BURNABY, British Columbia, Dec. 9, 2020 D-Wave Systems Inc., a leader in quantum computing systems, software, and services, has launched a first-of-its-kind cross-system software tool providing interoperability between quantum annealing and gate model quantum computers. The open-source plugin allows developers to easily map quadratic optimization inputs in IBMs Qiskit format onto D-Waves quadratic unconstrained binary optimization (QUBO) format and solve the same input on any quantum system supported in Qiskit. The code is available for free as a stand-alone packagein GitHub and marks a major industry milestone: the ability to use, test, solve and compare real applications with both gate-model and annealing quantum computers. For the first time, developers and forward-thinking businesses can have a real assessment of the benefits of different systems on their applications.

Interoperability is a critical step in the maturation of transformative technologies. Until now, there hasnt been a convenient way to send the same problems to solvers on both gate and D-Wave systems, or to obtain head-to-head comparisons of results from the two different quantum computing systems. Before today,using a different quantum computing vendors hardware and software required significant investment to familiarize developers with code, solvers, and SDKs.

D-Waves industry-first open-source package removes those barriers.Qiskit users can nowsubmit Ising Hamiltoniansto the D-Wave quantum computer, in addition to any gate model system Qiskit supports.Now, cross-paradigm transparency and comparison will give quantum developers the flexibility to try different systems, while providing businesses with key insights into performance so they can identify, build, and scale quantum applications.

The company also called for users to publish their work.

In order for the quantum computing ecosystem to fully mature, the developer and business communities alike need access to diverse quantum systems and the ability to compare cross-architectural performance, said Alan Baratz, CEO, D-Wave. The next few years will bring a proliferation of quantum applications, and companies must be able to make informed decisions about their quantum computing investment and initiatives to stay competitive. Weve moved beyond measures that explore does the system work? Instead, enterprises want to benchmark which systems add the most value to their businesses. Were opening the door to this and we encourage users of the tool to share their work and publish their results.

The news is in line with D-Waves ongoing mission to provide practical quantum computing via access to the most powerful quantum hardware, software, and tools. In 2018, D-Wave brought theLeap quantum cloud service and open-source Ocean SDK to market. In February 2020, Leap expanded to include new hybrid solver services to solve real-world, business-sized problems. At the end of September, D-Wave made available the Advantage quantum system, with more than 5000 qubits, 15-way qubit connectivity, and expanded hybrid solver services that can run problems with up to one million variables. The combination of the computing power of Advantage and the scale to address real-world problems with the hybrid solver services in Leap enables businesses to run performant, real-time, hybrid quantum applications for the first time. And with the new cross-system software tool, now users can benchmark their applications across annealing and gate model systems, to further understand and benefit from performance comparisons.

To download and install the cross-paradigm integration plugin for free, clickhere.

As part of its commitment to enabling businesses to build in-production quantum applications, the company also introducedD-Wave Launch, a jump-start program for businesses who want to get started building hybrid quantum applications today but may need additional support.

About D-Wave Systems Inc.

D-Wave is a leader in the development and delivery of quantum computing systems, software and services and is the worlds first commercial supplier of quantum computers. Our mission is to unlock the power of quantum computing for the world. We do this by delivering customer value with practical quantum applications for problems as diverse as logistics, artificial intelligence, materials sciences, drug discovery, cybersecurity, fault detection, and financial modeling. D-Waves systems are being used by some of the worlds most advanced organizations, including NEC, Volkswagen, DENSO, Lockheed Martin, USC, and Los Alamos National Laboratory. With headquarters near Vancouver, Canada, D-Waves US operations are based in Palo Alto, CA and Bellevue, WA. D-Wave has a blue-chip investor base including PSP Investments, Goldman Sachs, BDC Capital, NEC Corp., and In-Q-Tel. For more information, visit: http://www.dwavesys.com.

Source: D-Wave Systems Inc.

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Show Your Work: D-Wave Opens the Door to Performance Comparisons Between Quantum Computing Architectures - HPCwire

Assessing the performance and superiority of quantum computers when compared to traditional computers can be quite difficult which is why the IT services firm Atos has introduced Q-score.

The company's Q-score measures how effective a quantum system is at handling the kinds of real-life problems that cannot be solved by today's traditional computers as opposed to simply measuring the theoretical performance of a quantum computer.

Google, IBM, Honeywell and other organizations currently developing quantum computers all have one goal in mind, to achieve quantum supremacy. This concept was originally put forth by Caltech professor John Preskill and in order to reach it, a company would need to demonstrate that a quantum computer could do something that today's classical computers cannot.

Atos CEO Elie Girard explained why the company developed Q-score in a press release, saying:

Faced with the emergence of a myriad of processor technologies and programming approaches, organizations looking to invest in quantum computing need a reliable metrics to help them choose the most efficient path for them. Being hardware-agnostic, Q-score is an objective, simple and fair metrics which they can rely on. Since the launch of Atos Quantum in 2016, the first quantum computing industry program in Europe, our aim has remained the same: advance the development of industry and research applications, and pave the way to quantum superiority.

The number of qubits (quantum units) found in a quantum computer is the most common figure of merit used today to assess the performance of quantum systems. However, qubits are volatile and vary greatly in quality (speed, stability, connectivity, etc.) from one quantum technology to another which makes them an imperfect benchmark tool.

By focusing on the ability of a quantum computer to solve well-known combinatorial optimization problems, Atos' Q-score will provide research centers, universities and businesses with explicit, reliable, objective and comparable results when solving real-world optimization problems.

The company's Q-score relies on a standard combination optimization problem known as the Max-Cut Problem to provide a frame of reference for comparing performance scores while maintaining uniformity. A quantum system's Q-score is then calculated based on the number of variables within a problem that a quantum technology can optimize. For example if a system can optimize 23 variables, it would receive a Q-score of 23.

Atos will publish an annual list of the most powerful quantum processors in the world based on Q-score and the first report, which will arrive in 2021, will include self-assessments provided by manufacturers. The company will also release a free software kit that enables Q-score to be run on any processor in the first quarter of next year.

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This measurement tool could help settle the quantum supremacy debate once and for all - TechRadar

01 Communique is one of the sponsors for the upcoming Benzinga Global Small Cap Conference set to take place on December 8-9, 2020.

We are in the early days of a new breed of computers with unprecedented power: quantum computers. Their unique capabilities will create opportunities for innovation in every industry. Yet, with this comes The Quantum Threat.

Current cybersecurity technologies can only protect against conventional computers and forms of hacking. Soon, cyber-attacks will be conducted through quantum computers. 01 Communique Laboratory Inc (OTCQB: OONEF) (TSXV:ONE) has been monitoring quantum computers' evolution since its infancy stage.

So, in staying ahead of this new threat, here is what you need to know and how you can be prepared.

Quantum computers are ultra-high-speed computers with a million times the processing speed than a conventional supercomputer. Conventional computers use long strings of "bits," which encode either a zero or a one. A quantum computer uses quantum bits or qubits. It is basically harnessing and exploiting the laws of quantum mechanics to process information.

The technology is in its early stages; however, the threat is here and is extremely real. Quantum computing will make the security of your data, communications, and even blockchains fatally unprotected. Right now, this threat is on every organization's top list, and those who look beyond today's challenges are proactively planning for the imminent danger brought by their advent.

For Andrew Cheung, CEO of 01 Communique, the road against the future quantum threat began over ten years ago.

"We feel like Wayne Gretzky skating to meet the puck by anticipating Q-Day and work with our partners to embrace it when everyone is desperately looking for a quantum-safe solution," said Cheung.

Quantum computing can shorten the time it would take to resolve an encryption problem estimated in a hundred years to almost seconds.

01 COMMUNIQUE has identified these risks and has created solutions to protect against them. Most of the current encryption used by the government today is based on prime number factorization."Becoming quantum-safe 2-years-too-early or 2-years-too-late is everything," said Cheung.

The key to creating quantum-safe encryption lies in mathematics. 01 Communique's advanced post-quantum cryptography technologies will guard against cyberattacks of conventional computers as well as future attacks from quantum computers, so data can be safe not only now but also in the quantum future. The company's cryptographic technology, IronCAP, operates on conventional computer systems to protect platforms today and in the world of quantum computers.

"Quantum advancements in the cybercommunity have led to the birth of IronCAP. We are providing tomorrow's cybersecurity, today," said Cheung.

The company's cybersecurity business unit focuses on post-quantum cybersecurity with the development of its IronCAP technology. IronCAP's patent-pending cryptographic system is an advanced Goppa code-based post-quantum cryptographic technology that can be implemented on a conventional computer system and can also safeguard against attacks in the quantum future. It is designed to protect users and enterprises from illegitimate and malicious means of gaining access to data faster, more securely than current standard cybersecurity.

With this threat also comes The Quantum Race between the open and the closed world. Quantum-safe protection is being considered now by large organizations foreseeing potential threats. Companies like IBM Common Stock (NYSE: IBM), Alphabet Inc (NASDAQ: GOOGL), Amazon.com, Inc. (NASDAQ: AMZN), and Honeywell International Inc. (NYSE: HON) are upfront with quantum computers available.

01 Communiques current strategic partnerships include CGI Inc (TSE: GIB.A), PwC, Hitachi, and ixFintech. The Company expects to add at least eight more over the next 12 to 18 months.

On April 23, 2020, 01 Communique made commercially available IronCAP X, a new cybersecurity product for end-to-end, quantum-safe email/file encryption. IronCAP X delivers each encrypted message end-to-end to the recipients such that only the intended recipients can decrypt and read the message. Consumers' individual messages are protected, eliminating the hackers' incentive to attack email providers' email servers.

During the company's third-quarter, 01 Communique increased its revenue resulting in close to breakeven financial results, and added capital to allow the company to allot a further $938,000 to continue advancing the growth of their business and the development of products based on IronCAP technology. 01 Communique is well-funded and debt-free, offering both the encryption engine and a vertical solution. Uncrackable security validated through a month-long hackathon.

For more information, visit the 01 Communique website at http://www.ironcap.ca and http://www.01com.com.

2020 Benzinga.com. Benzinga does not provide investment advice. All rights reserved.

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Why Cybersecurity And The Quantum Threat Should Be A Priority In Your Company's Agenda - Benzinga

A new tool that uses light to map out the electronic structures of crystals could reveal the capabilities of emerging quantum materials and pave the way for advanced energy technologies and quantum computers, according to researchers at the University of Michigan, University of Regensburg and University of Marburg.

A paper on the work is published in Science.

Applications include LED lights, solar cells and artificial photosynthesis.

Quantum materials could have an impact way beyond quantum computing, said Mackillo Kira, professor of electrical engineering and computer science at the University of Michigan, who led the theory side of the new study. If you optimize quantum properties right, you can get 100% efficiency for light absorption.

Mackillo Kira

Silicon-based solar cells are already becoming the cheapest form of electricity, although their sunlight-to-electricity conversion efficiency is rather low, about 30%. Emerging 2D semiconductors, which consist of a single layer of crystal, could do that much betterpotentially using up to 100% of the sunlight. They could also elevate quantum computing to room temperature from the near-absolute-zero machines demonstrated so far.

New quantum materials are now being discovered at a faster pace than ever, said Rupert Huber, professor of physics at the University of Regensburg in Germany, who led the experimental work. By simply stacking such layers one on top of the other under variable twist angles, and with a wide selection of materials, scientists can now create artificial solids with truly unprecedented properties.

Rupert Huber

The ability to map these properties down to the atoms could help streamline the process of designing materials with the right quantum structures. But these ultrathin materials are much smaller and messier than earlier crystals, and the old analysis methods dont work. Now, 2D materials can be measured with the new laser-based method at room temperature and pressure.

The measurable operations include processes that are key to solar cells, lasers and optically driven quantum computing. Essentially, electrons pop between a ground state, in which they cannot travel, and states in the semiconductors conduction band, in which they are free to move through space. They do this by absorbing and emitting light.

The electrons absorb laser light and set up momentum combs (the hills) spanning the energy valleys within the material (the red line). When the electrons have an energy allowed by the quantum mechanical structure of the materialand also touch the edge of the valleythey emit light. This is why some teeth of the combs are bright and some are dark. By measuring the emitted light and precisely locating its source, the research mapped out the energy valleys in a 2D crystal of tungsten diselenide. Image credit: Markus Borsch, Quantum Science Theory Lab, University of Michigan.

The quantum mapping method uses a 100 femtosecond (100 quadrillionths of a second) pulse of red laser light to pop electrons out of the ground state and into the conduction band. Next the electrons are hit with a second pulse of infrared light. This pushes them so that they oscillate up and down an energy valley in the conduction band, a little like skateboarders in a halfpipe.

The team uses the dual wave/particle nature of electrons to create a standing wave pattern that looks like a comb. They discovered that when the peak of this electron comb overlaps with the materials band structureits quantum structureelectrons emit light intensely. That powerful light emission along, with the narrow width of the comb lines, helped create a picture so sharp that researchers call it super-resolution.

By combining that precise location information with the frequency of the light, the team was able to map out the band structure of the 2D semiconductor tungsten diselenide. Not only that, but they could also get a read on each electrons orbital angular momentum through the way the front of the light wave twisted in space. Manipulating an electrons orbital angular momentum, known also as a pseudospin, is a promising avenue for storing and processing quantum information.

In tungsten diselenide, the orbital angular momentum identifies which of two different valleys an electron occupies. The messages that the electrons send out can show researchers not only which valley the electron was in but also what the landscape of that valley looks like and how far apart the valleys are, which are the key elements needed to design new semiconductor-based quantum devices.

For instance, when the team used the laser to push electrons up the side of one valley until they fell into the other, the electrons emitted light at that drop point, too. That light gives clues about the depths of the valleys and the height of the ridge between them. With this kind of information, researchers can figure out how the material would fare for a variety of purposes.

The paper is titled, Super-resolution lightwave tomography of electronic bands in quantum materials. This research was funded by the Army Research Office, German Research Foundation and U-M College of Engineering Blue Sky Research Program.

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Mapping quantum structures with light to unlock their capabilities - University of Michigan News

What youll learn:

Quantum computing has earned its place on the Gartner hype cycle. Pundits have claimed that it will take over and change everything forever. The reality will likely be somewhat less dramatic, although its fair to say that quantum computers could spell the end for conventional cryptography. Clearly, this has implications for technologies like blockchain, which are slated to support financial systems of the future.

While the Bitcoin system, for example, is calculated to keep classical mining computers busy until 2140, brute-force decryption using a quantum computer could theoretically mine every token almost instantaneously. More powerful digital ledger technologies based on quantum cryptography could level the playing field.

All of this presupposes that quantum computing will become usable and affordable on a widespread scale. As things stand, this certainly seems achievable. Serious computing players, including IBM, Honeywell, Google, and Microsoft, as well as newer specialist startups, all have active programs that are putting quantum computing in the cloud right now and inviting engagement from the wider computing community. Introduction packs and development kits are available to help new users get started.

Democratizing Access

These are important moves that will almost certainly drive further advancement as users come up with more diverse and demanding workloads and figure out ways of handling them using quantum technology. Equally important is the anticipated democratizing effect of widespread cloud access, which should bring more people from a wider variety of backgrounds into contact with quantum to understand it, use it, and influence its ongoing development.

Although its here, quantum computing remains at a very experimental stage. In the future, commercial cloud services could provide affordable access in the same way that scientific or banking organizations can today rent cloud AI applications to do complex workloads that are billed according to the number of computer cycles used.

Hospitals, for example, are taking advantage of genome sequencing apps hosted on AI accelerators in hyperscale data centers to identify genetic disorders in newborn babies. The process costs just a few dollars and the results are back within minutes, enabling timely and potentially life-saving intervention by clinicians.

Quantum computing as a service could further transform healthcare as well as deeply affect many other fields such as materials science. Simulating a caffeine molecule, for example, is incredibly difficult to do with a classical computer, demanding the equivalent of over 100 years of processing time. A quantum computer can complete the task in seconds. Other applications that could benefit include climate analysis, transportation planning, bioinformatics, financial services, encryption, and codebreaking.

A Real Technology Roadmap

For all its power, quantum computing isnt here to kill off classical computing or turn the entire world upside down. Because quantum bits (qubits) can be in both states, 0 and 1, unlike conventional binary bits that are in one state or another, they can store exponentially more information. However, their state when measured is determined by probability, so quantum is only suited to certain types of algorithms. Others can be handled better by classical computers.

In addition, building and running a quantum computer is incredibly difficult and complex. On top of that, the challenges intensify as we try to increase the number of qubits in the system. As with any computer, more bits corresponds to more processing power, so increasing the number of bits is a key objective for quantum-computer architects.

Keeping the system stable, with a low error rate, for longer periods is another objective. One way to achieve this is by cryogenically cooling the equipment to near absolute zero to eliminate thermal noise. Furthermore, extremely pure and clean RF sources are needed. Im excited that, at Rohde & Schwarz, we are working with our academic partners to apply our ultra-low-noise R&S SGS100A RF sources (Fig. 1) to help increase qubit count and stability.

1. Extremely pure and clean RF sources like the R&S SGS100A are needed in quantum-computing applications.

The RF source is one of the most important building blocks as it determines the amount of errors that must be corrected in the process of reading out the quantum-computation results. A cleaner RF signal increases quantum-system stability, reducing errors due to quantum decoherence that would result in information loss.

Besides the low phase and amplitude noise requirements, multichannel solutions are essential to scale up the quantum-computing system. Moreover, as we start to consider scalability, a small form factor of the signal sources becomes even more relevant. Were combining our RF expertise with the software and system know-how of our partners in pursuit of a complete solution.

Equipment Needs

In addition, scientists are constantly looking for new material to be applied in quantum-computing chips and need equipment to help them accurately determine the exact properties. Then, once the new quantum chip is manufactured, its resonance frequencies must be measured to ensure that no undesired resonances exist. Rohde & Schwarz has developed high-performance vector network analyzers (Fig. 2) for both tasks and can assist in the debugging of the quantum-computing system itself.

2. VNAs such as the R&S ZNA help determine properties of material used in quantum computing.

Our partners are relying on us to provide various other test-and-measurement solutions to help them increase the performance and capabilities of quantum computers. The IQ mixing is a crucial part of a quantum computer, for example, and our spectrum analyzers help to characterize and calibrate the IQ mixers and suppress undesired sidebands. Moreover, R&S high-speed oscilloscopes (Fig. 3) help enable precise temporal synchronization of signals in the time domain, which is needed to set up and debug quantum-computing systems.

3. High-speed oscilloscopes, for example, the R&S RTP, can be used to set up and debug quantum-computing systems.

As we work with our partners in the quantum world to improve our products for a better solution fit, at the same time were learning how to apply that knowledge to other products in our portfolio. In turn, this helps to deliver even better performing solutions.

While cloud access will enable more companies and research institutes to take part in the quantum revolution, bringing this technology into the everyday requires a lot more work on user friendliness. That involves moving away from the temperature restrictions, stabilizing quantum computers with a high number of qubits, and all for a competitive price.

Already, however, we can see that quantum has the potential to profoundly change everything it touches. No hype is needed.

Sebastian Richter is Vice President of Market Segment ICR (Industry, Components, Research & Universities) at Rohde & Schwarz.

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Quantum Computing in the CloudCan It Live Up to the Hype? - Electronic Design

Five quantum computing companies, three universities and one national physical laboratory in the UK have come together in a 10 million ($13 million) new project, with an ambitious goal: to spend the next three years trying to make quantum technologies work for businesses.

Called Discovery, the program is partly funded by the UK government and has been pitched as the largest industry-led quantum computing project in the country to date. The participating organizations will dedicate themselves to making quantum technologies that are commercially viable, marking a shift from academic research to implementations that are relevant to, and scalable for, businesses.

The Discovery program will focus on photonic quantum computing, which is based on the manipulation of particles of light a branch of the field that has shown great promise but is still facing large technological barriers.

SEE: An IT pro's guide to robotic process automation (free PDF) (TechRepublic)

On the other hand, major players like IBM and Google are both developing quantum computers based on superconducting qubits made of electrons, which are particles of matter. The superconducting qubits found in those quantum devices are notoriously unstable, and require very cold temperatures to function, meaning that it is hard to increase the size of the computer without losing control of the qubits.

Photonic quantum computers, on the contrary, are less subject to interference in their environment, and would be much more practical to use and scale up. The field, however, is still in its infancy. For example, engineers are still working on ways to create the single quantum photons that are necessary for photonic quantum computers to function.

The companies that are a part of the Discovery program will be addressing this type of technical barrier over the next few years. They include photonics company M Squared, Oxford Ionics, ORCA Computing, Kelvin Nanotechnology and TMD Technologies.

"The Discovery project will help the UK establish itself at the forefront of commercially viable photonics-enabled quantum-computing approaches. It will enable industry to capitalize on the government's early investment into quantum technology and build on our strong academic heritage in photonics and quantum information," said Graeme Malcolm, CEO of M Squared.

Another key objective of the Discovery program will consist of developing the wider UK quantum ecosystem, by establishing commercial hardware supply and common roadmaps for the industry. This will be crucial to ensure that businesses are coordinating across the board when it comes to adopting quantum technologies.

Andrew Fearnside, senior associate specializing in quantum technologies at intellectual property firm Mewburn Ellis, told ZDNet: "We will need sources of hardware that all have the same required standards that everyone can comply with. This will enable everyone to speak the same language when building prototypes. Getting all the players to agree on a common methodology will make commercialization much easier."

Although quantum computers are yet to be used at a large commercial scale, the technology is expected to bring disruption in many if not all industries. Quantum devices will shake up artificial intelligence thanks to improved machine-learning models, solve optimization problems that are too large for classical computers to fathom, and boost new material discovery thanks to unprecedented simulation capabilities.

Finance, agriculture, drug discovery, oil and gas, or transportation are only a few of the many industries awaiting the revolution that quantum technology will bring about.

The UK is now halfway through a ten-year national program designed to boost quantum technologies, which is set to represent a 1 billion ($1.30 billion) investment over its lifetime.

SEE: Technology's next big challenge: To be fairer to everyone

The Discovery project comes under the umbrella of the wider national program; and according to Fearnside, it is reflective of a gradual shift in the balance of power between industry and academia.

"The national program has done a good job of enabling discussion between blue-sky researchers in university labs and industry," said Fearnside. "Blue-sky projects have now come to a point where you can think about pressing ahead and start commercializing. There is a much stronger focus on commercial partners playing a leading role, and the balance is shifting a little bit."

Last month, the UK government announced that US-based quantum computing company Rigetti would be building the country's first commercial quantum computer in Abingdon, Oxfordshire, and that partners and customers will be able to access and operate the system over the cloud. The move was similarly hailed as a step towards the commercialization of quantum technologies in the UK.

Although Fearnside acknowledged that there are still challenges ahead for quantum computing, not the least of which are technical, he expressed confidence that the technology will be finding commercial applications within the next decade.

Bridging between academia and industry, however, will require commitment from all players. Experts have previously warned that without renewed efforts from both sides, quantum ideas might well end up stuck in the lab.

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Quantum computers: This group wants to get them out of the lab and into your business - ZDNet

From artificial intelligence to IoT, each technology trend is driven by finding solutions to a problem, some more successfully than others. Right now, the worlds technology community is focused on harnessing the exponential opportunities promised by quantum computing. While it may be some time before we see the true benefits of this emerging technology, and while nothing is certain, the possibilities are great.

What is Quantum Computing?

Capable of solving problems up to 100 million times faster than traditional computers, quantum computing has the potential to comprehensively speed up processes on a monumental scale.

Quantum computers cost millions of dollars to produce, so it perhaps goes without saying that these computers are not yet ready for mass production and rollout. However, their powerful potential to transform real-world supply chain problems should not (and cannot) be ignored. Quantum bits (qubits) can occupy more than one state at the same time (unlike their binary counterparts), embracing nuance and complexity. These particles are interdependent on each other and analogous to the variables of a complex supply chain. Qubits can be linked to other qubits, a process known as entanglement. This is a key hallmark that separates quantum from classical computing.

It is possible to adjust an interaction between these qubits so that they can sense each other. The system then naturally tries to arrange itself in such a way that it consumes as little energy as possible says Christoph Becher, a Professor in Experimental Physics at Saarland University.

Right now, tech giants such as Microsoft, IBM and Intel continue to lead the charge when it comes to the development of quantum computers. While continuous improvement will still be required in the years to come, many tech companies are already offering access to quantum computing features.

According to Forbes contributor Paul Smith-Goodson, IBM is committed to providing clients with quantum computing breakthroughs capable of solving todays impossible problems. Jay Gambetta, Vice President, IBM Quantum, said: With advancements across software and hardware, IBMs full-stack approach delivers the most powerful quantum systems in the industry to our users.

This is good news for multiple industries but in particular those areas of the supply chain where problems around efficiency occur.

Preventing Failure of Supply Chain Optimisation Engines

Current optimisation systems used in inventory allocation and order promising fail to meet the expectations of supply chain planners for a few reasons. Sanjeev Trehan, a member of the Enterprise Transformation Group at TATA Consultancy Services, highlighted two of the key reasons for this in a discussion around digital supply chain disruption:

Inadequate system performance capabilities lie at the heart of both planning problems. By speeding up these processes on an exponential scale, these problems are almost completely eradicated, and the process is made more efficient.

Practical Data and Inventory Applications

As manufacturers incorporate more IoT sensors into their daily operations, they harvest vast amounts of enterprise data. Quantum computing can handle these complex variables within a decision-making model with a high degree of excellence. Harmonising various types of data from different sources makes it especially useful for optimising resource management and logistics within the supply chain.

Quantum computing could be applied to improve dynamic inventory allocation, as well as helping manufacturers govern their energy distribution, water usage, and network design. The precision of this technology allows for a very detailed account of the energy used on the production floor in real-time, for example. Microsoft has partnered with Dubais Electricity and Water Authority in a real-life example of using quantum for grid and utility management.

Logistics

Quantum computing holds huge potential for the logistics area of the supply chain, says Shiraz Sidat, Operations Manager of Speedel, a Leicestershire based B2B courier firm that works in the supply chain of a number of aerospace and manufacturing companies.

Quantum offers real-world solutions in areas such as scheduling, planning, routing and traffic simulations. There are huge opportunities to optimise energy usage, create more sustainable travel routes and make more informed financially-savvy decisions. The sheer scale of speed-up on offer here could potentially increase sustainability while saving time and money he adds.

TATA Consultancy Services provide a very good example to support Shirazs statement.

Lets say a company plans to ship orders using ten trucks over three possible routes. This means the company has 310 possibilities or 59,049 solutions to choose from. Any classical computer can solve this problem with little effort. Now lets assume a situation where a transport planner wants to simulate shipments using 40 trucks over the same three routes. The possibilities, in this case, are approximately 12 Quintillion a tough ask for a classical computer. Thats where quantum computers could potentially come in.

Looking Ahead

Quantum computing has the potential to disrupt the planning landscape. Planners can run plans at the flick of a button, performing scenario simulations on the fly.

At present, the full use of quantum computers in the supply chain would be expensive and largely impractical. Another current issue is the higher rate of errors (when compared to traditional computers) experienced due to the excessive speed at which they operate. Experts and companies around the world are working to address and limit these errors.

As mentioned earlier in the article, many tech companies are providing aspects of quantum computing through an as-a-service model, which could well prove the most successful path for future widespread use. As-a-service quantum computing power would help enterprises access these capabilities at a fraction of the cost, in a similar way such models have helped businesses utilise simulation technology, high-performance computing and computer-aided engineering.

Alongside AI, the IoT, blockchain and automation, quantum computing is one of many digital tools likely to shape, streamline and optimise the future of the supply chain. As with all emerging technology, it requires an open mind and cautious optimism.

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Supply Chain: The Quantum Computing Conundrum | Logistics - Supply Chain Digital - The Procurement & Supply Chain Platform

Quantum physics promises huge advances not just in quantum computing but also in a quantum internet a next-generation framework for transferring data from one place to another. Scientists have now invented technology suitable for a quantum modem that could act as a network gateway.

What makes a quantum internet superior to the regular, existing internet that you're reading this through is security: interfering with the data being transmitted with quantum techniques would essentially break the connection. It's as close to unhackable as you can possibly get.

As with trying to produce practical, commercial quantum computers though, turning the quantum internet from potential to reality is taking time not surprising, considering the incredibly complex physics involved. A quantum modem could be a very important step forward for the technology.

"In the future, a quantum internet could be used to connect quantum computers located in different places, which would considerably increase their computing power!" says physicist Andreas Reiserer, from the Max Planck Institute in Germany.

Quantum computing is built around the idea of qubits, which unlike classical computer bits can store several states simultaneously. The new research focuses on connecting stationary qubits in a quantum computer with moving qubits travelling between these machines.

That's a tough challenge when you're dealing with information that's stored as delicately as it is with quantum physics. In this setup, light photons are used to store quantum data in transit, photons that are precisely tuned to the infrared wavelength of laser light used in today's communication systems.

That gives the new system a key advantage in that it'll work with existing fibre optic networks, which would make a quantum upgrade much more straightforward when the technology is ready to roll out.

In figuring out how to get stored qubits at rest reacting just right with moving infrared photons, the researchers determined that the element erbium and its electrons were best suited for the job but erbium atoms aren't naturally inclined to make the necessary quantum leap between two states. To make that possible, the static erbium atoms and the moving infrared photons are essentially locked up together until they get along.

Working out how to do this required a careful calculation of the space and conditions needed. Inside their modem, the researchers installed a miniature mirrored cabinet around a crystal made of ayttrium silicate compound. This set up was then was cooled to minus 271 degrees Celsius (minus 455.8 degrees Fahrenheit).

The modem mirror cabinet. (Max Planck Institute)

The cooled crystal kept the erbium atoms stable enough to force an interaction, while the mirrors bounced the infrared photons around tens of thousands of times essentially creating tens of thousands of chances for the necessary quantum leap to happen. The mirrors make the system 60 times faster and much more efficient than it would be otherwise, the researchers say.

Once that jump between the two states has been made, the information can be passed somewhere else. That data transfer raises a whole new set of problems to be overcome, but scientists are busy working on solutions.

As with many advances in quantum technology, it's going to take a while to get this from the lab into actual real-world systems, but it's another significant step forward and the same study could also help in quantum processors and quantum repeaters that pass data over longer distances.

"Our system thus enables efficient interactions between light and solid-state qubits while preserving the fragile quantum properties of the latter to an unprecedented degree," write the researchers in their published paper.

The research has been published in Physical Review X.

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A Modem With a Tiny Mirror Cabinet Could Help Connect The Quantum Internet - ScienceAlert

Global and United States Quantum Computing Market Research 2020-2026 may be a historical summary and in-depth study on the present & future market of the Quantum Computing industry. The report represents a basic summary of the Quantum Computing market share, competition section with a basic introduction of key vendors, prime regions, product varieties and finish industries. This report offers a historical summary of the Quantum Computing market trends, growth, revenue, capacity, value structure and key drivers analysis.

The report primarily studies the Quantum Computing market size, recent trends and development standing, also as investment opportunities, market dynamics (such as driving factors, restraining factors) and industry news (like mergers, acquisitions and investments). Technological innovation and advancement can additional optimize the performance of the merchandise, creating it a lot of wide utilized in downstream applications. Moreover, Porters 5 Forces Analysis (potential entrants, suppliers, substitutes, buyers, industry competitors) provides crucial info for knowing the Quantum Computing market.

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In COVID-19 outbreak, this report provides analysis of the impact of COVID-19 on the worldwide economy and therefore the Quantum Computing industry. International Quantum Computing industry 2020 marketing research Report additionally provides exclusive statistic, data, info, trends and competitive landscape details during this niche sector.

NOTE: Our reports include the analysis of the impact of COVID-19 on this industry. Our new sample is updated which correspond in new report showing impact of Covid-19 on Industry trends. Also we are offering 20% discount

Top Countries knowledge coated in Quantum Computing Market Report are US, Canada, Mexico, Germany, UK, France, Italy, Spain, Russia, China, Japan, South Korea, Australia, India, Southeast Asia, Asian country, UAE, Egypt, Nigeria, African nation, Brazil, Argentina, Columbia, Chile and Others.

Major Market Manufacturers indulged in this report are:

Anyon SystemsCambridge Quantum ComputingIntelMicrosoft1QB Information TechnologiesQxBranchD-Wave SystemsGoogleIBMID QuantiqueIonQQbitLogicQubitekkRigetti ComputingQC WareQuantum Circuits

Quantum Computing Market 2020 segments by product types:

Topological Qubits TechnologySuperconducting Loops TechnologyTrapped Ion Technology

The Application of Global and United States Quantum Computing Market 2020-2026 as follows:

TransportationAerospace and DefenseIT and TelecomGovernment

Under COVID-19 outbreak globally, this report provides 360 degrees of research from offer chain, import and export management to regional government policy and future influence on the industry. careful analysis regarding market standing (2016-2020), enterprise competition pattern, blessings and downsides of enterprise merchandise, industry development trends (2020-2026), regional industrial layout characteristics and political economy policies, industrial policy has additionally been enclosed.

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From raw materials to finish users of this industry are analyzed scientifically, the trends of product circulation and sales channel are bestowed also. Considering COVID-19, this report provides comprehensive and in-depth analysis on however the epidemic push this industry transformation and reform.

Global and United States Quantum Computing Market providing info like company profiles, product image and specification, capacity, production, price, cost, revenue and speak to info. Upstream raw materials and instrumentality and downstream demand analysis are administrated. The worldwide Quantum Computing market development trends and selling channels are analyzed. Finally, the feasibleness of recent investment comes is assessed and overall analysis conclusions offered.

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With tables and figures serving to analyze worldwide international Quantum Computing market growth factors, this analysis provides key statistics on the state of the industry and may be a valuable supply of steerage and direction for firms and people fascinated by the market.

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Global and United States Quantum Computing Market 2020 Upcoming Trends, Growth Drivers and Challenges, Forecast to 2026 by Microsoft, 1QB Information...

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The market is geographically spread across several key geographic regions and the report includes regional analysis as well as production, consumption, revenue and market share in these regions for the 2020-2027 forecast period. Regions include North America, Latin America, Europe, Asia Pacific, the Middle East, and Africa.

Competitive Scenario of the Quantum Computing Technologies Market

The chapter on competitive landscape provides information about key company overview, global presence, sales & revenue generated, company market share, and strategies initiatives.

Our analysts engage in extensive primary and secondary research to cull out in-depth and authentic information. Primary research includes gathering information from official government and company websites, journals, and reports. Secondary research includes interviews conducted with VPs, chairmen, directors, and other distinguished sales managers.

Key Questions Addressed in the Report:

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Quantum Computing Technologies Market 2020 Recovering From Covid-19 Outbreak | Know About Brand Players: D-Wave Systems Inc., IBM Corporation,...