Archive for the ‘Quantum Computer’ Category

Design rules and synthesis of quantum memory candidates – Newswise

In the quest to develop quantum computers and networks, there are many components that are fundamentally different than those used today. Like a modern computer, each of these components has different constraints. However, it is currently unclear what materials can be used to construct those components for the transmission and storage of quantum information.

In new research published in the Journal of the American Chemical Society, University of Illinois Urbana Champaign materials science & engineering professor Daniel Shoemaker and graduate student Zachary Riedel used density functional theory (DFT) calculations to identify possible europium (Eu) compounds to serve as a new quantum memory platform. They also synthesized one of the predicted compounds, a brand new, air stable material that is a strong candidate for use in quantum memory, a system for storing quantum states of photons or other entangled particles without destroying the information held by that particle.

The problem that we are trying to tackle here is finding a material that can store that quantum information for a long time. One way to do this is to use ions of rare earth metals, says Shoemaker.

Found at the very bottom of the periodic table, rare earth elements, such as europium, have shown promise for use in quantum information devices due to their unique atomic structures. Specifically, rare earth ions have many electrons densely clustered close to the nucleus of the atom. The excitation of these electrons, from the resting state, can live for a long timeseconds or possibly even hours, an eternity in the world of computing. Such long-lived states are crucial to avoid the loss of quantum information and position rare earth ions as strong candidates for qubits, the fundamental units of quantum information.

Normally in materials engineering, you can go to a database and find what known material should work for a particular application, Shoemaker explains. For example, people have worked for over 200 years to find proper lightweight, high strength materials for different vehicles. But in quantum information, we have only been working at this for a decade or two, so the population of materials is actually very small, and you quickly find yourself in unknown chemical territory.

Shoemaker and Riedel imposed a few rules in their search of possible new materials. First, they wanted to use the ionic configuration Eu3+ (as opposed to the other possible configuration, Eu2+) because it operates at the right optical wavelength. To be written optically, the materials should be transparent. Second, they wanted a material made of other elements that have only one stable isotope. Elements with more than one isotope yield a mixture of different nuclear masses that vibrate at slightly different frequencies, scrambling the information being stored. Third, they wanted a large separation between individual europium ions to limit unintended interactions. Without separation, the large clouds of europium electrons would act like a canopy of leaves in a forest, rather than well-spaced-out trees in a suburban neighborhood, where the rustling of leaves from one tree would gently interact with leaves from another.

With those rules in place, Riedel composed a DFT computational screening to predict which materials could form. Following this screening, Riedel was able to identify new Eu compound candidates, and further, he was able to synthesize the top suggestion from the list, the double perovskite halide Cs2NaEuF6. This new compound is air stable, which means it can be integrated with other components, a critical property in scalable quantum computing. DFT calculations also predicted several other possible compounds that have yet to be synthesized.

We have shown that there are a lot of unknown materials left to be made that are good candidates for quantum information storage, Shoemaker says. And we have shown that we can make them efficiently and predict which ones are going to be stable.

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Design rules and synthesis of quantum memory candidates - Newswise

Innovative Quantum Information Transfer Using Magnons at HZDR – yTech

In a groundbreaking effort to advance quantum computing, researchers from the Helmholtz-Zentrum Dresden-Rossendorf (HZDR) have developed a novel technique for transferring quantum information. This technique employs magnons, which are essentially wave-like excitations within a magnetic material, to selectively address and control atomic-scale qubits in a silicon carbide matrix. This discovery has the potential to transform quantum communication within networks, enhancing the stability of qubits and the efficiency of their interaction.

Summary: HZDR researchers are paving the way for improved quantum computing by introducing a new method that leverages magnonic activity to control qubits. Unlike the conventional use of microwave antennas in quantum information transfer, the HZDR approach utilizes magnons with much shorter wavelengths, which could enable more compact integration on chips. Their study, recently featured in Science Advances, provides a foundation for the possibility of using magnons as a quantum bus that selectively targets individual qubits, promising a significant step forward in practical quantum computing applications.

The HZDRs solution overcomes a significant hurdle in quantum technologytransferring quantum information without loss between functionally distinct modules of a quantum computer. Researchers have demonstrated that magnons within a nickel-iron alloy magnetic disk could be used effectively to interact with spin qubits, which are basic units of quantum information encoded in the spin state of silicon vacancies.

Though quantum computation has not yet been performed with this system, the research sets the stage for future experiments aimed at controlling multiple qubits and fostering their entanglement. The long-term vision is to refine magnon-based quantum communication, making it so precise that it can address single qubits in an array, thus advancing the capabilities needed for constructing a functional quantum computer.

In the field of quantum computing, the advancements by researchers from the Helmholtz-Zentrum Dresden-Rossendorf (HZDR) mark a significant milestone. Their work on utilizing magnons for controlling qubits has the potential to pave the way for more compact and efficient quantum computers.

Quantum Computing Industry Overview The quantum computing industry is at the forefront of technologys next revolution, offering unprecedented problem-solving potential across fields such as cryptography, materials science, pharmaceuticals, and artificial intelligence. Quantum computers leverage the principles of quantum mechanics to process information in ways that traditional computers cannot match. As of my knowledge cutoff in early 2023, industry leaders include companies such as IBM, Google, Intel, and startups like Rigetti Computing and IonQ.

Market Forecasts The global market for quantum computing is projected to grow substantially over the next decade. According to market research, the quantum computing market size is expected to reach multi-billion dollar valuations, with predictions indicating it could be worth up to $65 billion by 2030. This forecast is driven by investments from both the public and private sectors aimed at advancing quantum technology research and the growing number of quantum use cases.

Industry Challenges Nevertheless, the industry faces significant challenges. One of the main issues is the fragility of quantum states, known as coherence. Quantum systems require extremely stable conditions to function, which is difficult to maintain over time and scale. The problem of quantum error correction also remains a critical barrier. Additionally, theres a need for standardization and interoperability between different quantum computing platforms.

Potential Impact of HZDRs Research The research conducted by HZDR could help address the issue of coherence by providing a method to control qubits with higher precision and stability. The utilization of magnons could also allow for better scalability of quantum circuits and possibly lead to quantum systems that are less prone to errors. As a result, the technique could have an impact on the creation of more practical and robust quantum computers.

Though the research is still in its early stages and practical applications are yet to be demonstrated, it is undeniable that the work carried out by HZDR researchers could significantly influence the future of the quantum computing industry.

If youre interested in learning more about quantum computing and related technological advancements, visit the main domain of the U.S. National Institute of Standards and Technology at NIST or The European Quantum Flagship initiative at Quantum Technology for further information and updates on the latest in quantum research and development. Please note, however, that the specific content of these pages is subject to change and should be verified for the latest information.

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Innovative Quantum Information Transfer Using Magnons at HZDR - yTech

Amazon Propels Quantum Computing Forward with Innovative Qubit Design – yTech

Summary: Amazon Web Services is taking a significant leap in the quantum computing realm by researching a new type of qubit that enhances error correction. Their approach may reduce the number of qubits necessary for reliable quantum computations, thus addressing a crucial challenge in the field.

Amazon Web Services (AWS) recently highlighted its groundbreaking work on a novel kind of qubit that promises to ease the challenge of error correction in quantum computing. This invention, christened the dual-rail erasure qubit, was unveiled in a detailed study published in the journal Physical Review X. Dr. Oskar Painter, the lead of AWSs Quantum Hardware team, emphasized the encouraging results from their initial experiments, positioning AWS at the forefront of quantum computing innovation.

The core advantage of these dual-rail erasure qubits is their ability to flag errors conspicuously. Conventional qubits, when observed, succumb to the collapse of their quantum state, obscuring error detection. In contrast, erasure qubits denote errors by transitioning to a distinguishable invalid state. This unique feature can potentially lead to a drop in error rates and, as a result, requires significantly fewer physical qubits to constitute one error-free logical qubit.

These special qubits are also designed to be compatible with the superconducting transmon qubits that Amazon is developing, albeit requiring a higher number of control wires. AWSs strategy involves extensive testing of these new qubits through the creation of larger arrays and the integration of various quantum gate types. The goal is to fold both Clifford and non-Clifford gates into quantum algorithms, allowing comprehensive quantum operations.

Companies like IBM, Google, and Microsoft are also key participants in the quantum computing race, a field thats poised for explosive growth over the next few years. The market is predicted to burgeon up to $65 billion by 2030, driven by advancements that enable quantum computers to outperform classical counterparts in fields ranging from finance to pharmaceuticals.

In conclusion, while quantum computing still faces hurdles such as error correction and practical application, contributions like those from AWS are integral to realizing the full potential of quantum computing. The industry continues to look towards research initiatives that can marry theoretical capabilities with actual technological outcomes.

Developments in Quantum Computing Industry and Market Outlook

Quantum computing represents a transformative evolution in computational technology, offering potential leaps in processing power over classical computers. Amazon Web Services, as described in the summary, is making strides in this sector with their innovative approach to error correction. Error correction is a pivotal aspect of quantum computing, as it addresses the inherent instability of quantum states known as qubits. AWSs dual-rail erasure qubits represent a step towards resolving the fragility of qubit states, enabling more stable and scalable quantum computing solutions.

The quantum computing industry is not just limited to AWSs efforts. Other tech giants like IBM, Google, and Microsoft are investing heavily into research and development to achieve quantum supremacy, where a quantum computer can solve complex problems faster than any classical computer can.

Market Forecasts

Experts predict considerable market expansion in the coming years. According to industry forecasts, the quantum computing market could grow to around $65 billion by 2030. This escalated growth reflects the high expectations from quantum computing to revolutionize various sectors including cryptography, drug development, financial modeling, and materials science. As quantum computers become more adept at solving certain types of problems, industries are expected to leverage this technology to gain competitive advantages and innovate beyond current limitations.

The Challenges Facing Quantum Computing

Despite the promising forecasts, quantum computing is in its relative infancy and not without its challenges. Firstly, there is the issue of qubit coherence, the time during which the qubits maintain their quantum state. Maintaining coherence over longer periods is critical for practical quantum computing and requires significant advancement in technology and materials.

Furthermore, the quantum computing industry must tackle the scalability of quantum systems. Building larger qubit arrays without succumbing to error rates that nullify the computational benefits is a complex task. The integration of different types of quantum gates, as AWS plans to do, and the development of error-correcting codes are critical components of this process.

Another issue to consider is the quantum software ecosystem. Developing algorithms and software that can run on quantum computers and deliver valuable outputs is a major hurdle. There is a need for a workforce skilled in quantum computing, which necessitates education and training programs.

Conclusion

The path towards a future where quantum computing is commonplace is marked by both technological innovation and market potential. AWSs research on the dual-rail erasure qubit is a piece of the larger quantum computing industry puzzle. As companies continue to push the frontiers of quantum hardware and software, the expectations for a quantum revolution in various fields remain high. Whether quantum computing will live up to its potential hinges on overcoming significant technical challenges and fostering an ecosystem that supports its growth and integration into mainstream technology.

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Amazon Propels Quantum Computing Forward with Innovative Qubit Design - yTech

Ready for a quantum internet? Scientists just hit a key milestone in the race for an interconnected web of quantum … – Livescience.com

We're now one step closer to a "quantum internet" an interconnected web of quantum computers after scientists built a network of "quantum memories" at room temperature for the first time.

In their experiments, the scientists stored and retrieved two photonic qubits qubits made from photons (or light particles) at the quantum level, according to their paper published on Jan. 15 in the Nature journal, Quantum Information.

The breakthrough is significant because quantum memory is a foundational technology that will be a precursor to a quantum internet the next generation of the World Wide Web.

Quantum memory is the quantum version of binary computing memory. While data in classical computing is encoded in binary states of 1 or 0, quantum memory stores data as a quantum bit, or qubit, which can also be a superposition of 1 and 0. If observed, the superposition collapses and the qubit is as useful as a conventional bit.

Quantum computers with millions of qubits are expected to be vastly more powerful than today's fastest supercomputers because entangled qubits (intrinsically linked over space and time) can make many more calculations simultaneously.

Related: How could this new type of room-temperature qubit usher in the next phase of quantum computing?

As the name implies, the quantum internet is an internet infrastructure that relies on the laws of quantum mechanics to transmit data between quantum computers. But we need quantum memory for a quantum network to function. Because qubits adopt a superposition of 1 and 0, rather than either binary state as in classical computing, they can store and transmit more information with far greater density than conventional networks.

To get these fleets of quantum memories to work together at a quantum level, and in a room temperature state, is something that is essential for any quantum internet on any scale. To our knowledge, this feat has not been demonstrated before, and we expect to build on this research, said lead author Eden Figueroa, professor of physics and astronomy at Stony Brook University, in a statement.

Quantum networks built in recent years have needed to be cooled to absolute zero to operate, which limits their usefulness. But scientists from Stony Brook University developed a method to store two separate photons and most importantly successfully retrieve their quantum signature. They achieved this at room temperature by storing photons in a rubidium gas.

This makes it more viable than previous experiments in designing and deploying a quantum internet in the future. However, they could only store the photons in this experiment for a fraction of a second, while storing qubits at cryogenic temperatures normally means they can last for more than an hour.

The actual selling point of this was that they were able to take two independently stored photons, retrieve them at the same time, and interfere them, Daniel Oi, a professor in quantum physics at the University of Strathclyde, told Live Science. You get whats called a HOM dip, or a Hong-Ou-Mandel dip, which is a characteristic quantum signature indicating that these two photons were identical.

As well as being faster, quantum communications are inherently secure while classical communications can be intercepted or manipulated. This is because any attempts to intercept and read information transmitted across the quantum network equates to observation which would collapse the superposition of the qubits moving through the circuit.

This is an active field of research and a race is underway to develop the technologies that will help us build a quantum internet. In 2022, researchers in Switzerland stored a single photon using a similar method. That same year, China transmitted signals using quantum entanglement between two memory devices located 12.5 kilometers apart.

The next stage is to develop a method for detecting when a quantum signal is ready to be retrieved, without destroying the properties of the signal through direct observation. Achieving this would pave the way for quantum repeaters, which are devices that can extend the range of a quantum signal. This would be a key precursor to a large-scale quantum internet.

One of the holy grails of quantum memories is How do you detect that youve actually stored a photon, without destroying the quantum properties of that photon, and do it in a way that is efficient and reliable?, said Oi.

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Ready for a quantum internet? Scientists just hit a key milestone in the race for an interconnected web of quantum ... - Livescience.com

The Navy is trying to use quantum computers to task spy satellites – Defense One

The real breakthrough in quantum computing is always ten years away, or so goes the old saw. But even though disagreement persists about how to measure the performance of one quantum computer over another, and even how to code for machines that are fundamentally unlike the machines that code was invented for, the U.S. Navy is already experimenting with sort of highly complex problems that only quantum computers can solve.

One of them is scheduling satellites to be in specific places at specific times to collect images.

We have a project where we are taking information that we are getting that relates to how we schedule the satellites and what targets they should focus on. It turns out that that is what's known as an NP-hard problem, Lennart Gunlycke, technical director of the Navys Quantum Program, said last week at the West conference in San Diego, California. And we've already made some good progress.

Quantum computers are distinct from traditional computers in that they run on qubits as opposed to bits. The latter, based in logic gates on a silicon transistor, can have a value of 1 or 0. Qubits, or quantum bits of information based on the behavior of subatomic particles, can have values anywhere between 1 and 0, allowing them to solve problems beyond the practical reach of traditional computers.

IBM, which in December unveiled a processor that can handle more than a thousand qubits, has also a quantum computer roadmap stretching into the next decade.

We fully intend to field a 100,000-qubit machine by the year 2033. In fact, we will field three of them. We have already partnered with the University of Chicago and the University of Tokyo for two of those machines, Joseph S. Broz, IBMs vice president for quantum growth and market development said in San Diego. A 100-qubit machine has a computational space and dimension that is larger than all the atoms in the known universe. So you can imagine the computational power behind a 100,000-cubed machine.

Faster airplane design is among the commercial applications of quantum computing that could carry over into defense, Broz said.

You mentioned optimization, logistics, and contested logistics. Also in the materials and chemistry areas, many of the companies that we work with, such as Boeing, we are utilizing quantum computing to optimize flight composites for aircraft and on airfoils. That turns out to be a very difficult problem. When you look at optimizing those materials against the various constraints of yield modulus, weight, curvature, and various tensile strengths in three dimensions, turns out to be a very difficult problem, if successfully applied, quantum computing could optimize the development of those materials.

Gunlycke said the Navy has been doing chemical simulations on quantum computers to better understand corrosion on ships.

Operators might be able to use quantum computers not just to task satellites but jets, drones, and other weapons., The algorithms would resemble those of a delivery company that wants to send pickup orders to the most suitable drivers, based on distance to pickup and drop off, said Michael McMillan, the executive director of the Naval Information Warfare Center (NIWC) Pacific.

You would assign that to the person who's about to drive by the 7-11, who could just pull in and pick up that Slurpee and deliver it to someone and then the lunch to the place it was destined to go to. If you think about that in very simple terms and expand that into an area like the Pacific, whether you're dealing with a surveillance problem, or whether you're dealing with what are the right weapons to apply to specific targets, optimize the effects given the limited weapons we have to avoid you know, there are ways to bring this down really specific naval and DOD problems, McMillan said. Is quantum going to replace the systems we have right now on chips? I don't think we're at that point. I think we're probably a decade away from anything like that.

Private investment in quantum computing for such dual-use applications is booming. But Broz said the U.S. government is underfunding quantum computing compared to China, and its not even close.

The United States is third or fourth in terms of the funding race, he said. We share that bottom quartile with nine other nations, most of them are allies. So we're not only underfunding quantum but we're underfunding it across a huge footprint of the globe with public funding.

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The Navy is trying to use quantum computers to task spy satellites - Defense One