with their own experiments last year, suggesting that a 192-qubit simulation could be feasible. Together with a new research from NYU that promises classical better simulation for quantum circuits. What a race!
The UK government is funding £45 million into the nation's quantum sector, aiming for a quantum-enabled economy by 2033. 30 of those millions are for 7 testbeds by March 2025 awared to Rigetti, QuEra, Oxford Ionics, Infleqtion, ORCA, Quantum Motion and Aegiq (That is diversification!). Infleqtion has also released this week their 5 year roadmap promising commercial advantage by 2028.
Researchers from the University of Tokyo, Johannes Gutenberg University Mainz, and Palacký University Olomouc have demonstrated a new approach to constructing a photonic quantum computer. Multiverse Computing and Single Quantum have won a $1.4 million contract with the German Aerospace Center's DLR Quantum Computing initiative. The Linux Foundation has launched the Post-Quantum Cryptography Alliance to address security challenges posed by quantum computing.
Rice University researchers have discovered a 3D crystalline metal that can 'lock' electrons in place. Riverlane's Steve Brierley predicts a significant shift in quantum computing by 2024, with a potential unlocking of $1.3 trillion across various industries by 2035.
In summary: Investments keep growing, mostly from public money. Classical algorithms and methods keep destroying quantum counterparts, but this keeps researchers on the edge pushing on their roadmaps and new developments. PQC is a very real thing that is relevant not just for the risk of Shor’s algorithm, but for your crypto-agility in general.
IBM simulates clasically MIT/Quera IQM experiment
(Meme courtesy of Dulwich Quantum)
(Ok, I maxed out my allowance of 2 memes per post)
Infleqtion roadmap to 2028
The Week in Quantum Computing
In a quantum coup, US finds first-ever 3D material that ‘locks’ electrons
Researchers at Rice University have discovered the first-ever three-dimensional crystalline metal that can 'lock' electrons in place. The material, an alloy of copper, vanadium, and sulfur, has a pyrochlore lattice structure that combines with quantum correlations to limit electron movement. Ming Yi, an experimental physicist at Rice University, likened the quantum interference effect to standing waves created by head-on collisions of rippling waves. The team used angle-resolved photoemission spectroscopy to uncover the alloy's detailed band structure, revealing it to be flat in several ways. The findings, published in Nature Physics, are hoped to inspire further discoveries in pyrochlore materials, potentially leading to exciting advancements in quantum computing.
https://interestingengineering.com/science/first-ever-3d-material-lock-electrons
2024: The year quantum moves past its hype?
Steve Brierley of Riverlane suggests 2024 could mark a significant shift in quantum computing, moving beyond hype to tangible progress. The U.S. Congress is expected to reauthorize the National Quantum Initiative, dedicating over $3 billion to quantum research in the next five years. Other global entities, including the UK, Canada, and the EU, are also investing heavily in quantum science. Despite previous overestimations and the subsequent "quantum winter", Brierley predicts a 7 to 8 year timeline to develop reliable quantum algorithms and error correction. He highlights recent progress in Quantum Error Correction (QEC) and predicts quantum computing could unlock $1.3 trillion across various industries by 2035. The key to this potential lies in mastering error correction and developing better quantum algorithms.
https://venturebeat.com/data-infrastructure/2024-the-year-quantum-moves-past-its-hype/
Paper: Fast classical simulation of Harvard/QuEra IQP circuits
Dmitri Maslov and his team have developed a classical simulation algorithm that outperforms its quantum counterpart in terms of speed and complexity. The algorithm was able to compute a 48-qubit computation in 0.00257947 seconds, which is about 1000 times faster than the quantum computation reported by Bluvstein et al. (Nature 626:58-65, 2024). The team's algorithm also showed no significant decline in performance with the addition of CNOT layers. They managed to simulate computations of up to 96 qubits, taking an average of 4.16629 seconds for a single amplitude. This suggests that a 192-qubit simulation could be feasible. This development redefines the ongoing negotiation between classical simulations and quantum computational experiments.
https://arxiv.org/abs/2402.03211v1
Quantum computing challenges in APAC
Asia Pacific is gaining momentum in quantum computing, with countries like China, Japan, and South Korea making significant investments. Japan's QX, the most powerful quantum computer, can perform 100 trillion calculations per second. China's Jiuzhang and Zuchongzhi have demonstrated quantum supremacy, performing tasks impossible for classical computers. South Korea plans to invest US$1.3 billion over the next decade to develop a 128-qubit quantum computer. Singapore leads in Southeast Asia, with initiatives like the National Quantum Computing Hub. However, quantum computing's potential to break existing encryption methods poses cybersecurity threats. IBM ASEAN's GM, Catherine Lian, emphasizes the need for quantum-safe security measures. IBM, a quantum computing leader, plans to deliver a 4,000-qubit system by 2025.
https://techwireasia.com/02/2024/quantum-computing-challenges-in-apac/
Unlocking the potential of quantum: £45 million investment to drive breakthroughs in brain scanners, navigation systems, and quantum computing
The UK government is investing £45 million into the nation's quantum sector, aiming to transform into a quantum-enabled economy by 2033. This funding will be allocated towards developing quantum computers (£30 million) and accelerating the adoption of quantum solutions in the public sector (£15 million). The projects funded include a high-tech brain scanner and a smart navigation system for trains, both leveraging quantum technology. The investment was announced by Science Minister Andrew Griffith during his visit to Cerca Magnetics, a University of Nottingham spin-out company. Both the UK Research and Innovation (UKRI) Technology Missions Fund and the UK’s National Quantum Computing Centre (NQCC) have contributed to this funding. Griffith stated that the UK aims to maintain its position as a global leader in quantum technology.
Quantum testbeds provide gateway to large-scale quantum computing
The UK's National Quantum Computing Centre (NQCC) is investing £30 million to establish seven quantum computing testbeds by March 2025. These system-level prototypes will be built by various quantum hardware companies at the NQCC's facilities on the Harwell Campus in Oxfordshire. The testbeds aim to showcase, demonstrate, and evaluate different hardware solutions to accelerate quantum computing capabilities and infrastructure within the UK. Simon Plant, Deputy Director of Innovation at the NQCC, noted the testbeds' goal to support the growth of the UK's quantum computing sector and demonstrate quantum advantage in the long term.
Rigetti will build a testbed with 24 superconducting qubits, while Oxford Ionics will demonstrate a trapped-ion platform. Two of the projects, awarded to QuEra and Infleqtion (formerly ColdQuanta), will assemble hardware systems based on neutral atoms, while ORCA Computing and Aegiq will take different approaches to photonics-based quantum computing. The seventh project for Quantum Motion will be a platform that exploits spin qubits within a silicon-chip architecture.
https://physicsworld.com/quantum-testbeds-provide-gateway-to-large-scale-quantum-computing/
"Revolutionizing Quantum Computing: Multi-Photon Approach Offers Inherent Error Correction, Say Researchers from University of Tokyo, Mainz, and Palacký University"
Researchers from the University of Tokyo, Johannes Gutenberg University Mainz, and Palacký University Olomouc have demonstrated a new approach to constructing a photonic quantum computer. Instead of using a single photon, the team employed a laser-generated light pulse, which can consist of several photons. This development offers inherent error correction capabilities, as stated by Professor Peter van Loock of Mainz University. Although the logical qubit produced was not yet of sufficient quality to provide the necessary level of error tolerance, the researchers have shown it's possible to transform non-universally correctable qubits into correctable ones using innovative quantum optical methods. This advancement could potentially streamline quantum computing processes.
https://phys.org/news/2024-02-physical-qubit-built-error.html
3 ways to achieve crypto agility in a post-quantum world
In a digital world increasingly reliant on encryption keys and digital certificates, crypto agility becomes crucial for businesses, says AppViewX CEO Gregory Webb. The recent proposal by Google to reduce TLS certificate validity to 90 days has added pressure to admins managing certificate lifecycles. To safeguard against future attacks, especially with the advent of quantum computing, integrating post-quantum cryptography (PQC) into crypto agility strategies is crucial. Webb suggests three strategies for achieving crypto agility: embracing certificate lifecycle management (CLM), liberating the certificate by establishing a cross-CA certificate discovery and renewal process, and proactively monitoring and responding to changing crypto requirements and emerging threats. Quantum decryption threats and the increasing volume of certificates underscore the urgency of these measures.
https://www.helpnetsecurity.com/2024/02/06/crypto-agility-strategies/
Multiverse Computing and Single Quantum Launch Materials Science Research Contract with German Aerospace Center
Multiverse Computing and Single Quantum have won a $1.4 million contract with the German Aerospace Center's DLR Quantum Computing Initiative (DLR QCI) to develop quantum applications that outperform classical methods. The companies will use quantum simulation to improve the transmission capabilities of superconducting nanowire single photon detectors, which are essential for quantum communication devices. Enrique Lizaso-Olmos, CEO of Multiverse Computing, highlighted the potential of using quantum computing for materials simulation, a field where classical computing faces limitations. The knowledge gained from this project will be useful for other teams within the DLR QCI to simulate other materials or conduct additional quantum simulations.
Post-Quantum Cryptography Alliance Launches to Advance Post-Quantum Cryptography
The Linux Foundation has launched the Post-Quantum Cryptography Alliance (PQCA) to address security challenges posed by quantum computing and advance post-quantum cryptography. The alliance, featuring founding members such as Amazon Web Services, Cisco, Google, IBM, and the University of Waterloo, aims to produce high-assurance software implementations of standardized algorithms and support the development of new post-quantum algorithms. The PQCA will also work on projects to evaluate, prototype, and deploy these new algorithms. A key launch project is the Open Quantum Safe project, which focuses on creating open-source software for post-quantum cryptography. The alliance's work underlines the growing need for robust cryptographic solutions in the quantum computing era.
https://www.linuxfoundation.org/press/announcing-the-post-quantum-cryptography-alliance-pqca
Quantum Machines Introduces QDAC-II Compact and QSwitch - Ultra-Low-Noise Quantum Electronics Solutions
Quantum Machines has launched two new quantum electronics solutions, QDAC-II Compact and QSwitch. The QDAC-II Compact is a DC and low-frequency voltage source designed for quantum computing applications, while the QSwitch is an ultra-low-noise quantum switch providing high-speed switching capabilities. Both products are designed to meet the needs of quantum research and development, offering increased precision and control. Quantum Machines' new offerings reflect the company's ongoing commitment to advancing quantum technology and providing cutting-edge solutions for the quantum computing industry. The introduction of these products underscores the rapid evolution and potential of quantum computing technology.
Paper: A super-polynomial quantum-classical separation for density modelling
Niklas Pirnay, Ryan Sweke, Jens Eisert, and Jean-Pierre Seifert have published a paper on the advantages of quantum computers in density modeling, a core problem in unsupervised machine learning. They demonstrate that fault-tolerant quantum computers can offer a super-polynomial advantage over classical learning algorithms, given standard cryptographic assumptions. The research also provides insights into the relationships between hardness results in supervised learning and distribution learning. Additionally, it shows that any weak pseudo-random function can be used to construct a classically hard density modeling problem, potentially paving the way for future quantum-classical separations in density modeling.
https://arxiv.org/abs/2210.14936v1
Nord Quantique Demonstrates Quantum Error Correction, First Company to Make a Logical Qubit Out of a Physical Qubit
Nord Quantique, a quantum computing startup, has become the first company to demonstrate quantum error correction at the individual qubit level, achieving a 14% increase in the lifetime of a single qubit without the redundancy of additional physical qubits. The company's simulations suggest further improvement in error correction as the number of qubits increases. This efficient approach to error correction could require only hundreds of qubits for fault-tolerant quantum computing, rather than millions, shortening the path to scalability. The firm's model also incorporates redundancy into every logical qubit, reducing the need for physical qubits dedicated to error correction. Nord Quantique plans to unveil results from a multi-qubit system later this year.
Research team takes a fundamental step toward a functioning quantum internet
Stony Brook University physicists and collaborators have made significant progress towards building a quantum internet by demonstrating a fundamental quantum network measurement using room-temperature quantum memories. Detailed in a paper published in npj Quantum Information, the research addresses the challenge of developing quantum repeaters, systems crucial for transmitting quantum information and entanglement over long distances. The team constructed quantum memories that operate at room temperature and demonstrated their identical performance, a key attribute for large-scale quantum repeater networks. Lead author Eden Figueroa, Ph.D., hailed this as an "extraordinary step toward the development of viable quantum repeaters and the quantum internet." The team's patented room-temperature technology could significantly reduce operational costs and accelerate the realization of large-scale quantum networks.
https://phys.org/news/2024-02-team-fundamental-functioning-quantum-internet.html
Citi and Classiq advance quantum solutions for portfolio optimization using Amazon Braket
Citi Innovation Labs and Classiq have partnered to advance quantum solutions for portfolio optimization, utilizing Amazon Braket. The focus of their study was the Quantum Approximate Optimization Algorithm (QAOA) and how adjustments to its penalty factor impacted performance. Portfolio optimization involves selecting the optimal mix of assets to achieve maximum returns for a given risk level. However, the current stage of quantum computing technology, known as the Noisy Intermediate-Scale Quantum (NISQ) era, faces limitations due to noise and qubit count. If QAOA proves advantageous over classical methods, these fine-tuning strategies could improve portfolio optimization results and address other complex financial challenges.
Infleqtion Unveils 5-year Quantum Computing Roadmap, Advancing Plans to Commercialize Quantum at Scale
Quantum information company Infleqtion has revealed its 5-year quantum computing roadmap during a live webinar. The roadmap includes plans to commercialize quantum computing on a large scale. In addition to this, Infleqtion announced new partnerships and customer wins, emphasizing the company's progress and growing influence in the quantum computing industry. The Texas-based company's ambitious plan and recent successes signal its commitment to leading the quantum computing revolution.
Paper (Book Really!) Resources of the Quantum World
Gilad Gour has published a comprehensive 956-page book, "Resources of the Quantum World", which explores quantum resource theories, aiming to unify diverse quantum phenomena under a single framework. The book offers a new perspective on quantum entanglement, coherence, and other concepts, aiming to transform our understanding and application of these theories. It provides advanced mathematical tools and physical principles for those interested in quantum information science. The book covers topics from foundational aspects of quantum mechanics and quantum information to detailed explorations of specific resource theories, including entanglement, asymmetry, and thermodynamics. The text promises to offer deep insights into the operational and conceptual frameworks underpinning quantum resource theories.
https://arxiv.org/abs/2402.05474v1
D-Wave and Zapata AI Forge Strategic Partnership to Develop Quantum Generative AI for New Molecule Discovery
D-Wave Quantum Inc., a leader in quantum computing systems, and Zapata Computing Inc. (Zapata AI), an industrial generative AI software company, have announced a multi-year strategic partnership. The collaboration aims to develop commercial applications that combine generative AI and quantum computing technologies to solve complex problems. The partnership will leverage D-Wave's quantum technologies, which have been proven to perform quantum annealing with 5,000+ qubits. The initial focus will be on building quantum generative AI models for new molecules discovery. This collaboration provides Zapata AI with access to D-Wave's Advantage annealing quantum computing systems and development resources.
Researchers show classical computers can keep up with, and surpass, their quantum counterparts
Researchers from New York University and the Simons Foundation have demonstrated that classical computers can match and even surpass quantum computers in speed and accuracy. Published in PRX Quantum, their work reveals that a cleverly designed algorithm can mimic a quantum computer with fewer resources. The algorithm retains only a portion of the information stored in a quantum state, sufficient for accurate computation. Asst. Prof. Dries Sels from NYU's Department of Physics, a co-author of the study, notes the potential in both quantum and classical approaches to enhance computations. The team likens their work to compressing an image into a JPEG file, effectively reducing space without significant quality loss.
https://phys.org/news/2024-02-classical-surpass-quantum-counterparts.html
DARPA selects Microsoft to continue the development of a utility-scale quantum computer
The Defense Advanced Research Projects Agency (DARPA) has chosen Microsoft Azure Quantum for the continued development of a utility-scale quantum computer. Under the Underexplored Systems for Utility-Scale Quantum Computing (US2QC) program, Microsoft is designing a quantum computer based on topological qubits, which are small, fast, and digitally controlled, offering built-in error protection. Dr. Chetan Nayak of Microsoft Azure Quantum stated they are focusing on designing a prototype of a topological quantum computer. The unique scalability of topological qubits could allow a quantum computer to control over a million physical qubits on a single chip, solving complex problems too difficult for classical computers.
A novel algorithm implemented on a PASQAL quantum computer provides the foundations for solving a complex problem in cellular communication networks
Pasqal and LINKS research teams announced a breakthrough in cellular communication networks with the successful implementation of a noise-resilient, hybrid quantum-classical algorithm on a Pasqal quantum computer. The algorithm tackles the Physical Cell Identifier (PCI) assignment problem. The implementation, supported by CINECA and performed on Pasqal's first commercial device, Fresnel, demonstrates significant noise resilience and potential for applications beyond cellular networks. Mauro D’Arcangelo, senior quantum software developer at Pasqal, emphasized the reliability of the results despite the quantum processing unit's (QPU) noise. The LINKS Foundation, established in collaboration with Compagnia di San Paolo and Politecnico di Torino, specializes in high-performance computing and quantum computing.