The Week in Quantum Computing - October 16th - Australia pushes, Cybersecurity, and 99,5%. Yes: 99,5%
Issue #156
The Week in Quantum Computing. Brought to you by Sergio Gago (@piratecto).
Quick Recap
99,5% - Remember that number
Is quantum computing overhyped? Are quantum companies force feeding their systems while knowing there are not even close to how good classical software is? What is the role of those who do not depend on quantum from happening, but that can win big time if (and when) it happens? This week we have a summary of what has happened in 2023 in the quantum crypto area. A great development by QuTech in the Netherlands controlling quantum dots. Pasqal releases “Qadence”, their open source library. to control Digital Analog Quantum Computing like the ones they run. In the meantime in Finland VTT and IQM release their 20 qubit device. On the other side of the world, China’s photonic device led by Pan Jianwei reaches 255 qubits on a similar experiment than the one they released last year, or that Xanadu published with 216 photons. Again, this experiment has no practical applications, but it does pave the way for advances in both hardware and algorithms. Australia does not stay behind and keeps pushing on their quantum initiatives. Dr. Cathy Foley, aims to transform the country into a global player in quantum technology. and expects they can create a AUD 6.1 billion industry with over 19,000 new jobs by 2045. In the meantime, the US wonders if $1.2 billion is enough, and Hodan Omaar evaluates how to push this further. Lastly OQI opens its doors in Geneva with UBS leading the pack (and showing how the financial industry can support innovation) with the members like the Geneva Science and Diplomacy Anticipator Foundation (GESDA), Cern, the Swiss Federal Department of Foreign Affairs (DFA), ETH Zurich and the Swiss Federal Institute of Technology Lausanne (EPFL).
Is that all? NO. As I’ve said. 99,5% is the word. And this week (as I advanced on Friday) we had possibly one of the biggest breakthroughs of the year, if not of the NISQ era. Researchers at MIS and QuEra have finally broken the barrier of qubit error correction. Why this is relevant? roughly speaking, you need 99% fidelity for surpassing quantum most error-correcting thresholds on two qubits entangled. In this case, the teams at MIT and QuEra have used the unique neutral atoms platform they developed and applied it to 60 qubits. Basically, this is the beginning of the FTQC era. And I can’t be more excited.
The Week in Quantum Computing
Is quantum computing overhyped?
Quantum computing, in the view of industry observers including Nella Grace Ludlow, Director of Quantum Computing and Research Professor of Computer Science at Wright State University, is not overhyped. Companies including Airbus and those within the German automotive industry are already leveraging quantum computers to solve complex challenges, such as aircraft design and autonomous vehicle planning, that traditional computers would take significantly longer to address. However, the technology's rapid advancement, characterized by a 'double exponential growth' in qubits, raises data and cybersecurity concerns. These concerns are further amplified by a lack of established regulatory policy. Ludlow underscores the imminent need for companies to embrace quantum capabilities, referencing efforts by NIST and IEEE to develop new encryption standards and publish cybersecurity practices for quantum computing respectively. The takeaway is clear: quantum computing offers significant "quantum leaps" in problem solving capabilities, yet organizations must prepare for the cybersecurity implications.
https://www.techtarget.com/searchcio/feature/Is-quantum-computing-overhyped
Qrisp 0.3 — documentation
The latest update of the Qrisp framework, Qrisp 0.3, introduces enhanced features aimed at optimizing programming tasks. This update integrates Quantum Approximate Optimization Algorithm (QAOA) into the framework, allowing for problem formulation independent of information encoding. Also new to the Qrisp 0.3 are features including TheQAOAProblem class, TheQAOABenchmark class, and tutorials. Most notably, the Qiskit runtime services can be used as a Qrisp backend. Furthermore, the new update introduces a novel mixer architecture and an improved backtracking module that boosts performance by 300%. QrispQuantumCircuits can now be exported to Pennylane and PyTket. Besides, various minor features and bug fixes have been implemented. The key takeaway: The Qrisp 0.3 update significantly enhances quantum programming tasks, introducing new features and bug fixes to optimize functionality and improve performance.
https://qrisp.eu/general/changelog/0.3.html
11 notable post-quantum cryptography initiatives launched in 2023
The approach of 'Q-Day', when quantum computers will be capable of cracking existing cryptographic algorithms, is stimulating 11 significant post-quantum cryptography (PQC) initiatives in 2023. Institutions like the Internet Engineering Task Force (IETF) and the UK government are among those launching initiatives or creating strategies to prepare for the emerging quantum threats. Key developments include QuSecure's partnership with Accenture to successfully test multi-orbit data communications secured with PQC, and the US National Cybersecurity Council's publication addressing the upgradation to new PQC algorithms. As Dylan Rudy from Booz Allen's quantum sciences team explains, "PQC migration provides an opportunity to re-evaluate the larger cybersecurity landscape." The key takeaway is the recognition of Q-Day and the proactive steps being taken to mitigate the subsequent threats.
Finland launches a 20-qubit quantum computer – development towards more powerful quantum computers continues
VTT Technical Research Centre of Finland and IQM Quantum Computers have launched Finland's second quantum computer, a 20-qubit device strengthening the nation's role in quantum computing development. The joint project demonstrates significant technology advancements facilitating the scale-up of quantum computers. The Finnish government's ongoing commitment is reflected in the €70 million budget for a future 300-qubit machine. "In Finland, we have set ourselves very ambitious goals," says Antti Vasara, VTT’s President and CEO, so that “development of a 50-qubit one is already underway." Additionally, Dr. Jan Goetz, CEO of IQM Quantum Computers, emphasized their commitment to contributing to the strategic European agenda and enhancing the quantum ecosystem's scalability. The key takeaway is that innovative collaboration between VTT and IQM Quantum Computers could lead to scalable quantum solutions and competitive advantages in the quantum computing field.
https://meetiqm.com/resources/press-releases/finland-launches-a-20-qubit-quantum-computer/
Controllable quantum dot array breaks size record – Physics World
QuTech researchers in the Netherlands have advanced control of quantum dots, crucial for quantum computing. Led by Menno Veldhorst, they've developed a technique that allows control of a large quantum dot array with fewer control lines, a significant progression towards scalable quantum systems. They've created a quantum chip with a 16-quantum-dot system in a 4x4 chessboard-like array, using shared-control voltages. Postdoc researcher Francesco Borsoi conveyed that their approach enables sublinear scaling of control lines with the quantity of quantum dots, obeying a ‘Rent rule’ with an exponent of 0.5. This potentially implies controlling one million qubits with about a thousand control lines. The key takeaway is that scalability, a pressing obstacle in quantum computing, might be within closer grasp with this breakthrough.
https://physicsworld.com/a/controllable-quantum-dot-array-breaks-size-record/
PASQAL Unveils Qadence, a Quantum Programming Library for Digital-Analog Quantum Computing
PASQAL, a leader in neutral atoms quantum computing, has launched an open-source Python library, Qadence. The new library facilitates the building of digital-analog quantum programs on qubit systems. Combining the precision of digital quantum computing with the analogue quantum computing's continuous control and interactions, the hybrid Digital Analog Quantum Computing (DAQC) approach is perceived as a path to quantum advantage. Qadence is notable in quantum machine learning applications; it integrates with PyTorch's automatic differentiation engine and offers advanced parameter shift rules. "Qadence fills a gap in the current quantum software ecosystem... (and) accelerates the research in quantum machine learning," said Mario Dagrada, VP of Quantum Software at PASQAL. The goal is to make Qadence the standard for executing digital-analog programs with user-friendly interfaces and precise emulation of quantum platforms.
Chinese scientists claim record smashing quantum computing breakthrough
University of Science and Technology of China researchers have announced a monumental stride in quantum computing with the light-based JiuZhang 3. Led by Pan Jianwei, they revealed this machine solved an ultra-complicated mathematical problem in a millionth of a second; over 20 billion years faster than the world's fastest supercomputer, Frontier. Compared to its predecessor, JiuZhang 3 displays a million-fold increase in calculation speed. The team advanced from 76 to 113 to 255 photons in three iterations of the machine, each photon carrying a qubit, quantum information's basic unit. Competing with them on light-based systems is Toronto-based company Xanadu, which unveiled their 216-photonic Borealis quantum processor in 2022. Key takeaway: Despite this advancement, there is further to go before such quantum computers become everyday technology.
Self-correcting quantum computers within reach?
Harvard University, alongside MIT and Boston-based QuEra Computing, has unveiled a significant breakthrough in the realm of quantum computing. Led by quantum optics expert Mikhail Lukin, the team has established a system that allows discrete error correction in quantum computing, an issue which has largely hindered scalability and commercialization of the technology. Using an array of cold, laser-trapped rubidium atoms, the team has demonstrated two-qubit entangling gates with an error rate below 0.5%. Simon Evered, a member of Lukin's team, states that with the current low error rates, group atoms could be effectively organized to create logical qubits with even lower errors. This represents a significant step toward quantum error-corrected algorithms and large-scale quantum computing. Key takeaway: This breakthrough puts self-correcting quantum computing within reach, earmarking a promising milestone in the evolution of this revolutionary technology.
Harvard University, MIT and QuEra Demonstrate Historic 99.5% Two-Qubit Gate Fidelity on 60 Neutral Atom Qubits
Researchers from Harvard University, MIT and QuEra Computing have achieved a ground-breaking 99.5% two-qubit gate fidelity on 60 neutral atom qubits. The previous record for this configuration was 97.5%. This achievement, higher than the required 99% for surpassing quantum error-correcting thresholds, is a significant milestone towards viable commercial quantum computing applications. The result was attributed to improved techniques including optimal control for efficient entangling operations, atomic dark states for reduced error rates, and enhanced Rydberg excitation and atom cooling for accuracy. QuEra CEO, Alex Keesling, stressed the "critical step" towards large-scale, fault-tolerant quantum computers, a testament to the "collaboration and innovation" between the partners. The key takeaway: surpassing quantum error-correction thresholds marks crucial progress in the quest for large-scale, commercial quantum computation.
How Quantum Technology Is Taking the Leap Into Reality
A national strategy unveiled by Australia's chief scientist, Dr. Cathy Foley, aims to transform the country into a global player in quantum technology. Dr. Foley anticipates creating a AUD 6.1 billion industry with over 19,000 new jobs by 2045. She calls for broader business engagement, investment, and training of a skilled workforce, with several start-ups already operating internationally from Australia's 22 quantum-related research institutes. Highlighting quantum technology's potential future impacts, Professor Michelle Simmons of UNSW's Quantum Computation and Communication Technology Centre, and Silicon Quantum Computing (SQC), outlines their ability to craft devices with the highest precision. Meanwhile, Quantum Brilliance, a bubble-up from the Australian National University, is creating portable, energy-efficient quantum computers. The key takeaway: Australia is becoming a significant player in quantum technology, with various capabilities already being commercialized.
https://www.qantas.com/travelinsider/en/lifestyle/business/quantum-technology.html
Toward metropolitan free-space quantum networks
Researchers including Andrej Kržič have developed an entanglement-based, free-space quantum network, offering a practical and efficient alternative for metropolitan applications. Recent advancements in quantum communications have tended towards large-scale networks, leveraging quantum key distribution systems like this one. The project was formulated around a central entanglement server to stream entangled photons to network users. Key architecture elements include a high-visibility entangled photon pair source and quantum key distribution performed across 1.7 km in realistic scenarios, showcasing capacity and security. The scientists extended the network by introducing multiple entanglement servers connected via a central trusted node. This entanglement-based quantum network may operate as free-space quantum key distribution system, void of pre-existing infrastructure apart from electricity access. The practical technology will help establish free-space networks as a viable solution for future global quantum internet.
https://phys.org/news/2023-10-metropolitan-free-space-quantum-networks.html
The $1.2 billion case for quantum
The Center for Data Innovation has released a report urging the reauthorization and funding of the 2018 Quantum Initiative Act, warning that without it, the U.S. stands to lose its global leadership in quantum computing research. The act had allocated $1.2 billion to bolster quantum research and established the National Quantum Coordination Office and National Quantum Initiative Advisory Committee. The report, authored by Hodan Omaar, makes ten recommendations to Congress, including a minimum appropriation of $525 million annually, investing in quantum "moonshot" collaborations with ally nations, and enhancing education to develop a quantum workforce. Amid concern that the political drive to fund quantum studies has waned, the report urges a cutting-edge approach to maintaining U.S. dominance before other ambitious actors, such as China, alter the status quo.
UBS Engages With Top Partners for Quantum Computing
UBS Group is leading the establishment of the Open Quantum Institute (OQI) aimed at exploiting the potential of quantum computing through collaborative approaches among various entities. The launching of OQI in Geneva also includes other partners such as the Geneva Science and Diplomacy Anticipator Foundation (GESDA), Cern, the Swiss Federal Department of Foreign Affairs (DFA), ETH Zurich and the Swiss Federal Institute of Technology Lausanne (EPFL). The institute focuses on pooling together companies and individuals through scientific diplomacy to handle projects connected to the UN’s Sustainable Development Goals (SDGs). UBS Group will commit up to two million Swiss francs ($2.2 million) annually and provide strategic expertise. UBS Group Chief Risk Officer, Christian Bluhm, as a member of the foundation's advisory board, highlighted this initiative as solidifying Switzerland's role as a vital player in quantum computing.
https://www.finews.com/news/english-news/59725-ubs-open-quantum-institute-cooperation-eth-epfl-cern