Category Archives: Quantum Computing

2023: A Year of Groundbreaking Discoveries in Physics and Quantum Computing

In 2023, the field of physics has witnessed several groundbreaking discoveries and advancements, with the detection of the gravitational wave background from colliding supermassive black holes being one of the most significant. This discovery was the result of 15 years of meticulous observations by astronomers aimed at identifying the minuscule temporal fluctuations caused by these gravitational waves. Another major leap was made in quantum computing, specifically in the development of qubits and improvements in quantum error correction, which are vital for the creation of powerful quantum computers.

The James Webb Space Telescope (JWST) has made headlines by capturing stunning images of the cosmos, which have challenged established theories and forced scientists to rethink the formation of stars, planets, and black holes. Its observations have uncovered unexpectedly large and early galaxies, as well as supermassive black holes, raising questions about their formation. Within our own galaxy, the JWST spotted intriguing pairs of objects in the Orion nebula that defy current formation theories for stars and free-floating planets.

Furthermore, quantum researchers have made strides in creating a more reliable quantum computer by utilizing non-abelian anyons, which hold the potential for error-tolerant computing. Additionally, a novel type of phase transition was discovered in the structure of information within quantum systems, marking a transition point where entanglement can either endure or be destroyed by measurement.

These discoveries and innovations exemplify the ever-evolving understanding of the universe at both the macroscopic and quantum scales. The journey of unraveling the mysteries of the universe continues with the aid of advanced technology and the ceaseless pursuit of knowledge by those in the field of physics and astronomy.

Go here to read the rest:

Groundbreaking Discoveries in Physics and Quantum Computing - 2023 - BNN Breaking

These quantum computing stocks are all great options

Source: Bartlomiej K. Wroblewski / Shutterstock.com

Much like artificial intelligence, quantum computing could be a game-changer. All of which could have a substantial impact on quantum computing stocks.

Its ability to perform tough calculations in just a few seconds could help improve and speed up drug development, for example.According to Forbes, Scientists, such as those at Swiss pharmaceutical company,Rochehope that quantum simulations willspeed up the development of drugs and vaccinesto protect against the likes of Covid-19, influenza, cancer and even potentially find a cure for Alzheimers.

It could bring deeper analytics to finance, helping to speed up trades and data speed.It could even help calculate ways for us to reach climate change goals.

Even better, analysts at Fortune Business Insights say the quantum computing market could be worth $6.5 billion by 2030 from just $928.8 million in 2023.That being said, investors may want to consider these top quantum computing stocks.

Source: Amin Van / Shutterstock.com

The first time I mentionedIonQ(NYSE:IONQ),it traded at $4.56 in March. At the moment, its up to $14.80 and could push even higher. All thanks to the potential of quantum computing.

Helping, itsIonQ Forte is now available on Amazon Braket, a fully managed quantum computing services from Amazon Web Services. Also, while the companys second-quarter EPS of 22 cents missed expectations by seven cents, its revenues were up 121% yearly to $6.1 million. That beat expectations by $1.1 million. Plus, IONQ just raised its full-year revenue guidance to a new range of $21.2 million to $22 million from $18.9 million to $19.3 million.

Billionaires are jumping on board, too. James Simons of Renaissance Technologies bought over 1.2 million shares.And Millennium Managements Israel Englander picked up more than 800,000 shares.

Source: Shutterstock

Theres alsoQuantum Computing(NASDAQ:QUBT). At just 86 cents, the $65 million company also could see higher highs, as investors wake up to the opportunity. Helping, the company has received several new contracts, including another one from NASA.

According to a company press release, QUBT will build and test for NASA Ames an innovative photonic sensor instrument to provide accurate measurement of atmospheric particulates such as clouds, aerosols, smoke flume, volcanic ashes, etc., in order to identify physical properties including size, shape and chemical composition.

Better,QUBT just kicked off its commercial deliveryof its computing deliveries. In fact, QUBT just secured multiple hardware sales of its state-of-the-art Reservoir Computer and Quantum Random Number Generator to Assured Cyber Protection Ltd and AI firm Millionways.

Source: Shutterstock

Or, for solid diversification and low cost, look at theDefiance Quantum ETF(NYSEARCA:QTUM), which I mentioned on Nov. 30. At the time, it traded at $50.40.Today, its up to $53.60 and could push even higher on the game-changing potential of quantum computing.

With anexpense ratio of 0.40%, the fund provides exposure to quantum computing, artificial intelligence, and machine learning, with holdings inIntel(NASDAQ:INTC),Nvidia(NASDAQ:NVDA), andApplied Materials(NASDAQ:AMAT) to name a few. From its current price of $50.40, Id like to see QTUM closer to $60 a share.

On the date of publication, Ian Cooper did not hold (either directly or indirectly) any positions in the securities mentioned. The opinions expressed in this article are those of the writer, subject to the InvestorPlace.comPublishing Guidelines.

Ian Cooper, a contributor to InvestorPlace.com, has been analyzing stocks and options for web-based advisories since 1999.

Go here to read the rest:

The Quantum Edge: 3 Stocks on the Cutting Edge - InvestorPlace

The elusive cure for cancer, the eradication of car accidents, and a sustainable future free from fossil fuels these formidable challenges, once thought to be centuries away from resolution, might be here sooner than anticipated. The driving force behind this big change? Quantum computing. This cutting-edge technology transcends traditional computing by processing multiple outcomes simultaneously, significantly outpacing even the most advanced supercomputers of our era.

To understand how quantum computing could revolutionize our world, its crucial to first grasp what sets it apart from classical computing. Traditional computers use bits as the basic unit of information, which can either be a 0 or a 1. Quantum computers, however, utilize quantum bits or qubits. These qubits can exist in multiple states at once, enabling them to perform complex calculations at unprecedented speeds.

One of the most promising applications of quantum computing lies in healthcare, particularly in the fight against cancer. Quantum computers can analyze vast datasets of genetic information, environmental factors, and treatment outcomes to identify potential cures and personalized treatments. This approach could dramatically accelerate the development of effective therapies, potentially unlocking the secrets to curing cancer. This could also allow us to find the cure for many other diseases because of the ability to test chemical compounds so quickly.

Quantum computing also has the potential to revolutionize transportation. By processing enormous amounts of data from sensors, traffic patterns, and environmental conditions in real-time, quantum-powered AI systems could drastically reduce, if not eliminate, car accidents. This would not only save lives but also pave the way for more efficient, autonomous vehicles.

The energy sector stands on the brink of a quantum revolution. Quantum computing could optimize renewable energy systems, enhance battery storage capacities, and improve energy distribution networks. These advancements could lead to more effective use of renewable resources, reducing our reliance on fossil fuels and mitigating the effects of climate change.

Despite its potential, quantum computing faces significant challenges. The technology is still in its infancy, and developing stable, large-scale quantum computers remains a daunting task. Moreover, with great power comes great responsibility. Ensuring ethical use and preventing misuse of quantum computing in areas like surveillance and cybersecurity is paramount.

While we may not have all the answers yet, quantum computing promises a future where some of todays most daunting problems could be effectively addressed. From healthcare to transportation, and energy sustainability, the quantum leap could be closer than we think, heralding a new era of innovation and problem-solving.

Read more from the original source:

Why Quantum Computing Will Change the World | by Noah Graham | Dec, 2023 - Medium

John D

While compiling my 2023 Secret Santa wish list of Christmas stocks to outperform in 2024, I came across an unusual growth stock that not many have heard of yet. That stock is IonQ, Inc. (IONQ), the I in CHRISTMAS. I selected IONQ as my growth pick because of the recent progress they have made in the field of quantum computing. While quantum computing is not a new field, there is a lot of new progress being made in the industry and a lot of research around the methods and techniques to develop a quantum advantage.

A recent YouTube video from world-renowned quantum physicist Sabine Hossenfelder discusses the new developments that are occurring in quantum computing. In the video, she explains that there used to be just two types of approaches to QC, Trapped Ions, and Superconducting circuits. The leaders in the latter approach include Google (GOOG), IBM, and the focus of this article, Rigetti (NASDAQ:RGTI).

YouTube

If you are new to quantum computing and would like to learn more, this website from Microsoft (MSFT) explains some of the basics. Essentially, QC is the next evolution in supercomputing technology that uses quantum mechanics to calculate outputs. The concept of a qubit is important to understand as that is essentially how a quantum computers performance is measured.

A qubit is the basic unit of information in quantum computing. Qubits play a similar role in quantum computing as bits play in classical computing, but they behave very differently. Classical bits are binary and can hold only a position of 0 or 1, but qubits can hold a superposition of all possible states.

Quantum computing harnesses the unique properties of quantum physics entanglement, superposition, and quantum interference to perform computations. There are some drawbacks to QC that limit the usefulness of the technology to some specific use cases. One big drawback is that large datasets are difficult to work within a quantum computer. Nevertheless, there are some big problems that can potentially be solved using QC, especially for pharmaceuticals, automotive, chemicals, and finance, among others.

Quantum computers are different. For one thing, when data are input into the qubits, the qubits interact with other qubits, allowing for many different calculations to be done simultaneously. This is why quantum computers are able to work so much faster than classical computers. But thats not the end of the story: quantum computers dont deliver one clear answer like classical computers do; rather, they deliver a range of possible answers.

In a recent research report from McKinsey, the estimated value that can be realized from quantum computing could reach nearly $1.3 Trillion by 2035, while the target addressable market for QC could reach more than $90B by the year 2040.

McKinsey

This is why companies like IBM are investing heavily in advanced QC research and are developing what they call a new era of quantum computing. According to the 2023 quantum computing roadmap, IBM is preparing new hardware and software solutions for the era of quantum utility, like the Quantum System Two, pictured here.

IBM

Microsoft is also placing some big bets on QC and they discuss the hope and hype behind the promises.

The promise of quantum computing at scale is real. It will solve some of the hardest challenges facing humanity. However, it will not solve every challenge. There is an ever-growing list of applications being explored for quantum computing today ranging from logistics, cosmology and financial market prediction to carbon capture, big data analysis, biochemistry, and many more. Its clear that business, academic, and government leaders are turning to our industry with great hope. However, such optimism needs to be measured. The areas where quantum will have its biggest impact are coming more clearly into focus. The fundamentals of quantum physics govern which problems can benefit from the capabilities of quantum systems.

Another big player is Amazon web services with their quantum technologies product offerings. One of the projects discussed on their website was a proof of concept with the Fidelity Center for Applied Technology, FCAT, to evaluate how QC could be used for exploring option pricing.

Research has shown the potential for quantum computers to achieve a quadratic speedup when compared with classical computers for problems like option pricing. While this speedup might not be achievable in all aspects using the quantum computers available today, it is important for FCAT to experiment with this technology to make sure that we are prepared for a time when quantum computers are commercially viable.

Companies like Amazon/AWS rely on other specialists to create the quantum computing chips that run on their servers. One of those companies is Rigetti as shown in this snippet from the AWS website.

Amazon Web Services

Rigetti was started by Chad Rigetti in 2013 in Berkeley, California (although he stepped down from his role as President and CEO in October 2022 to focus on product and technology development). According to the companys website, the company builds integrated systems including quantum computers and the superconducting processors that power them. Specifically, the technology stack includes chip design and fabrication, superconducting qubits, scalable quantum processors, control systems, QCS cloud services, and software tools. Rigettis strategy is to be at the forefront of superconducting quantum computing.

Toward that end they intend to build upon the 10 years of milestones that they have achieved to create a competitive moat, including 165 issued and pending patents as shown in this slide from the November 2023 investor presentation.

Rigetti

While the company has been around for 10 years, it just went public via a SPAC in March 2022, and they have struggled to generate consistent revenues since then. The stock price has been punished as a result as shown on this price chart with a loss approaching -90% since going public.

Seeking Alpha

Although there is a huge potential opportunity for Rigetti, getting there costs money and they are not generating enough to sustain their operations without raising additional capital. The press release from the Q323 earnings call on November 9 highlights the companys financial condition.

Third Quarter 2023 Financial Highlights

Based on its current operating plan and assuming no additional capital is raised in the three months ending December 31, 2023, Rigetti expects to have cash, cash equivalents, and available-for-sale securities of $88 million-$94 million at the end of 2023.

At a run rate of roughly $20 million per quarter in operating expenses, that should be enough to get them through another year of operations before they need to raise more capital.

Most of Rigettis revenues are derived from research contracts including a recent Phase 2 award from DARPA, and experimental use of the QPU by national labs. On December 6, the Novera, employing a 9-qubit processor, was announced as the first commercially available QPU. The base price of the Novera QPU is $900,000.

According to the Q3 press release, one of the Novera QPU units was sold during the quarter to a premier national laboratory. In Q2 they delivered a 9Q QPU to Fermilab as part of their partnership with the Superconducting Quantum Materials and Systems Center. Also during Q3, Rigetti was awarded a 5-year IDIQ contract with the Air Force Research Lab Information Directorate.

This contract allows AFRL to leverage Rigettis fabrication and manufacturing capabilities to build customized quantum systems. Within the scope of the contract, Rigetti will be able to provide quantum integrated circuits (QuICs), quantum-limited amplifiers, cryogenic microwave components, and 9Q QPUs. This contract builds on the existing relationship between Rigetti and AFRL to harness the Companys fabrication capabilities for quantum networking hardware research and development.

In September the new DARPA contract was awarded to develop advanced quantum algorithms for solving combinatorial optimization problems. Additionally, in October Rigetti was awarded another contract in the UK:

Rigetti was awarded an Innovate UK grant as part of the Feasibility Studies in Quantum Computing Applications competition. Joining Rigetti in this work is HSBC, the Quantum Software Lab based at the University of Edinburgh, and the National Quantum Computing Centre. Together, the consortium aims to enhance existing anti-money laundering techniques by using quantum machine learning techniques with the goal of improving the performance of current-state-of-the-art machine learning algorithms.

Those partnerships and contract awards are helping to keep the company afloat and enable them to continue to develop next generation quantum computing architectures and technologies. Some of the partners they are working with are shown on this slide from the November investor presentation.

Rigetti

Meanwhile, the company filed a shelf offering on December 12 to raise to $250M in future securities sales.

With the huge potential market for QC, there are lots of competitors and risks associated with the adoption of the Rigetti technology. The other main strategy currently in play for achieving quantum computing uses Ion Traps, developed by companies like IonQ and Quantinuum.

Then there are new entrants in the field using such methods as Photonic Quantum Computing, which uses photons as qubits, being developed by the Canadian company Xanadu. Another new technology uses atoms in tweezers being developed by a startup called Atom Computing. They claim to be the first to exceed 1,000 qubits using their next-generation system that uses atomic arrays of optically-trapped neutral atoms to achieve unprecedented breakthroughs.

Another new technique being developed to achieve quantum computing uses topological states. This is not a new physical configuration of a qubit but more of a logical, error-corrected quantum state being explored by Microsoft. Their approach is described in this blog from November 29. In June of this year, Microsoft announced what they considered a key milestone in their development of a next-generation quantum computer, but some are skeptical that it really constitutes a major breakthrough.

Not to be outdone, Google is also developing and experimenting with quantum computing in support of AI and has made some advancements in hardware development as well.

To date, nobody has yet demonstrated that quantum computing has achieved a quantum advantage. Rigetti believes that they will get there first due to their track record and application-driven competitive advantage as shown in this slide from their November presentation.

Rigetti

Rigetti believes that their first mover advantage gives them the leg up on the competition.

The gap between first movers and fast followers will be difficult to overcome. The first companies to use quantum computing to realize improvements in cost, speed, or accuracy over the best possible classical solutions could see significant changes to their bottom line, save years of development time bringing new products to market, or break ground in new industries yet to be imagined.

I have no doubt that their progress over the past few years has given them an edge, but it remains to be seen whether they can capitalize on their efforts before they run out of money. I rate RGTI stock a Hold and will be watching closely as the developments in quantum computing, along with advancements in AI continue to evolve over the coming years.

Original post:

Quantum Computing: Rigetti And The Quest For Quantum Advantage (NASDAQ:RGTI) - Seeking Alpha

Economists outlooks of avoiding a recession now seem likely with CPI inflation down to 3.1% for December 2023, marking a slight decrease from the previous month of 3.2%.

In light of the recent CPI index data, 67% of economists now believe the economy will not sink into a recession over the next coming year. While uncertainty remains on interest rates, 17% of economists foresee a rate reduction in the first quarter of 2024. And, another 40% believe in an upcoming rate reduction in the second quarter. This reflects a general consensus of the economy thriving in 2024.

So, now is the time to catch companies before they break out. These three carefully curated quantum computing stocks will generate tremendous value for investor portfolios.

Source: Michael Vi / Shutterstock.com

First, PayPal Holdings, Inc. (NASDAQ:PYPL) is down around 7.52% to $58.94 in the past year, putting it in an attractive position for investors. The global banking and financial services market will grow at a 7.9% CAGR from 2023 to 2030.

PYPL boasts strong financials. Revenue year over year (YOY) increased 8.36% to $7.42 Billion, and EPS is up 20.37% to $1.30. Additionally, cash and short-term investments increased by 6.43% to $11.55 billion. Further, net change in cash has gone up to $968.00 million, showing confidence and stability in its financials.

Recently, PayPal Holdings has been down on concerns of slowing growth. However, like most technology darlings during the pandemic, PYPL experienced accelerated growth in 2019, 2020, and 2021. The slowdown appears to be a simple return to the mean. Similarly, this happened with Netflix when its user growth appeared to slow but then grew again in the following quarters.

Despite these concerns about user growth, the fundamentals continue to perform well. New management has stressed the importance of delivering value to shareholders through improved margins and stock buybacks. Impressively, the new CEO Alex Chriss hails from Intuit. Also, the business model is well diversified with a Stripe and Square competitor in the portfolio.

Accordingly, Yahoo Finance analysts see the value PYPL holds for future growth, with every analyst labeling it as a buy. Given the stock currently sits at $58.94, many feel it is undervalued. This new contract primes PYPL for an explosion in price.

Source: JHVEPhoto / Shutterstock.com

Intel Incorporated (NYSE:INTC) is a semiconductor and software company, best known for its world leading Central Processing Units (CPU) that it designs and manufactures. Yahoo! Finance has 36 analysts predicting a 1-year price range on QCOM to be between $17.00 and $56.00, with a mean of $44.04.

INTC has robust financials. In fact, $14.6 billion revenue for Q3 2023 beat analyst expectations by $540.4 million. INTC shows great signs of profitability with a 15.6% EBIDTA margin, well above the sector median. The stock even shows signs of being undervalued with a price/book ratio of 1.84, significantly lower than the sector median.

Intel Incorporated demonstrates its potential for growth through new government regulations and the factory expansion. The company will greatly benefit from approval of the CHIPS and Science Act. This law will fund over $280 billion for domestic research and manufacturing of semiconductors, subsidizing INTCs future growth. Also, its currently in the process of developing a $20-billion mega-factory in central Ohio. This $20 billion structure will add massive value to the companys total revenue once completed.

Source: Amin Van / Shutterstock.com

IonQ Incorporated (NYSE:IONQ) leads in quantum computing hardware and software, utilizing trapped ion technology. Analysts on Yahoo! Finance predict its one-year stock price between $14.00 and $21.00, averaging $17.80, with the current price at $12.76.

The quantum computing industry is set to reach $4.37 billion by 2028, growing at a 38.1% CAGR. Factors include increased use in finance and drug development simulations, potentially saving years.

IONQ is poised for substantial growth for several compelling reasons. First, the company has already demonstrated the practical viability of its quantum computing technology. The successful operation of its 29AQ machine results in both commercial success and significant contributions to scientific research.

Second, the companys expanding clientele includes major players such as Hyundai, Airbus, GE Research, Goldman Sachs, and the U.S. Air Force Research Lab. These attest to the increasing commercial adoption and trust in IONQs capabilities.

Finally, the imminent release of the AQ64 promises unparalleled computing power at an affordable price. Further, it positions IONQ to capture a substantial share of the rapidly growing quantum computing market. This is especially relevant as it addresses key challenges such as temperature issues through its trapped ion technology operating at room temperature.

On the date of publication, Michael Que did not have (either directly or indirectly) any positions in the securities mentioned in this article. The opinions expressed in this article are those of the writer, subject to the InvestorPlace.comPublishing Guidelines.

Michael Que is a financial writer with extensive experience in the technology industry, with his work featured on Seeking Alpha, Benzinga and MSN Money. He is the owner of Que Capital, a research firm that combines fundamental analysis with ESG factors to pick the best sustainable long-term investments.

The rest is here:

The 3 Most Undervalued Quantum Computing Stocks to Buy in December - InvestorPlace

Artistic depiction of the concept of quantum complexity, symbolizing the intricate nature of quantum systems.

Imagine stepping into a world where the laws of physics as we know them take a back seat, and a new set of rules, governed by quantum mechanics, reigns supreme. This is the world of quantum systems, a field so bewildering yet fascinating that it captures the imagination of scientists and enthusiasts alike. Today, were going to embark on an exciting journey into the depths of quantum evolution, exploring a groundbreaking study that links two complex concepts: Krylov and Nielsen complexity. This exploration is not just a theoretical exercise; it has profound implications for the future of quantum computing and our understanding of the quantum universe.

Before we dive deeper, lets break down these complex terms. In the realm of quantum physics, understanding how information spreads in a system is crucial. This is where Krylov complexity comes into play. It measures how a quantum state evolves over time, spreading across different levels of a quantum system.

On the other hand, Nielsen complexity approaches quantum evolution from a different angle. It is used in quantum computing and algorithms, focusing on finding the most efficient way to evolve one quantum state into another. Think of it as a GPS for quantum states, finding the shortest route from point A to point B in the complex network of quantum evolution.

The study we are focusing on, titled A Relation between Krylov and Nielsen Complexity, does something extraordinary. It finds a connection between these two seemingly unrelated aspects of quantum theory. This discovery is akin to finding a hidden bridge between two distant islands, each representing a different perspective on quantum evolution.

The researchers embarked on this journey by comparing the time-averaged Krylov complexity with the late-time value of the upper bound on Nielsen complexity. They found that despite their different starting points and applications, both complexities could be expressed through specific mathematical formulas that showed a tantalizing similarity. This revelation is not just a

Read this article:

Disruptive Concepts: Quantum Revolution The Interconnected World of Krylov and Nielsen Complexity - Medium

This week, Shenzhen, China-based company SpinQ claimed the shipment of the first China-made Quantum Processing Unit (QPU), Shaowei, based on superconducting qubit technology. The claim that SpinQ is now the first Chinese quantum-focused company to sell its technologies beyond mainland China - whilst leveraging a superconducting qubit design setup at that - seems to point to a newfound source of quantum processing chips for any global players that wouldn't be easily provided for by the western market. According to SpinQ, the recipient of its Shaowei chips (and the first international customer of the company's product) is located somewhere in the Middle East.

Qubits are the quantum computing equivalent of a classical bit; while bits are deterministic and can only ever represent either a 0 or a 1, qubits are probabilistic, and consider the entire solution space between both. Recent advantages have brought quantum computing up to a point where the best products actually have enough quantum volume (a measure of a quantum computer's overall performance) to provide useful calculations that are beyond what could be possible with classical computers or even supercomputers.

Established in 2018, SpinQ recently drew our attention to its quantum processing offerings by providing "quantop" solutions: these are relatively simple, one-to-three-qubits, desktop-based quantum processing systems meant for the research and education markets. Far and away from providing any significant quantum computing capability, the "quantops" delivered by SpinQ used nuclear magnetic resonance qubits. But the new Shaowei QPU, being based on superconducting qubit technology that's theoretically similar to IBM's approach, means that the company is branching out its understanding and capability to deliver useful quantum computers. SpinQ says Shaowei utilizes a stable, all-solid-state system that's especially geared towards taking advantage of and reusing more classical chip manufacturing technology.

Considering how China keeps skirting the impact of the US technological sanctions and has achieved an internal 5 nm chip manufacturing milestone without the aid of US tech, this looks like a winning bet.

According to SpinQ, its new superconducting-qubit Shaowei chips were built completely in-house through the company's factories in the Shenzhen-Hong Kong Innovation and Technology Cooperation Zone. Its approach is much like IBM's (and like that of most quantum tech suppliers) in that the company aims to provide a "full-stack" approach to quantum computing by delivering every required element of the ecosystem: quantum processing units, low-temperature electronics, temperature and qubit measurement and control systems, as well as software and algorithm development applications.

Unfortunately, there's little information available on what exactly makes a Shaowei chip, well, tick. Qubit number and connection density are useful metrics, but SpinQ provides none. However, the company claims the coherence time for the qubits inside Shaowei is in the order of 10-100 microseconds (where a higher window of qubit coherence means the qubits are processing information without any catastrophic data loss). But in quantum computing (and every computational effort), results have to be trusted: SpinQ mentioned that Shaowei can perform both single and double-bit gate operations (in the nanosecond scale) and can achieve more than 99.9% single-bit gate fidelity and more than 98% double-bit gate fidelity. While that may sound like a lot, it really isn't: when your CPU can process millions of calculations per second, that 0.01% error rate can add up quickly, and impact the validity (and truthfulness) of the computed results.

It remains to be seen where SpinQ will take its superconducting qubits next, but it's perhaps surprising that China is already selling Quantum Processing Units overseas before 2023 comes to a close.

Follow this link:

Chinese SpinQ ships "undisclosed" superconducting Quantum Processing Units (QPUs) to the Middle East market ... - Tom's Hardware

Quantum computing has made a significant leap forward with Harvards new platform, capable of dynamic reconfiguration and demonstrating low error rates in two-qubit entangling gates. This breakthrough, highlighted in a recent Nature paper, signals a major advancement in overcoming the quantum error correction challenge, positioning Harvards technology alongside other leading quantum computing methods. The work, a collaboration with MIT and others, marks a crucial step towards scalable, error-corrected quantum computing. Credit: SciTechDaily.com

Quantum computing technology, with its potential for unprecedented speed and efficiency, significantly surpasses the capabilities of even the most advanced supercomputers currently available. However, this innovative technology has not been widely scaled or commercialized, primarily because of its inherent limitations in error correction. Quantum computers, unlike classical ones, cannot correct errors by copying encoded data over and over. Scientists had to find another way.

Now,a new paper inNatureillustrates a Harvard quantum computing platforms potential to solve the longstanding problem known as quantum error correction.

Leading the Harvard team isquantum optics expert Mikhail Lukin, the Joshua and Beth Friedman University Professor in physics and co-director of theHarvard Quantum Initiative. The work reported in Nature was a collaboration among Harvard, MIT, and Boston-basedQuEra Computing. Also involved was the group ofMarkus Greiner, the George Vasmer Leverett Professor of Physics.

An effort spanning the last several years,the Harvard platformis built on an array ofvery cold, laser-trappedrubidium atoms. Each atom acts as a bit or a qubit as its called in the quantum world which can perform extremely fast calculations.

The teams chief innovation is configuring their neutral atom array to be able to dynamically change its layout by moving and connecting atoms this is called entangling in physics parlance mid-computation. Operations that entangle pairs of atoms, called two-qubit logic gates, are units of computing power.

Running a complicated algorithm on a quantum computer requires many gates. However, these gate operations are notoriously error-prone, and a buildup of errors renders the algorithm useless.

In the new paper, the team reports near-flawless performance of its two-qubit entangling gates with extremely low error rates. For the first time, they demonstrated the ability to entangle atoms with error rates below 0.5 percent. In terms of operation quality, this puts their technologys performance on par with other leading types of quantum computing platforms, like superconducting qubits and trapped-ion qubits.

However, Harvards approach has major advantages over these competitors due to its large system sizes, efficient qubit control, and ability to dynamically reconfigure the layout of atoms.

Weve established that this platform has low enough physical errors that you can actually envision large-scale, error-corrected devices based on neutral atoms, said first author Simon Evered, a Harvard Griffin Graduate School of Arts and Sciences student in Lukins group. Our error rates are low enough now that if we were to group atoms together into logical qubits where information is stored non-locally among the constituent atoms these quantum error-corrected logical qubits could have even lower errors than the individual atoms.

The Harvard teams advancesare reportedin the same issue of Nature as other innovations led by former Harvard graduate studentJeff Thompson, now at Princeton University, and former Harvard postdoctoral fellowManuel Endres, now at California Institute of Technology. Taken together, these advances lay the groundwork for quantum error-corrected algorithms and large-scale quantum computing. All of this means quantum computing on neutral atom arrays is showing the full breadth of its promise.

These contributions open the door for very special opportunities in scalable quantum computing and a truly exciting time for this entire field ahead, Lukin said.

Reference: High-fidelity parallel entangling gates on a neutral-atom quantum computer by Simon J. Evered, Dolev Bluvstein, Marcin Kalinowski, Sepehr Ebadi, Tom Manovitz, Hengyun Zhou, Sophie H. Li, Alexandra A. Geim, Tout T. Wang, Nishad Maskara, Harry Levine, Giulia Semeghini, Markus Greiner, Vladan Vuleti and Mikhail D. Lukin, 11 October 2023,Nature. DOI: 10.1038/s41586-023-06481-y

The research was supported by the U.S. Department of Energys Quantum Systems Accelerator Center; the Center for Ultracold Atoms; the National Science Foundation; the Army Research Office Multidisciplinary University Research Initiative; and the DARPAOptimization with Noisy Intermediate-Scale Quantum Devices program.

See the original post here:

The Future of Quantum Computing: Harvard Team Achieves Major Error Correction Milestone - SciTechDaily

Ambassador Rahm Emanuel and officials from IBM and Japanese universities announce a new quantum education and research program. (Credit: U.S. Embassy in Japan)

IBM announced a partnership with the University of Chicago and universities in Japan and South Korea to provide education in quantum research for up to 40,000 students.

The announcement of the tri-lateral agreement took place at the residence of the U.S. Ambassador to Japan and former Chicago Mayor Rahm Emanuel.

Quantum research and technology is fast developing but still in its infancy. It could lead to the creation of ultra-fast and powerful quantum computers far outstripping the capabilities of current supercomputers, and could be applied to help solve complex global problems like climate change.

The agreement is meant to expand the quantum workforce and expands upon a Quantum Alliance deal the University of Chicago struck with Japans Tohoku University. That deal aims to advance the development of transformational quantum technologies.

IBM says it will participate with the universities to develop and teach quantum curriculum as well as provide mentorship and exchange programs.

The University of Chicago is excited and proud to partner with IBM, and to build on its long-standing ties to Keio University, Yonsei University, Seoul National University, and the University of Tokyo to deliver world-class programs that will prepare thousands of students for jobs and opportunities in quantum informational sciences, said Paul Alivisatos, president of University of Chicago, in a statement.

Follow Paris Schutz on Twitter:@paschutz

See the rest here:

University of Chicago, IBM Strike Quantum Computing Education and Research Partnership - WTTW News

Quantum computing uses electrons rather than transistors, for a much more rapid solution to complex problems. Theres every likelihood that the technology will be able to rapidly reduce current encryptions to dust. The quantum race is largely between China and a handful of western companies.

We may be on the verge of revolutionary AI problem-solving with news of IBMs quantum computing advancements. (We say may in tribute to Werner Heisenberg and his famous principle, and because nothing since has ever been entirely certain in the quantum world).

We are living in a golden age of artificial intelligence, with innovations seemingly bombarding us every day. The trend has continued with IBM announcing advancements in a new kind of computing that is capable of solving extraordinarily complex problems in just a few minutes.

Why is this newsworthy? Surely thats what all computers do?

Yes, but todays supercomputers would need millions of years to solve problems as complex as the ones IBM is making progress with.

Welcome to the wonderful world of quantum.

Quantum computing is a technology being developed by companies like IBM and Google. Operating in a fundamentally different way to classical computing, it relies on quantum bits (qubits) and principles including superposition and entanglement. As the name suggests, quantum physics is an intrinsic part of quantum computing. We may even need a quantum computer to explain how this type of computing works, but this technology is without question changing the world.

Everything we know is pushed to the limits with quantum computing. From science to finances and from AI to computational power, this supercomputer offers the potential for solutions to problems that are currently intractable for classical computers.

The revolutionary nature of quantum computing lies in its potential to transform problem-solving approaches. It has the potential to tackle previously unsolvable problems, and impact many fields worldwide. It presents a paradigm shift akin to the introduction of classical computing, though in comparison, quantum computings possibilities are on a vastly different and exponentially more powerful scale.

IBM director of research Dario Gill believes quantum computing will have a significant impact on the world, but that society is not yet prepared for such changes.

It feels to us like the pioneers of the 1940s and 50s that were building the first digital computers, he said. Its plain to see how much impact digital computers have had on the world since the 1950s, but quantum computing is another kettle of deeply unusual fish.

We are now at a stage where we can do certain calculations with these systems that would take the biggest supercomputers in the world to do, Gill explained. But the potential of this technology is only just being realized. The goal is to continue the expansion of quantum computing capabilities, so that not even a million or a billion of those supercomputers connected together could do the calculations of these future machines.

A quantum computer from IBM the future appears to be agreeably steampunk.

We have already witnessed significant progress in this field of technology, but the difference now is that Dario Gill, and others working in the quantum field, have a clear plan or strategy in place for further advancements. That means the rate of progress is only expected to accelerate possibly at a pace that will surprise the world.

Today, computers process information on transistors, something they have done since the advent of the transistor switch in 1947. Over time, however, the speed and capabilities of computers have increased substantially. This is due to the continuous advancement of technology. This enhancement stems from the strategy of densely integrating an increasing number of transistors onto a single chip, reaching a scale of billions of transistors in todays computer chips.

Computers require billions of transistors because they are in either an on or off state. Known as complementary metal-oxide-semiconductor (CMOS) technology, quantum computing is now presenting alternatives to this hallmark of classic computing.

Rather than using transistors, quantum computing encodes information and data on electrons. These particles, thanks to the rules of quantum mechanics, can exist in multiple states simultaneously, much like a coin spinning in the air. Simultaneously, it shows aspects of both heads and tails. Unlike traditional computing methods, that deal with one bit of data at a time on a transistor, quantum computing uses qubits. These can store and process exponentially more information because of their ability to exist in multiple states at once.

Classical computers require a step-by-step process when finding information or solving problems. Quantum computers, on the other hand, are capable of finding solutions much faster by handling numerous possibilities concurrently.

Like any up-and-coming technology, countries around the world are vying for quantum supremacy. Currently, private free enterprises and state-directed communism are the main competitors. In other words, the race is between China on one side, and IBM, Google, Microsoft, [and] Honeywell, according to physicist Michio Kaku. These are the big boys of quantum computing.

America has approximately 180 private firms researching quantum computing, most of which fund themselves. The US also has a number of government initiatives investing heavily in quantum research. Along with IBM, Google, and Microsoft, institutions including NASA, DARPA, and NIST are at the forefront of quantum computing and technology development.

Quantum computing bringing the sci-fi home.

China has been making substantial investments in quantum development and research for a number of years. For instance, it has several state-backed initiatives and research institutions, including the Chinese Academy of Sciences, all working on quantum technology. Large corporations, including Alibaba and Huawei, are also involved in quantum computing research.

The US government currently spends close to $1 billion a year on quantum research, whereas China has named quantum as a top national priority. New standards for encryption are to be published by the US in 2024, something that will cause waves (or potentially particles) in the quantum field.

If youre looking for revolutions in computing as big as quantum, youre probably looking back to the machine that cracked the Enigma code

The winner of this quantum race will have striking implications, as Kaku believes the nation or company that succeeds will rule the world economy.

Think OpenAI and ChatGPT, but with the potential to crack any code, open any safe, and of course, demand any price.

As we immerse ourselves in quantum computings promising possibilities and how it is a savior to all of humanitys problems, we must not forget the challenges it also faces. For instance, coherence times need to be enhanced and machines require scaling up to operate effectively with quantum computing.

Hartmut Neven, founder and manager of Googles Quantum Artificial Intelligence Lab, believes that small improvements and effective integration of existing pieces are key to building larger quantum systems. We need little improvements here and there. If we have all the pieces together, we just need to integrate them well to build larger and larger systems.

Neven and his team aim to achieve significant progress in quantum computing over the next five or six years. He believes that quantum computing holds the key to solving problems in fields like chemistry, physics, medicine, and engineering that classical computers are currently, and will always, be incapable of. You actually require a different way to represent information and process information. Thats what quantum gives you, he explained.

Further challenges persist due to the delicate nature of qubits, which are prone to errors and interference from the surrounding environment. As James Tyrrell discusses here, efforts to mitigate this noise and enhance the reliability of quantum computers are underway. The expansion of the (Quantum-Computing-as-a-Service) QCaaS ecosystem is expected to shift the focus from technical intricacies to practical applications. This will potentially allow users to harness the power of quantum computing for real-world problem-solving.

The development of quantum computing is accelerating at an exponential rate. Over the next decade or so, Dario Gil sees no reason why quantum computing can expand to thousands of qubits. He believes that systems will be built that will have tens of thousands and even a 100 thousand qubits working with each other. Where quantum technology goes from here is (thank you, Werner!) distinctly uncertain, but if the excitement is anything to go by, it may potentially have the answers to all the worlds problems.

See original here:

What is IBM doing in the race towards quantum computing? - TechHQ