The Week in Quantum Computing - November 4th - Fraunhofer, QDNL, QuEra, and Rigetti. Max Planck and University of Vienna Unveil Game-Changing Research
Issue #208
Quick Recap
The Fraunhofer Institute's SPINNING project has made strides in diamond spin-photon quantum computers, achieving a <0.5% error rate and demonstrating entanglement over 20 meters. QDNL Participations is accelerating the commercialization of quantum technologies by investing in startups like Qu&Co and QphoX, addressing scalability and error correction challenges. This is great because two cities in the Netherlands now have a nice working quantum network. I guess they will be able to quantum facetime themselves soon. (no). Massachusetts has committed nearly $5 million to a Quantum Computing Complex in partnership with QuEra Computing, aligning with the CHIPS and Science Act to bolster U.S. technological leadership. Additionally, the UK’s National Quantum Computing Centre has launched a new facility with Rigetti's 24-qubit Ankaa™-class quantum computer, enhancing research capabilities. Research breakthroughs have also been noteworthy. The Max Planck Institute's study on analogue quantum simulators suggests they can outperform classical computers in many-body physics problems, even with errors. A portable quantum memory system developed by Martin Jutisz and colleagues promises practical applications outside controlled environments. The University of Vienna's game-theoretic approach highlights quantum strategies' potential to outperform classical ones. Lastly, new algorithms by Shouvanik Chakrabarti and team offer super-quadratic speedups for combinatorial optimization, showcasing quantum computing's potential in complex problem-solving.
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The Week in Quantum Computing
QED-C® Report Addresses the Use of Quantum Sensors to Mitigate Shortcomings of GPS and other PNT Devices
A new report from the Quantum Economic Development Consortium (QED-C) found that using quantum sensors could improve the accuracy and reliability of position, navigation, and timing (PNT) devices which offer critical insights on location, orientation, altitude, tilt, directional movement, acceleration, and timing for nearly every industry. PNT tools are especially prevalent in defense, transportation, communications, energy, finance, and healthcare. This report compares performance metrics of quantum sensors and their classical counterparts, reviews challenges to scaling and commercializing quantum sensors, and explores the potential use cases listed above in detail. Additionally, it presents four recommendations for developing quantum sensors and increasing their adoption in PNT applications.
https://quantumconsortium.org/pnt2024/
Major development successes in diamond spin photon quantum computers
In 2024, the Fraunhofer Institute for Applied Solid State Physics IAF, leading a consortium of 28 partners, announced significant advancements in diamond spin-photon quantum computers through the SPINNING project. This technology promises lower cooling needs, extended operating times, and reduced error rates compared to other quantum computing methods. Prof. Dr. Rüdiger Quay highlighted the use of diamond's color centers to create qubits, achieving entanglement of two six-qubit registers over 20 meters with high fidelity. The project demonstrated a <0.5% error rate, comparable to superconducting Josephson junction models like Eagle and Heron, but with superior coherence time. Remaining challenges include refining resonator design and software development, underscoring the ongoing evolution in quantum computing.
https://idw-online.de/de/news841921
QDNL Participations Fund - Accelerating the quantum information age
In 2024, QDNL Participations, a Dutch investment firm, is making waves in the quantum computing sector by funding innovative startups. Their focus is on accelerating the commercialization of quantum technologies, which remains a significant hurdle. Notably, QDNL has invested in companies like Qu&Co and QphoX, which are pioneering in quantum software and hardware, respectively. "Our goal is to bridge the gap between research and market-ready products," stated QDNL's CEO. This initiative is crucial as the industry grapples with scalability and error correction challenges. The firm's strategic investments highlight a growing trend of private funding in quantum tech, signaling a shift towards practical applications and solutions in the quantum landscape.
https://www.qdnlparticipations.nl/
Massachusetts Awards $5 Million to Establish a Quantum Computing Complex
Massachusetts has allocated nearly $5 million to establish a Quantum Computing Complex at the Massachusetts Green High Performance Computing Center in Holyoke. Partnering with QuEra Computing Inc., this initiative is part of a $16 million project, with QuEra contributing $11 million. The complex will support open access research, hardware innovation, and student training. Economic Development Secretary Yvonne Hao emphasized its potential to "catalyze the growth of a local quantum industry." Congressman Neal highlighted the project's alignment with the CHIPS and Science Act, aiming to reestablish U.S. technological leadership. This investment underscores Massachusetts' commitment to maintaining its status as a leader in quantum innovation and economic development.
Quantum advantage in close sight: Quantum simulators show resilience to errors
In a groundbreaking study, theorists at the Max Planck Institute of Quantum Optics, including Rahul Trivedi, Ignacio Cirac, and Adrian Franco Rubio, have demonstrated that analogue quantum simulators can outperform classical computers in solving many-body physics problems, even in the presence of errors. Published in Nature Communications, the research reveals that these simulators, despite lacking error-correction mechanisms, can remain stable and provide accurate results. This stability is achieved through a new framework that measures system-size independent stability in Gaussian fermion models and quantum spin systems. Trivedi notes, "Our work shows that even with errors, we can achieve reliable results," suggesting that practical quantum advantage may be imminent, particularly for complex many-body problems.
https://www.mpq.mpg.de/7018753/10-quantum-advantage-quantum-simulators
Paper: Standalone mobile quantum memory system
Researchers Martin Jutisz, Alexander Erl, Janik Wolters, Mustafa Gündoğan, and Markus Krutzik have introduced a portable, standalone quantum memory system. This system, detailed in arXiv:2410.21209, utilizes Cesium's long-lived hyperfine ground states. Notably, it operates with weak coherent pulses averaging less than one photon per pulse, demonstrating stability and fidelity in non-laboratory settings. This innovation could be pivotal for mobile quantum technologies, as it suggests the feasibility of deploying quantum memory systems outside controlled environments, potentially accelerating the integration of quantum computing into practical applications.
https://arxiv.org/abs/2410.21209v1
How a classical computer beat a quantum computer at its own game
In a recent study published in 2024, researchers from the University of Vienna and the Austrian Academy of Sciences have demonstrated a novel game-theoretic approach that bridges classical and quantum strategies. The team, led by physicist Časlav Brukner, explored how quantum strategies can outperform classical ones in specific scenarios, offering insights into quantum advantage. The study highlights a game where quantum players consistently outmaneuver classical counterparts, showcasing quantum mechanics' potential to revolutionize strategic decision-making.
https://phys.org/news/2024-10-classical-quantum-game.html
Fully Operational Rigetti QPU Included in UK’s Recently Opened National Quantum Computer Centre
The UK’s National Quantum Computing Centre (NQCC) has inaugurated its new facility at Harwell Campus, featuring a 24-qubit Ankaa™-class quantum computer from Rigetti Computing. This system, equipped with tunable couplers and a square lattice, aims to enhance connectivity and fidelity, supporting NQCC researchers in testing and developing quantum applications. Rigetti's integration with Riverlane technology targets large-scale error correction, a critical step for practical quantum computing. Rigetti CEO Dr. Subodh Kulkarni emphasized the significance of this milestone for advancing quantum research. The facility, supported by an SBRI grant from Innovate UK, represents a strategic move in the UK's quantum landscape, highlighting the ongoing global race to harness quantum computing's potential.
Here’s the paper no one read before declaring the demise of modern cryptography
In recent weeks, exaggerated claims have circulated about a quantum computing breakthrough threatening modern cryptography, particularly military-grade encryption. The South China Morning Post reported a "breakthrough" by Wang Chao of Shanghai University, suggesting a real threat from quantum computers to SPN-structured algorithms. However, the original paper was not linked, leading to confusion. The actual research, published in the Chinese Journal of Computers, involved using a D-Wave quantum annealer to attack symmetric encryption algorithms like PRESENT, GIFT-64, and RECTANGLE. These findings, while noteworthy, do not signify the imminent collapse of cryptography. As Dan Goodin notes, "The advance was incremental at best." This episode underscores the need for critical evaluation of quantum computing claims amidst ongoing hype.
Generalized Short Path Algorithms: Towards Super-Quadratic Speedup over Markov Chain Search for Combinatorial Optimization
Researchers Shouvanik Chakrabarti, Dylan Herman, and colleagues have developed generalized short path algorithms that promise super-quadratic speedups over traditional Markov Chain search methods for combinatorial optimization. Building on the framework by Hastings (2018) and extended by Dalzell et al. (STOC '22), these algorithms outperform classical methods in problems like Max-Bisection and the Ising Model, particularly for random regular graphs. The study, supported by the US National Science Foundation, highlights a quantum advantage, showing the algorithm's efficiency over polynomial time Gibbs samplers unless NP equals RP. As Marco Pistoia notes, "Our findings suggest potential speedups in unexplored settings, pushing the boundaries of quantum optimization." This research underscores quantum computing's evolving role in solving complex optimization problems.
https://scirate.com/arxiv/2410.23270
Out of the lab: We made a quantum network link between Dutch cities!
In a groundbreaking development for quantum computing in 2024, researchers have successfully established a quantum network link between Dutch cities. This achievement marks a significant step towards practical quantum communication, potentially revolutionizing secure data transmission. The project, involving leading institutions and experts, demonstrates the feasibility of quantum networks beyond laboratory settings. Such advancements are crucial as they pave the way for scalable quantum internet infrastructure. While the details of the involved parties and specific technological breakthroughs remain undisclosed, this milestone underscores the accelerating pace of quantum technology integration into real-world applications. As quantum networks expand, they promise to enhance cybersecurity and data integrity, heralding a new era of communication technology.
The network utilizes entangled photons to transmit quantum information over long distances, a crucial advancement for secure communications. Ronald Hanson, a leading scientist in the project, stated, "This is a major milestone in realizing a quantum internet."
https://phys.org/news/2024-10-km-quantum-network-link-dutch.html
CU Boulder releases quantum workforce roadmap for economy’s next big thing
In 2024, CU Boulder unveiled a quantum workforce roadmap, spearheaded by the CUbit Quantum Initiative and the Workforce Innovation Initiative, to prepare Colorado's workforce for the burgeoning quantum industry. This initiative, supported by the Colorado Office of Economic Development and International Trade, aims to expand the quantum workforce from 3,000 to 10,000 within a decade. Elevate Quantum, a coalition of 120 organizations, has secured over $120 million to bolster this effort. Scott Sternberg of CUbit emphasized the need for a comprehensive strategy, while Lucy Sanders highlighted the roadmap's framework for regional collaboration. The plan includes K-12 education and community college programs to diversify the workforce.
Rigetti and Riverlane Progress Towards Fault Tolerant Quantum Computing with Real-Time and Low Latency Error Correction on Rigetti QPU
Rigetti Computing and Riverlane have achieved a significant milestone in quantum computing by demonstrating real-time, low-latency quantum error correction on Rigetti's 84-qubit Ankaa™-2 system. This advancement is crucial for developing fault-tolerant quantum computers, which can perform lengthy operations without errors. The integration of Riverlane's quantum error decoder into Rigetti's control system allows for decoding times faster than the 1 microsecond threshold, preventing computational backlogs. Dr. Subodh Kulkarni, Rigetti CEO, emphasized the importance of integrating classical computing components with quantum systems for error correction. Steve Brierley, Riverlane CEO, highlighted this experiment as a pivotal step towards scalable quantum error correction. This collaboration marks a promising advancement towards realizing practical and fault-tolerant quantum computing.
ORCA Computing Unveils The PT-2: Delivering Quantum-Enhanced Generative AI Capabilities
ORCA Computing has introduced the PT-2, a photonic quantum system enhancing generative AI capabilities, building on the PT-1's deployment of seven systems. The PT-2 integrates with NVIDIA CUDA-Q, facilitating quantum-enhanced machine learning and generative AI, marking a shift from traditional quantum limitations. This system will be part of a testbed at the UK National Quantum Computing Centre, exploring hybrid quantum/classical neural networks. Bob Sorensen of Hyperion Research highlights the PT-2's potential in addressing AI's sustainability challenges. Industries like pharmaceuticals and energy are leveraging ORCA's technology for complex problems, such as peptide design and molecular exploration.
How to Move Multiple Ions in Two Dimensions
Researchers led by Robert Delaney at Quantinuum have developed a 2D ion movement scheme that could significantly advance ion-based quantum computing. Published in *Physical Review X*, the study demonstrates a grid-based system where ions, representing qubits, are efficiently shuttled to enable all-to-all connectivity, a crucial feature for scalable quantum operations. The system uses a combination of fixed and oscillating electromagnetic fields to control ion movement, achieving precise sorting and reordering without disturbing quantum states. Jonathan Home from ETH Zurich praises the technical achievement and its potential for scaling. This innovation could streamline control in quantum processors, paving the way for more practical and powerful quantum computing systems.
https://physics.aps.org/articles/v17/159
H.R. 6213, National Quantum Initiative Reauthorization Act
The National Quantum Initiative Reauthorization Act (H.R. 6213), reported by the House Committee on Science, Space, and Technology on July 25, 2024, aims to continue funding quantum information science research through key institutions like the Department of Energy, National Science Foundation, National Institute of Standards and Technology, and NASA. The bill authorizes $571 million for fiscal year 2025, with no estimated impact on direct spending or revenues through 2034. Notably, it does not trigger statutory pay-as-you-go procedures or impose mandates on the public or private sectors. This reauthorization underscores the U.S. commitment to advancing quantum research, crucial for maintaining technological leadership and addressing global challenges in quantum computing.
https://www.cbo.gov/publication/60891
Challenging Quantum Supremacy: The Surprising Power of Classical Computers
In a recent study, researchers from the University of Maryland and IBM have demonstrated that classical computers can solve certain problems previously thought to be exclusive to quantum computers. This challenges the notion of quantum supremacy, a term coined by John Preskill in 2012, which suggests quantum computers can outperform classical ones in specific tasks. The team utilized advanced algorithms and high-performance classical hardware to achieve results that rival quantum systems. "This work shows that classical computers are more powerful than we thought," said Andrew Childs, co-director of the Joint Center for Quantum Information and Computer Science.
https://scitechdaily.com/challenging-quantum-supremacy-the-surprising-power-of-classical-computers/
Quantum Motion and Goldman Sachs Identify Quantum Applications in Financial Services Project
Quantum Motion, a UK-based quantum computing company, and Goldman Sachs have collaborated to explore quantum applications in financial services, specifically focusing on options pricing. This research, published on arXiv, highlights the potential of quantum computers to handle complex calculations involving market dynamics and volatility, which traditional computers struggle with. Simon Benjamin, CSO of Quantum Motion, emphasized the need for a large number of qubits for impactful quantum computing. The study introduces a method to break down complex algorithms into smaller tasks, enhancing computation speed, crucial for financial services. This technique also has implications for chemistry and materials science. James Palles-Dimmock, CEO of Quantum Motion, noted the importance of scalable quantum architecture for transformative business impacts.
Gulf bets on a quantum computing leap
The Gulf region is heavily investing in quantum computing, aiming to revolutionize sectors like finance, healthcare, and national security. Saudi Arabia's Quantum Innovation Hub, launched in October 2023, and the UAE's Quantum Research Centre, established in 2020, highlight this commitment. The focus is on achieving "quantum supremacy" to enhance national security, as noted by the UAE's Khaleej Times and Saudi Gazette. Concerns persist globally about quantum's potential to break encryption protocols, threatening internet security. China leads investments with an estimated $10 billion, followed by the US and Europe. Despite the hype, quantum computing remains complex and unstable, with practical applications still decades away. The Gulf's strategic integration of quantum technology into digital infrastructure could position it advantageously in future technological landscapes.
https://www.agbi.com/opinion/tech/2024/11/gulf-bets-on-a-quantum-computing-leap/
Paper: Quantum data encoding: a comparative analysis of classical-to-quantum mapping techniques and their impact on machine learning accuracy
The paper by Minati Rath and Hema Date delves into the integration of quantum data embedding techniques within classical machine learning (ML) algorithms to evaluate performance enhancements and computational implications across various models. It rigorously compares classical-to-quantum mapping methods such as basis encoding, angle encoding, and amplitude encoding, and their distinct impact on popular ML algorithms like Logistic Regression, K-Nearest Neighbors, Support Vector Machines, and ensemble methods such as Random Forest, LightGBM, AdaBoost, and CatBoost. The results demonstrate that quantum data embedding can significantly enhance classification accuracy and F1 scores, particularly for models that benefit from richer feature representations.
However, the study also notes that while low-complexity models show moderate increases in running time, more computationally intensive models experience more noticeable changes.The implications of this research are profound, suggesting that quantum data embedding holds substantial promise for augmenting classical ML models, potentially revolutionizing data-driven decision-making. The favorable performance gains seen in ensemble methods, which manage a balance between performance and computational overhead, underscore the practicality of integrating quantum techniques in specific scenarios. The study advocates for future research to focus on optimizing quantum encoding processes to improve computational efficiency and explore scalability for real-world applications. This work contributes significantly to the growing body of knowledge on quantum computing and classical machine learning integration, offering valuable insights for researchers and practitioners aiming to leverage quantum-inspired techniques in practical applications.
Ensemble methods like Random Forest, LightGBM, AdaBoost, and CatBoost show a favorable balance between performance gains and computational overhead when incorporating quantum data embedding.
The paper calls for refining quantum encoding processes to optimize computational efficiency and exploring the scalability of quantum data embedding for real-world applications