The Week in Quantum Computing - January 22nd- Rydberg Atoms, 100 Cat Logical Qubits, $300M Bet on Quantinuum
Issue #170
The Week in Quantum Computing. Brought to you by Sergio Gago (@piratecto).
Quick Recap
This has been one of those weeks that really moves the needle. We have officially entered in the race for the logica qubits. Alice & Bob producing 100 logical qubits on a 758 cat qubits chip. But meanwhile Quantinuum and Honeywell raise $300M to continue their work (they were the first ones to announce advances in error correction last year, albeit at much lower scale than QuEra or Alice & Bob.
The Research Council of Finland is investing €13 million into the Finnish Quantum Flagship (FQF). And QphoX raises €8M in the Netherlands. The WEF has released their blueprint, which I believe is a must read for any business and technology leader in the quantum industry. And NATO kicked off their quantum program as well, trying to add a quantum cybersecurity alliance to their ranks.
A team of researchers has proposed hybrid digital-analog learning algorithms for Rydberg atom arrays, showing promise for improved variational quantum learning. In another study, researchers from the Paul Scherrer Institute PSI, ETH Zurich, and EPFL, led by Gabriel Aeppli, found that qubits with long lifetimes can exist in dense, cluttered settings. Japanese chip manufacturer Rohm and venture company Quanmatic are collaborating to enhance the electrical die sorting process in semiconductor production using quantum computing. Q-CTRL is partnering with the U.S. Geological Survey (USGS) to apply quantum solutions in the field of geosciences, and Accenture and SandboxAQ are partnering to deliver AI and quantum computing solutions for cybersecurity. Lastly, a group of researchers has been able to demonstrate subexponential speedup on Simon’s algorithm exploiting the hidden abelian subgroups of the problem.
What does that mean? A very short and quick primer on “quantum advantage”. When researchers try to find quantum algorithms that truly bring advantage over classical methods, what they are effectively trying to find is some “hidden structure” in the problem that could leverage the unique quantum properties of superposition and interference. If we did not use those, it means (generally) that the problem is tractable clasically. That is what Shor’s algorithm is doing. So, if your problem does not have a structure (hidden or not) that can be leveraged, is is not very likely it will find a clear quantum speed up. Remember: We are not saying whether quantum computers can solve the problem or not. But whether they can solve it better than anything else classical. (What does it mean to “find structure in a problem”? Take this example from Numberophile on finding structure on Sudoku: Sudoku structure
Lastly, the last week QIP2024 took place where many quantum researchers meet, this time in Taipei. Twitter has been full of comments and papers that will require a few weeks to digest (Follow #qip2024 hashtag) including a lot of discussion on variational algorithms and where are we going with them. But in the rump session they dropped this. As a spaniard who knew this from long ago, I can only say that it is magnificent (We call him, “risitas” in Spain)
And lastly (yeah, for the 3rd time). The Q2B organizers have uploaded most of the talks fromm Q2B California, and if there are two talks you REALLY need to watch, are Preskill’s and Aaronson’s.
Crossing the Quantum Chasm: From NISQ to Fault Tolerance | John Preskill
The future of Supremacy Experiments | Scott Aaronson
Ok, there goes your monday!
The Week in Quantum Computing
Paper: Digital-analog quantum learning on Rydberg atom arrays
Researchers including Jonathan Z. Lu, Lucy Jiao, Kristina Wolinski, Milan Kornjača, Hong-Ye Hu, Sergio Cantu, Fangli Liu, Susanne F. Yelin, and Sheng-Tao Wang have proposed hybrid digital-analog learning algorithms on Rydberg atom arrays, demonstrating a promising path towards improved variational quantum learning. Their work, supported by the Simons Foundation, combines quantum learning's practical utility with rapidly scaling architectures of neutral atoms. The study reveals that digital-analog learning is not only feasible but also requires shorter circuit depths and is more robust to realistic error models compared to digital learning schemes. This research underscores the potential of digital-analog quantum learning in the near-term realization of quantum computing.
https://arxiv.org/abs/2401.02940v1
Quantum cramming: Junk becomes gems in new qubit breakthrough
Researchers from the Paul Scherrer Institute PSI, ETH Zurich, and EPFL have challenged the conventional belief that solid-state qubits function best in ultra-clean environments. Led by Gabriel Aeppli, the team found that qubits with long lifetimes can exist in dense, cluttered settings. They densely packed rare-earth ions, specifically terbium, into yttrium lithium fluoride crystals, forming qubits from interacting pairs of ions. These pairs, while rare, have longer coherences due to their unique electron shell states. The team also applied a magnetic field to shield the qubits from environmental disturbances, resulting in non-magnetic qubit states with lifetimes up to 100 times longer than single ions. This discovery suggests that embracing complexity may enhance the potential of solid-state qubits in quantum computing.
https://interestingengineering.com/science/quantum-cramming-junk-becomes-gems
Finland's quantum tech leap: 13M investment in national flagship project
The Research Council of Finland is investing €13 million into the Finnish Quantum Flagship (FQF), marking a significant advancement in the nation's quantum technology sector. This bold move signifies Finland's commitment to becoming a leader in the rapidly evolving field of quantum computing, and the substantial funding will expedite the development and application of quantum technologies. The investment underscores the global importance of quantum research and technology in shaping the future of computing.
New study uses machine learning to bridge the reality gap in quantum devices
A study led by the University of Oxford has used machine learning to tackle a key challenge in quantum devices: the 'reality gap' between predicted and observed behavior. The research group utilized a "physics-informed" machine learning approach to indirectly infer the disorder characteristics caused by nanoscale imperfections in the materials of quantum devices. Associate Professor Natalia Ares and PhD student David Craig were key contributors to the study. The model not only found suitable internal disorder profiles but also accurately predicted voltage settings for specific device operating regimes. Published in Physical Review X, the study offers a new method to quantify the variability between quantum devices, potentially improving predictions of device performance and informing the engineering of optimum materials.
Rohm, Quanmatic putting quantum tech in chipmaking
Japanese chip manufacturer Rohm and venture company Quanmatic are collaborating to enhance the electrical die sorting (EDS) process in semiconductor production using quantum computing. After a year of development, the full-scale implementation of this technology is set to begin in April in Rohm’s factories. This marks the first instance of quantum computing being used to optimize a commercial-scale manufacturing process on semiconductor production lines. The companies expect the new technology to improve EDS performance by several percentage points, significantly boosting productivity and profitability. Rohm, a leading supplier of silicon carbide wafers and power management devices, and Quanmatic, a quantum computing software developer, are pioneering a new era of quantum efficiency in semiconductor production.
https://asiatimes.com/2024/01/rohm-quanmatic-putting-quantum-tech-in-chipmaking/
Honeywell Announces the Closing of $300 Million Equity Investment Round for Quantinuum at $5 Billion Pre-Money Valuation
Honeywell International Inc. recently announced the successful completion of a $300 million equity investment round for Quantinuum, at a pre-money valuation of $5 billion. The funding will likely be directed towards the expansion and enhancement of Quantinuum's quantum computing capabilities. This move reflects the growing interest and investment in quantum technology, which is anticipated to revolutionize various sectors including cybersecurity, logistics, and pharmaceuticals.
Businesses Must Bridge the Skills Gap to Succeed With Quantum Computing
Quantum computing is set to revolutionize business problem-solving, with large developers like IBM making significant strides. However, a survey by Classiq of over 500 professionals reveals a skills gap in the market, with a shortage of qualified engineers and scientists who can program quantum computers. This gap could hinder companies from leveraging quantum computing's power and lead to a costly talent competition. The complexity of quantum coding, which requires understanding of quantum concepts, contributes to this gap. To address this, companies should consider upskilling their workforce, with 95% of survey respondents indicating interest in quantum training. Emerging low-code software can also simplify quantum coding, accelerating the learning process.
WEF Report: Quantum Economy Blueprint
The Quantum Economy Blueprint written by the World Economic Forum offers a structured approach to democratize access to quantum resources, building on the Quantum Computing Governance Principles. This blueprint is designed to guide national or regional strategies, emphasizing value-oriented access to quantum computing. The key aim is to ensure equitable distribution of quantum resources, promoting a balanced growth in the quantum economy. The essence of this blueprint is to translate governance principles into practical strategies, facilitating a more inclusive and fair quantum computing landscape.
https://www.weforum.org/publications/quantum-economy-blueprint/
Q-CTRL, USGS Bring Quantum Technology to Geosciences
Q-CTRL, a quantum technology company, has partnered with the U.S. Geological Survey (USGS) to apply quantum solutions in the field of geosciences. This collaboration aims to leverage quantum technology's potential to bring about significant advancements in understanding Earth's subsurface and predicting environmental changes. As a company registered in England and Wales, Informa UK Limited highlights this partnership as a significant step in the integration of quantum computing into practical applications.
https://www.iotworldtoday.com/quantum/q-ctrl-usgs-bring-quantum-technology-to-geosciences
Accenture and SandboxAQ Collaborate to Help Organizations Protect Data Against AI-Driven Cyber Threats and Quantum-Based Decryption Attacks
Accenture and SandboxAQ are partnering to deliver AI and quantum computing solutions to help organizations identify and remediate cybersecurity vulnerabilities. The collaboration aims to provide comprehensive AI-enabled cryptographic management, helping organizations secure their data against AI-driven cyber threats and quantum-based decryption attacks. The partnership is currently assisting a global nonprofit health organization to mitigate its quantum risk. Accenture's global lead of Security, Paolo Dal Cin, emphasized the increasing precision of cyberattacks due to AI and generative AI.
Dutch Quantum Computing Firm QphoX Secures €8M Funding for Quantum Internet Development
Dutch quantum computing firm QphoX has secured €8 million in a funding round led by QDNL Participations, marking the largest investment in a Dutch quantum company. Other participants included the EIC Fund, Quantonation, Speedinvest, High-Tech Gründerfonds and Delft Enterprises. QphoX is developing hardware for quantum computers to communicate over optical networks, which is expected to enhance scalability and form the backbone of future quantum internet. The funding will accelerate product development and prepare QphoX's technology for integration into commercial systems. The company has made significant advances since its inception, including a demonstration of optical-frequency readout of superconducting qubits and world-leading transducer performance.
Summary of NATO’s Quantum Technologies Strategy
NATO aims to become a quantum-ready alliance, fostering a secure, resilient, and competitive quantum ecosystem, according to its Quantum Technologies Strategy. This ambition involves harnessing quantum technologies to support NATO's core tasks, developing software and hardware frameworks for interoperability, and transitioning cryptographic systems to quantum-safe cryptography. The strategy also highlights the need for a Transatlantic Quantum Community to engage with government, industry, and academia. Furthermore, NATO looks to provide a leading forum for quantum technologies in defense and security, continuously building shared understanding while leveraging quantum technologies' potential. The organization recognizes the critical role of talent in pursuing quantum advantage and the importance of responsible innovation in quantum technologies.
https://www.nato.int/cps/en/natohq/official_texts_221777.htm
Chinese scientists propose world's first secure quantum solution for e-commerce
Chinese researchers from Nanjing University and Renmin University of China, led by Professor Chen Zengbing and Associate Professor Yin Hualei, have proposed the world's first secure quantum solution for e-commerce. This technology integrates quantum technology with e-commerce, promising to provide information-theoretic security for China's e-commerce sector, valued at 40 trillion yuan ($5.56 trillion). The novel quantum e-commerce protocol uses quantum digital signatures to generate correlated bit strings among remote parties. Published in 'Science Advances', the research demonstrated the world's first five-user online trading experiment. The quantum solution could offer a more reliable quantum encryption method, ensuring transaction security against potential quantum computing hacks. The new technology is expected to be applied in new-generation technology scenarios such as digital currencies, e-government, and blockchain.
https://www.ecns.cn/news/sci-tech/2024-01-18/detail-ihcwvwfu7681786.shtml
Davos and the global state of quantum
The World Economic Forum (WEF) has released a "Quantum Economy Blueprint", its first major paper on the potential development of a global economy centered around quantum technology. The paper was authored by researchers from the WEF, AI and participation frm quantum startups like SandboxAQ, and companies like IBM, and offers recommendations for how countries can contribute to the global development of quantum computing, sensing, and communications technologies. The report emphasizes the importance of early adoption, despite ongoing debates about the readiness of the technology. Sergio Gago Huerta, head of quantum at Moody's, and Celia Merzbacher, executive director of the Quantum Economic Development Consortium, both endorsed the blueprint's focus on governance and infrastructure. The report underscores the role of interconnected and collaborative ecosystems in successful innovation efforts.
Scientists from UCL, University of Southampton, and Bose Institute Propose Groundbreaking Experiment to Test Quantum Nature of Large Masses
A team of scientists from University College London (UCL), the University of Southampton, and the Bose Institute in India has proposed an experiment to test the quantum nature of large masses. Quantum effects have not been observed in lab objects exceeding a quintillionth of a gram (10-20g). The proposed experiment, published in Physical Review Letters, could test the quantumness of an object irrespective of its mass or energy. Dr. Debarshi Das, lead author, emphasizes that the experiment could determine if an object is classical or quantum by observing if its motion changes upon observation. The researchers suggest the experiment could be implemented using current technologies, such as LIGO's mirrors or nanocrystals. The study could extend the domain of quantum mechanics and probe its validity for larger masses.
https://phys.org/news/2024-01-quantum-nature-large-masses.html
University of Basel Team Develops Mass-Producible Miniature Quantum Memory Element, Paving Way for Practical Quantum Technologies
Researchers at the University of Basel have developed a mass-producible miniature quantum memory element. The team, led by Professor Philipp Treutlein, created a quantum memory based on rubidium atoms in a tiny glass cell. They heated the cell to 100° centigrade and applied a magnetic field of 1 tesla to facilitate quantum storage of photons. The memory element can store photons for around 100 nanoseconds. Treutlein stated that they've built a miniature quantum memory for photons, of which around 1,000 copies can be produced in parallel on a single wafer. The team's findings are a significant step towards the practical application of quantum technologies.
https://phys.org/news/2024-01-scientists-mass-miniature-quantum-memory.html
Paper LDPC-cat codes for low-overhead quantum computing in 2D
In a recent study, researchers Diego Ruiz, Jérémie Guillaud, Anthony Leverrier, Mazyar Mirrahimi, and Christophe Vuillot propose a new architecture for fault-tolerant quantum computing (FTQC). They combine quantum low-density parity-check (qLDPC) codes and bosonic cat qubits to reduce hardware overhead and suppress bit-flip errors. The proposed architecture utilizes phase-flip LDPC codes, enabling implementation with current superconducting circuit technologies and short-range qubit interactions. The team conducted a numerical optimization of these codes, discovering some of the best codes benefit from a cellular automaton structure. With a physical phase-flip error probability of about 0.1%, their code family allows encoding 100 logical qubits with a total logical error probability per cycle and per logical qubit of less than 10^-8 on a 758 cat qubit chip. This development represents a significant stride in quantum computing efficiency.
https://arxiv.org/abs/2401.09541v1
Improving Z2 state generation by 3X on QuEra's Aquila QPU
Boulder Opal, a product of Q-CTRL, has been used to enhance the performance of state preparation on neutral atom quantum processors, specifically QuEra's Aquila Quantum Processing Unit (QPU). The application note demonstrates that Boulder Opal's optimized pulse can improve the preparation fidelity of an antiferromagnetic phase, also known as a Z2 phase, by a factor of three compared to a benchmark pulse. This result was achieved through the deployment of the optimized pulse on the QuEra Aquila QPU via Amazon Braket. The study highlights the interoperability between Boulder Opal and QuEra's Bloqade package, with the latter being used to numerically verify the expected pulse performance.
Quantum sensors: A booming market
Quantum sensors are revolutionising the sensor industry, with patent attorney Emily Thao from HGF highlighting bioimaging, geographical surveying, and navigation as key areas of innovation. Quantum sensors, due to their high sensitivity, allow for non-invasive bio-imaging and geographical surveying, and improved navigation accuracy. The UK government's National Quantum Strategy policy commits £2.5 billion to developing quantum technologies from 2024-2034, including commercial quantum sensing-enabled solutions for the NHS Trust and quantum navigation systems for aircraft. The market value for quantum sensors is expected to grow over 15% from its 2022 value of $270m to over $1bn, with some projections predicting a value of $5bn by 2030.
https://www.businessleader.co.uk/quantum-sensors-booming-market/
Paper: Demonstration of Algorithmic Quantum Speedup for an Abelian Hidden Subgroup Problem
A team of scientists led by P. Singkanipa and D.A. Lidar, along with V. Kasatkin, Z. Zhou, and G. Quiroz, have successfully demonstrated an algorithmic quantum speedup for a variant of Simon's problem using two different 127-qubit IBM Quantum superconducting processors. The speedup, which is sub-exponential, is enhanced when the computation is protected by dynamical decoupling to suppress decoherence and further improved with measurement error mitigation. This research signifies a genuine quantum advantage for an Abelian hidden subgroup problem and contributes to the advancement of quantum computing technology.
https://arxiv.org/abs/2401.07934v1
History-Driven Predictions for the Quantum Landscape in Asia
Quantum computing in Asia is expanding, with over 18 quantum ecosystems in countries like China, India, Japan, and Singapore, among others. OneQuantum and QWorld also have chapters in various Asian countries, indicating a growing quantum activity. Numerous partnerships have been formed, both within Asia and internationally, with companies like RIKEN, Fujitsu, QM, AWS, and more. At least seven Asian countries, including India, Israel, Japan, and Singapore, are developing indigenous quantum technology projects. However, the region faces a "brain drain" challenge, with many talented individuals opting for higher incomes in North America and Europe. Misinformation about China's quantum ecosystem also remains a persistent issue.
Quantum Research Sciences receives U.S. Air Force’s first Quantum Computing Phase III contract
Quantum Research Sciences (QRS), a Purdue-connected company, has been awarded a $2.5 million, three-year Phase III Small Business Technology Transfer contract by the U.S. Air Force. The contract, a first in quantum computing for the Air Force, is for QRS to deliver the Department of Defense's inaugural operational, production-level quantum computing software. The software, which has been used to accurately predict optimal inventory levels, will initially serve the Air Force but has potential for wider use across the DOD. CEO Ethan Krimins highlighted that QRS quantum software has achieved a 28% improved accuracy over classical computers in inventory forecasting. The partnership between QRS, the Air Force, and Purdue University underpins the practical application of quantum computing in solving complex optimization problems.