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NEW YORK, June 19, 2022 (GLOBE NEWSWIRE) -- Bragar Eagel & Squire, P.C., a nationally recognized shareholder rights law firm, reminds investors that class actions have been commenced on behalf of stockholders of IonQ, Inc. (: IONQ), Energy Transfer LP (: ET), Digital Turbine, Inc. ( APPS), and Teladoc Health, Inc. (: TDOC). Stockholders have until the deadlines below to petition the court to serve as lead plaintiff. Additional information about each case can be found at the link provided.

IonQ, Inc. (: IONQ)

Class Period: March 20, 2021 May 2, 2022

Lead Plaintiff Deadline: August 1, 2022

On May 3, 2022, Scorpion Capital released a research report alleging, among other things, that IonQ is a scam built on phony statements about nearly all key aspects of the technology and business. It further claimed that the Company reported [f]ictitious revenue via sham transactions and related-party round-tripping.

On this news, the Companys stock fell $0.71, or 9%, to close at $7.15 per share on May 3, 2022, on unusually heavy trading volume.

The complaint filed in this class action alleges that throughout the Class Period, Defendants made materially false and/or misleading statements, as well as failed to disclose material adverse facts about the Companys business, operations, and prospects. Specifically, Defendants failed to disclose to investors: (1) that IonQ had not yet developed a 32-qubit quantum computer; (2) that the Companys 11-qubit quantum computer suffered from significant error rates, rendering it useless; (3) that IonQs quantum computer is not sufficiently reliable, so it is not accessible despite being available through major cloud providers; (4) that a significant portion of IonQs revenue was derived from improper round-tripping transactions with related parties; and (5) that, as a result of the foregoing, Defendants positive statements about the Companys business, operations, and prospects were materially misleading and/or lacked a reasonable basis at all relevant times.

For more information on the IonQ class action go to: https://bespc.com/cases/IONQ

Energy Transfer LP (: ET)

Class Period: April 13, 2017 December 20, 2021

Lead Plaintiff Deadline: August 2, 2022

Energy Transfer is a Delaware company headquartered in Dallas, Texas. Energy Transfer is a company engaged in natural gas and propane pipeline transport. It was founded in 1996 and became a publicly traded partnership in 2006. The Partnership through its subsidiaries provides transportation, storage, and terminalling services for products like natural gas, crude oil, NGL, and refined products. The Partnership also constructs natural gas pipelines through its various subsidiaries.

On April 13, 2017, the horizontal directional drilling activities ("HDD") for the Rover Pipeline Project, one of the Partnership's natural gas pipeline construction projects, caused a large inadvertent release of drilling mud near the Tuscarawas River in Ohio. On August 8, 2019, Energy Transfer filed its quarterly report on Form 10-Q with the SEC, reporting the Partnership's financial and operating results for the second quarter ended June 30, 2019. This quarterly report disclosed that two years earlier, in mid-2017 the Federal Energy Regulatory Commission ("FERC")'s Enforcement Staff began a formal investigation "regarding allegations that diesel fuel may have been included in the drilling mud at the Tuscarawas River HDD." On this news, the price of Energy Transfer stock declined $0.65, or 4.6% over two trading days, to close at $13.38 on August 12, 2019.

Then, on December 16, 2021, FERC publicly issued to Energy Transfer the Order To Show Cause and Notice of Proposed Penalty, which directed the Partnership to show cause why it should not be assessed a civil penalty in the amount of $40,000,000. The order presented the allegation by the Enforcement Staff that the HDD crews intentionally included diesel fuel and other toxic substances and unapproved additives in the drilling mud during its HDDs under the Tuscarawas River. On this news, the price of Energy Transfer shares declined $0.24, or 2.8% over the course of two trading days, to close at $8.25, on December 20, 2021.

The Complaint alleges Energy Transfer concealed and misrepresented that: (a) Energy Transfer had inadequate internal controls and procedures to prevent contractors from engaging in illegal conduct with regards to drilling activities, and/or failed to properly mitigate known issues related to such controls and procedures; (b) Energy Transfer through its subsidiary hired third-party contractors to conduct HDDs for the Rover Pipeline Project, whose conduct of adding illegal additives in the drilling mud caused severe pollution near the Tuscarawas River when the April 13 Release took place; and (c) Energy Transfer continually downplayed its potential civil liabilities when FERC was actively investigating the Partnership's wrongdoing related to the April 13 Release and consistently provided it with updated information about FERC's findings on this matter.

For more information on the Energy Transfer class action go to: https://bespc.com/cases/ET

Digital Turbine, Inc. ( APPS)

Class Period: August 9, 2021 May 17, 2022

Lead Plaintiff Deadline: August 5, 2022

Digital Turbine is a software company that delivers products to assist third parties in monetizing through the utilization of mobile advertising. The Company completed the acquisitions of AdColony Holdings AS (AdColony) and Fyber N.V. (Fyber) on April 29 and May 25, 2021, respectively.

On May 17, 2022, Digital Turbine issued a press release revealing that it will restate its financial statements for the interim periods ended June 30, 2021, September 30, 2021, and December 31, 2021, following a review of the presentation of revenue net of license fees and revenue share for the Companys recently acquired businesses."

On this news, the Companys shares fell $1.93, or 7.1%, to close at $25.28 per share on May 18, 2022, on unusually heavy trading volume.

The complaint filed in this class action alleges that throughout the Class Period, Defendants made materially false and/or misleading statements, as well as failed to disclose material adverse facts about the Companys business, operations, and prospects. Specifically, Defendants failed to disclose to investors: (1) that the Companys recent acquisitions, AdColony and Fyber, act as agents in certain of their respective product lines; (2) that, as a result, revenues for those product lines must be reported net of license fees and revenue share, rather than on a gross basis; (3) that the Companys internal control over financial reporting as to revenue recognition was deficient; and (4) that, as a result of the foregoing, the Companys net revenues was overstated throughout fiscal 2022; and (5) that, as a result of the foregoing, Defendants positive statements about the Companys business, operations, and prospects were materially misleading and/or lacked a reasonable basis.

For more information on the Digital Turbine class action go to: https://bespc.com/cases/APPS

Teladoc Health, Inc. (: TDOC)

Class Period: October 28, 2021 April 27, 2022

Lead Plaintiff Deadline: August 5, 2022

Teladoc provides virtual healthcare services in the U.S. and internationally through Business-to-Business (B2B) and Direct-to-Consumer (D2C) distribution channels. The Company offers its customers various virtual products and services addressing, among other medical issues, mental health through its BetterHelp D2C product, and chronic conditions.

Teladoc touts itself as the first and only company to provide a comprehensive and integrated whole person virtual healthcare solution that both provides and enables care for a full spectrum of clinical conditions[.] Despite recent market concerns over new entrants to the telehealth field, such Amazon.com, Inc. (Amazon) and Walmart Inc. (Walmart), the Company has continued to assure investors of the Companys dominant market position in the industry.

In fact, as recently as February 2022, Teladoc forecasted full year (FY) 2022 revenue of $2.55 - $2.65 billion, as well as adjusted earnings before interest, taxes, depreciation, and amortization (EBITDA) of $330 - $355 million, on anticipated continued growth through its competitive advantages.

Throughout the Class Period, Defendants made materially false and misleading statements regarding the Companys business, operations, and prospects. Specifically, Defendants made false and/or misleading statements and/or failed to disclose that: (i) increased competition, among other factors, was negatively impacting Teladocs BetterHelp and chronic care businesses; (ii) accordingly, the growth of those businesses was less sustainable than Defendants had led investors to believe; (iii) as a result, Teladocs revenue and adjusted EBITDA projections for FY 2022 were unrealistic; (iv) as a result of all the foregoing, Teladoc would be forced to recognize a significant non-cash goodwill impairment charge; and (v) as a result, the Companys public statements were materially false and misleading at all relevant times.

On April 27, 2022, Teladoc announced its first quarter (Q1) 2022 financial results, including revenue of $565.4 million, which missed consensus estimates by $3.23 million, and [n]et loss per share of $41.58, primarily driven by [a] non-cash goodwill impairment charge of $6.6 billion or $41.11 per share[.] Additionally, the Company revised its FY 2022 revenue guidance to $2.4 - $2.5 billion and adjusted EBITDA guidance to $240 - $265 million to reflect dynamics we are currently experiencing in the [D2C] mental health and chronic condition markets. On a conference call with investors and analysts that day to discuss Teladocs Q1 2022 results, Defendants largely attributed the Companys poor performance, revised FY 2022 guidance, and $6.6 billion non-cash goodwill impairment charge to increased competition in its BetterHelp and chronic care businesses.

On this news, Teladocs stock price fell $22.48 per share, or 40.15%, to close at $33.51 per share on April 28, 2022.

For more information on the Teladoc class action go to: https://bespc.com/cases/TDOC

About Bragar Eagel & Squire, P.C.:

Bragar Eagel & Squire, P.C. is a nationally recognized law firm with offices in New York, California, and South Carolina. The firm represents individual and institutional investors in commercial, securities, derivative, and other complex litigation in state and federal courts across the country. For more information about the firm, please visit http://www.bespc.com. Attorney advertising. Prior results do not guarantee similar outcomes.

Contact Information:

Bragar Eagel & Squire, P.C.Brandon Walker, Esq. Melissa Fortunato, Esq.(212) 355-4648[emailprotected]www.bespc.com

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Bragar Eagel & Squire, PC Reminds Investors That Class Action Lawsuits Have Been Filed Against IonQ, Energy Transfer, Digital Turbine, and Teladoc...

Quantum computing is an area of study focused on the development of computer based technologies centered around the principles ofquantum theory. Quantum theory explains the nature and behavior of energy and matter on thequantum(atomic and subatomic) level. Quantum computing uses a combination ofbitsto perform specific computational tasks. All at a much higher efficiency than their classical counterparts. Development ofquantum computersmark a leap forward in computing capability, with massive performance gains for specific use cases. For example quantum computing excels at like simulations.

The quantum computer gains much of its processing power through the ability for bits to be in multiple states at one time. They can perform tasks using a combination of 1s, 0s and both a 1 and 0 simultaneously. Current research centers in quantum computing include MIT, IBM, Oxford University, and the Los Alamos National Laboratory. In addition, developers have begun gaining access toquantum computers through cloud services.

Quantum computing began with finding its essential elements. In 1981, Paul Benioff at Argonne National Labs came up with the idea of a computer that operated with quantum mechanical principles. It is generally accepted that David Deutsch of Oxford University provided the critical idea behind quantum computing research. In 1984, he began to wonder about the possibility of designing a computer that was based exclusively on quantum rules, publishing a breakthrough paper a few months later.

Quantum Theory

Quantum theory's development began in 1900 with a presentation by Max Planck. The presentation was to the German Physical Society, in which Planck introduced the idea that energy and matter exists in individual units. Further developments by a number of scientists over the following thirty years led to the modern understanding of quantum theory.

Quantum Theory

Quantum theory's development began in 1900 with a presentation by Max Planck. The presentation was to the German Physical Society, in which Planck introduced the idea that energy and matter exists in individual units. Further developments by a number of scientists over the following thirty years led to the modern understanding of quantum theory.

The Essential Elements of Quantum Theory:

Further Developments of Quantum Theory

Niels Bohr proposed the Copenhagen interpretation of quantum theory. This theory asserts that a particle is whatever it is measured to be, but that it cannot be assumed to have specific properties, or even to exist, until it is measured. This relates to a principle called superposition. Superposition claims when we do not know what the state of a given object is, it is actually in all possible states simultaneously -- as long as we don't look to check.

To illustrate this theory, we can use the famous analogy of Schrodinger's Cat. First, we have a living cat and place it in a lead box. At this stage, there is no question that the cat is alive. Then throw in a vial of cyanide and seal the box. We do not know if the cat is alive or if it has broken the cyanide capsule and died. Since we do not know, the cat is both alive and dead, according to quantum law -- in a superposition of states. It is only when we break open the box and see what condition the cat is in that the superposition is lost, and the cat must be either alive or dead.

The principle that, in some way, one particle can exist in numerous states opens up profound implications for computing.

A Comparison of Classical and Quantum Computing

Classical computing relies on principles expressed by Boolean algebra; usually Operating with a 3 or 7-modelogic gateprinciple. Data must be processed in an exclusive binary state at any point in time; either 0 (off / false) or 1 (on / true). These values are binary digits, or bits. The millions of transistors and capacitors at the heart of computers can only be in one state at any point. In addition, there is still a limit as to how quickly these devices can be made to switch states. As we progress to smaller and faster circuits, we begin to reach the physical limits of materials and the threshold for classical laws of physics to apply.

The quantum computer operates with a two-mode logic gate:XORand a mode called QO1 (the ability to change 0 into a superposition of 0 and 1). In a quantum computer, a number of elemental particles such as electrons or photons can be used. Each particle is given a charge, or polarization, acting as a representation of 0 and/or 1. Each particle is called a quantum bit, or qubit. The nature and behavior of these particles form the basis of quantum computing and quantum supremacy. The two most relevant aspects of quantum physics are the principles of superposition andentanglement.

Superposition

Think of a qubit as an electron in a magnetic field. The electron's spin may be either in alignment with the field, which is known as aspin-upstate, or opposite to the field, which is known as aspin-downstate. Changing the electron's spin from one state to another is achieved by using a pulse of energy, such as from alaser. If only half a unit of laser energy is used, and the particle is isolated the particle from all external influences, the particle then enters a superposition of states. Behaving as if it were in both states simultaneously.

Each qubit utilized could take a superposition of both 0 and 1. Meaning, the number of computations a quantum computer could take is 2^n, where n is the number of qubits used. A quantum computer comprised of 500 qubits would have a potential to do 2^500 calculations in a single step. For reference, 2^500 is infinitely more atoms than there are in the known universe. These particles all interact with each other via quantum entanglement.

In comparison to classical, quantum computing counts as trueparallel processing. Classical computers today still only truly do one thing at a time. In classical computing, there are just two or more processors to constitute parallel processing.EntanglementParticles (like qubits) that have interacted at some point retain a type can be entangled with each other in pairs, in a process known ascorrelation. Knowing the spin state of one entangled particle - up or down -- gives away the spin of the other in the opposite direction. In addition, due to the superposition, the measured particle has no single spin direction before being measured. The spin state of the particle being measured is determined at the time of measurement and communicated to the correlated particle, which simultaneously assumes the opposite spin direction. The reason behind why is not yet explained.

Quantum entanglement allows qubits that are separated by large distances to interact with each other instantaneously (not limited to the speed of light). No matter how great the distance between the correlated particles, they will remain entangled as long as they are isolated.

Taken together, quantum superposition and entanglement create an enormously enhanced computing power. Where a 2-bit register in an ordinary computer can store only one of four binary configurations (00, 01, 10, or 11) at any given time, a 2-qubit register in a quantum computer can store all four numbers simultaneously. This is because each qubit represents two values. If more qubits are added, the increased capacity is expanded exponentially.

Quantum Programming

Quantum computing offers an ability to write programs in a completely new way. For example, a quantum computer could incorporate a programming sequence that would be along the lines of "take all the superpositions of all the prior computations." This would permit extremely fast ways of solving certain mathematical problems, such as factorization of large numbers.

The first quantum computing program appeared in 1994 by Peter Shor, who developed a quantum algorithm that could efficiently factorize large numbers.

The Problems - And Some Solutions

The benefits of quantum computing are promising, but there are huge obstacles to overcome still. Some problems with quantum computing are:

There are many problems to overcome, such as how to handle security and quantum cryptography. Long time quantum information storage has been a problem in the past too. However, breakthroughs in the last 15 years and in the recent past have made some form of quantum computing practical. There is still much debate as to whether this is less than a decade away or a hundred years into the future. However, the potential that this technology offers is attracting tremendous interest from both the government and the private sector. Military applications include the ability to break encryptions keys via brute force searches, while civilian applications range from DNA modeling to complex material science analysis.

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What is quantum computing? - TechTarget

Quantum computing is on the rise. Maybe not yet for the mainstream, but governments and industry giants have taken notice. Goldman Sachs is to introduce quantum algorithms in their pricing. Meanwhile, the US government added Chinese quantum computing firms to their export blacklist.

This level of attention is there for a good reason. Quantum computing is indomitable and could increase efficiency in various fields. Heres a quick lowdown on why its such a big deal.

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Quantum computing leverages the laws of quantum mechanics identified by physics. This branch of physics studies how the universe works at a subatomic level. Two of its properties, superposition, and entanglement, can be used to innovate computing as we know it today.

Superposition is the property that allows two different states to define a system. It is not just one or another, but it can be both at a given time. In classic computing, computers work through bits that have a value of either 1 or 0. Quantum computing uses an equivalent called qubits, which can have two values at a given time.

Quantum entanglement describes the phenomenon where quantum particles stay connected. No matter the distance, quantum particles maintain a connection with one another. What affects one particle can affect another.

These quantum properties translated to computing technology provide promising prospects. These are especially useful when exploring possibilities or going through massive amounts of data.

This is an entirely different way of computing from what we use today. Quantum computing, although a nascent technology, can lead to great leaps in innovation.

This emerging technology is flexible and can have significant applications in various industries. Here are a few key areas we can monitor.

Manufacturing requires efficient processes and designs to produce high-quality products.

The design process can be incredibly tedious. Industrial designers need to consider multiple variables to craft a working product. This is especially important in machinery, transportation, and electronics.

For example, designers often need several drafts when manufacturing a high-speed jet. This process ensures that they have the most efficient wing design for high speeds. It also applies to other key parts of the machine.

Quantum computing can help designers fish through the different possibilities faster. This technology can help them save time and create better designs for a better product.

It can also help manufacturers troubleshoot better. They can give a quantum computer their data on machine failure, and it can help figure out the problem areas.

Logistics is often a time and location-sensitive industry. Thus, it would benefit a lot from optimizing processes. There are a lot of factors to consider when transporting something from one place to another. You have supply chains, vehicle availability, traffic, and customer expectations, among others.

Quantum computing can help companies figure out the best routes for every shipment. This technology also considers real-life factors, such as weather and traffic.

Adopting quantum technology can change the game and fulfill customer standards for logistics. DHL and other logistics companies are already eyeing it as a trend with great potential.

Financial procedures often rely on a lot of complex mathematical processes. Analysts deal with many variables to predict possible outcomes of the market. Major events can require fast-paced responses that classic computers struggle to do.

Quantum computing can help make more accurate simulations and predictions of market activity. They are also a lot better at Monte Carlo simulations than traditional methods.

In finance, a Monte Carlo simulation allows analysts to look at many possible outcomes from an array of variables. These results help us understand the risks and possibilities, especially in financial forecasting. Quantum tech reduces the time and effort required for such operations.

Banking and financial giants recognize the possible applications of this emerging tech. JP Morgan Chase and Wells Fargo have already invested in quantum computing, powering the future of finance.

Chemical engineering deals with the manipulation of atoms and molecules. The field itself involves the application of quantum principles.

It is also a widely-encompassing field. Chemical engineering has applications in manufacturing, healthcare, construction, food processing, electronics, etc.

With such a wide variety of chemical configurations available, it can take time to find the right one. Quantum computing can help speed up these processes.

This application is beneficial in pharmaceuticals and vaccine development. Our experience with the COVID-19 pandemic has emphasized the need for urgent solutions.

Artificial intelligence is another emergent technology already making waves in the mainstream. It involves teaching machines vast amounts of knowledge to perform various tasks.

AI already has many applications in various fields. These include healthcare, e-commerce, education, finance, security, and media, among others.

Quantum computing can be a significant help in AI efforts. AI development requires the processing of vast amounts of data for machine learning. This helps the AI recognize patterns and make decisions better.

Although classic computing is doing its job, AI would benefit a lot from quantum tech. Faster processing can lead to better AI performance. Eventually, this can result in more human-like responses from AI.

If quantum computing is so great, why arent more industries using it? There are a few challenges that come with using quantum computing today.

The first issue is the complexity of quantum computing processes. Quantum computers are difficult to engineer and program. Thus it becomes challenging to find skilled individuals to operate and maintain the necessary machinery.

At the moment, quantum computers also require protected environments to operate. Yet, they make many mistakes due to the fragility of maintaining superposition and entanglement. They are also costly to maintain, so only large companies have them so far.

Quantum computing is still an emergent technology. It is not yet the standard, though many industry leaders see it in their future. It does have significant potential. But, it still needs further development to get into the mainstream.

Excerpt from:
Applications of Quantum Computing | IEEE Computer Society

Many large tech companies have already invested heavily in quantum technologies, yet significant adoption of quantum computing has had its share of delays and false starts. However, with some recent announcements in the quantum sector, now seems to be the ideal time for organizations to take a closer look at quantum and consider how this approach could work for their business workloads. Organizations that have been historically focused on classical computing are now positioning quantum for the future.

In an ESG IT spending survey, 11% of respondents indicated their organizations were piloting quantum for a few applications, 17% indicated they are testing and 24% of respondents have begun research but are years away from production apps. Finally, 27% have expressed an interest in quantum computing but have not taken any action toward embracing it.

This slow growth in adoption is about to change -- and possibly quickly. As leading organizations explore new ways to produce faster results, accelerate buying cycles and improve performance, they have become more open to shifting away from purely classical solutions to accelerate adoption of quantum.

The industry is also discovering new methods and use cases that can be applied from classical to quantum computing platforms. Take, for example, the recent merger between Quantum Computing Inc. (QCI) and QPhoton, a quantum photonics company. Bill McGann, COO and CTO at QCI, discussed the merger.

Based on the information he shared, it seems that the combination of QCI and QPhoton capabilities can deliver a quantum computer that makes quantum systems more accessible for organizations, so they can see business results faster and more cost effectively. Another benefit of this merger is that the companies are broadening the user base to non-quantum experts, many of whom have been anxiously awaiting the opportunity to explore quantum-possible problems in areas like analytical optimization and drug discovery.

Using a full-stack approach, QCI and QPhoton together offer a unique opportunity to accelerate the delivery of practical quantum applications. This is the same process that drove value in classical computing. The merger of the two companies extends the QCI portfolio to help accelerate the accessibility of quantum computing for today's use cases, such as AI and optimization. This also enables quantum computing to operate at room temperatures, which is often a challenge with this type of computing.

When it comes to the finance use case, one way to understand how to pivot from classical to quantum computing is to think through how algorithms work.

For example, take a traditional investor model. With a financial algorithm, you must understand and look at predefined user parameters, such as investment goals, risk tolerances and diversity of funds. In this scenario, the investor wants to understand the user's investment preferences and risk tolerances. This data is "parameterized" -- meaning variables are created and passed on to the quantum computing model, which could use an artificial intelligence model employed by the quantum-compliant Monte Carlo algorithm or other techniques to process the investor's instructions, analyze the global asset-universe stochastic data and produce corresponding investor-inquiry output results.

Another emerging focus or concept coming out of the investor model is enabling users to autonomously process and analyze stochastic financial asset data. An interface -- proprietary or not -- could enable users to provide predefined input parameters representing their investment preferences and risk-tolerance levels, and then produce independent customized solutions for each user.

Depending on the type of user inquiry or request for analysis, a version of AI -- such as autonomous dispersion analytics or autonomous diversification and allocation machine learning -- could deploy to process the instructions and analyze asset stochastic data. This process would be very difficult to achieve in classical computing environments.

As IBM chief quantum exponent Robert Sutor explained in a blog post from last July, "Quantum computers will solve some problems that are completely impractical for classical computers." This indicates that organizations plan to adopt quantum into their existing environments.

"[QCI is committed to be the] democratizing force that empowers non-quantum experts to realize quantum value," said Robert Liscouski, CEO of QCI. The recent acquisition of QPhoton accelerates this ease-of-use approach.

Here are some thoughts to consider:

Although it is still early days for quantum computing, vendors in this area -- such as HPE, Dell and IBM -- are seeing some interesting use cases, and they are exploring them with partners and customers. If they can couple quantum computers with HPC systems, hey believe quantum computers can accelerate certain workloads. In this model, quantum computing can become an accelerator attached to a standard HPC system.

So, who in corporate IT is buying quantum solutions? According to quantum companies, data scientists in education, scientist labs and researchers are the primary users, while common buyers include airline businesses, financial institutions and academia. The conversations focus on the top five applications for initial quantum, which include but are not limited to the following targeted sectors: optimization, research, crypto, finance, materials science and healthcare.

Microsoft is making headway with Azure Quantum without a huge investment of hardware. These emulators also have a consortium of companies backing them. QCI, Honeywell, Toshiba, IonQ and iCloud are vendors that discussed their approach, using Azure to achieve their goals.

Google Quantum AI is mostly based on a simulator, but its progress has slowed down since its initial launch in 2019. The Sycamore computer shows potential but is still in its early stage. Amazon Web Services has a quantum computing center focused on R&D, testing and operating quantum processors to innovate and scale tech to support new, large-scale initiatives.

Quantum defines its growth by three horizons:

The promise of the quantum computer has been coming for a long time -- and the concept is now becoming a reality. The use of scaling of qubits in real-world environments is showing real potential.

According to Investopedia, "Quantum computing is an area of computing focused on developing computer technology based on the principles of quantum theory (which explains the behavior of energy and material on the atomic and subatomic levels)." When we look at today's computers, they are designed to encode information in bits that use values of 1 or 0, therefore restricting their ability to achieve this next level of processing. Quantum is a completely new way of computing that differs significantly from what we do today on traditional classical systems.

There are many companies trying to get in front of this "wave" because quantum processing is incredibly fast. Solving today's problems would be completed in a fraction of time. However, not all use cases work with quantum. The traditional systems coexist with quantum systems now and will continue to do so in the future.

ESG is a division of TechTarget.

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What's the current state of quantum computing? - TechTarget

Qubits are a basic building block for quantum computers, but theyre also notoriously fragiletricky to observe without erasing their information in the process. Now, new research from CUBoulder and the National Institute of Standards and Technology (NIST) may be a leap forward for handling qubits with a light touch.

In the study, a team of physicists demonstrated that it could read out the signals from a type of qubit called a superconducting qubit using laser lightand without destroying the qubit at the same time.

Artist's depiction of an electro-optic transducer, an ultra-thin devicethat can capture and transform the signals coming from a superconducting qubit. (Credit: Steven Burrows/JILA)

The groups results could be a major step toward building a quantum internet, the researchers say. Such a network would link up dozens or even hundreds of quantum chips, allowing engineers to solve problems that are beyond the reach of even the fastest supercomputers around today. They could also, theoretically, use a similar set of tools to send unbreakable codes over long distances.

The study, published June 15 in the journal Nature, was led by JILA, a joint research institute between CU Boulder and NIST.

Currently, theres no way to send quantum signals between distant superconducting processors like we send signals between two classical computers, said Robert Delaney, lead author of the study and a former graduate student at JILA.

Quantum computers, which run on qubits,get their power by tapping into the properties of quantum physics, or the physics governing very small things. Delaney explained the traditional bits that run your laptop are pretty limited: They can only take on a value of zero or one, the numbers that underly most computer programming to date. Qubits, in contrast, can be zeros, ones or, through a property called superposition, exist as zeros and ones at the same time.

But working with qubits is also a bit like trying to catch a snowflake in your warm hand. Even the tiniest disturbance can collapse that superposition, causing them to look like normal bits.

In the new study, Delaney and his colleagues showed they could get around that fragility. The team uses a wafer-thin piece of silicon and nitrogen to transform the signal coming out of a superconducting qubit into visible lightthe same sort of light that already carries digital signals from city to city through fiberoptic cables.

Researchers have done experiments to extract optical light from a qubit, but not disrupting the qubit in the process is a challenge, said study co-author Cindy Regal, JILA fellow and associate professor of physics at CU Boulder.

There are a lot of different ways to make a qubit, she added.

Some scientists have assembled qubits by trapping an atom in laser light. Others have experimented with embedding qubits into diamonds and other crystals. Companies like IBM and Google have begun designing quantum computer chips using qubits made from superconductors.

A quantum computer chip designed by IBM that includes four superconducting qubits. (Credit: npj Quantum Information,2017)

Superconductors are materials that electrons can speed around without resistance. Under the right circumstances, superconductors will emit quantum signals in the form of tiny particles of light, or photons, that oscillate at microwave frequencies.

And thats where the problem starts, Delaney said.

To send those kinds of quantum signals over long distances, researchers would first need to convert microwave photons into visible light, or optical, photonswhich can whiz in relative safety through networks fiberoptic cables across town or even between cities. But when it comes to quantum computers, achieving that transformation is tricky, said study co-author Konrad Lehnert.

In part, thats because one of the main tools you need to turn microwave photons into optical photons is laser light, and lasers are the nemesis of superconducting qubits. If even one stray photon from a laser beam hits your qubit, it will erase completely.

The fragility of qubits and the essential incompatibility between superconductors and laser light makes usually prevents this kind of readout, said Lehnert, a NIST and JILA fellow.

To get around that obstacle, the team turned to a go-between: a thin piece of material called an electro-optic transducer.

Delaney explained the team begins by zapping that wafer, which is too small to see without a microscope, with laser light. When microwave photons from a qubit bump into the device, it wobbles and spits out more photonsbut these ones now oscillate at a completely different frequency. Microwave light goes in, and visible light comes out

In the latest study, the researchers tested their transducer using a real superconducting qubit. They discovered the thin material could achieve this switcheroo while also effectively keeping those mortal enemies, qubits and lasers, isolated from each other. In other words, none of the photons from the laser light leaked back to disrupt the superconductor.

Our electro-optic transducer does not have much effect on the qubit, Delaney said.

The team hasnt gotten to the point where it can transmit actual quantum information through its microscopic telephone booth. Among other issues, the device isnt particularly efficient yet. It takes about 500 microwave photons, on average, to produce a single visible light photon.

The researchers are currently working to improve that rate. Once they do, new possibilities may emerge in the quantum realm. Scientists could, theoretically, use a similar set of tools to send quantum signals over cables that would automatically erase their information when someone was trying to listen in. Mission Impossible made real, in other words, and all thanks to the sensitive qubit.

Link:
What quantum information and snowflakes have in common, and what we can do about it - CU Boulder Today