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Four public South Dakota universities would start offering research and training in an emerging field of technology that promises to solve complex problems in minutes instead of years, if lawmakers approve a $6 million plan.

Jose-Marie Griffiths, president of Dakota State University in Madison, is leading the charge to put the state at the forefront in quantum computers, which are far faster and more capable than any of the largest, most complex supercomputers already in use.

"We need to be in the game. And if we don't do this, when the federal monies start to flow for grants and contracts, we will miss out," she said. "If we don't have that basic introductory experience and expertise, then people are not going to come to us."

The entire push for a new Center for Quantum Information Science and Technology at DSU begins with a proposed $6 million state appropriations bill now under consideration by the South Dakota Legislature, Griffiths said.

The money won't buy a new building or even come close to affording an actual quantum computer, which in its early form costs up to $15 million and requires an extremely cold environment in which to operate.

Instead, the money would largely be used over four years to fund a handful of new faculty positions and graduate student slots at DSU, the South Dakota School of Mines and Technology in Rapid City, the University of South Dakota in Vermillion, and South Dakota State University in Brookings. The legislative appropriations bill, Senate Bill 45, was set to be heard by the Senate Education Committee today (January 25).

Griffiths refers to the initial investment as "seed money" to get the state positioned and recognized as an early leader in the field of quantum computers, which experts say will contain the capacity to quickly run equations, manage and manipulate data and solve problems that might take modern supercomputers many years to solve, if ever.

The technology is rapidly evolving but is still a few years away from wider, practical usage, Griffiths said. The $6 million investment would show the federal government and companies like IBM or Honeywell that the South Dakota university system is a network they can rely on for new research, collaborations and education of future employees in a field expected to create tens of thousands of new high-paying jobs.

Gov. Kristi Noem shared her support for a quantum computer center during her annual state budget address in December.

We have an exciting new opportunity for the jobs of the future, Noem said. For too long, our kids were moving out of South Dakota to access exciting tech jobs.

As the power of computers grows, and as artificial intelligence plays a larger role in global society and economies, some scientists are urging caution in how these advanced technologies could be used either with intentional nefarious motives or by mistakes that manifest in negative outcomes.

Survey results from the Pew Research Center in August showed that 52 percent of Americans are more concerned than excited about artificial intelligence.

DSU already has established a 20-year track record of research and teaching in the field of cyber technology, which includes computer science and the new, rapidly expanding field of cybersecurity.

In 2022, DSU announced it will take the lead role in development of a $90 million expansion of cyber education and research through its Applied Research Lab, which includes a facility in Madison and a planned Sioux Falls lab that will create several hundred jobs and be a leader in the fields of technology and cybersecurity.

The quantum science center is the logical next step in the evolution of the university's mission, according to Ashley Podhradsky, vice president for research and economic development at DSU.

Partly as a result, the university has seen an increase in outside funding opportunities and internal growth, Griffiths said. DSU also has bucked the recent trend of declining enrollment at state universities that have seen slow, steady declines in attendance. DSUs total enrollment last fall was 3,509, an increase of 8.3 percent over 2022.

As an example of how state investment in research can lead to greater outside funding, Podhradsky noted that a 2020 state appropriation of $400,000 for the Cyber Incubator and Entrepreneurial Center at DSU has since led to more than $2 million in external sponsorships for the university.

When it comes to quantum, Griffiths and Podhradsky said the university has already heard from corporations, universities and government contractors exploring future partnerships with DSU due to its track record on cyber research and simply the announcement of the proposed quantum center. A possible partnership with a university in Australia is in the works.

"It's the foundation that we're developing for future partnerships," Podhradsky said. "They're looking at it initially as a strategic advancement, as a defining factor to differentiate their capabilities from others. And if we're able to secure that for them here in South Dakota, that makes our partnership that much more valuable to them."

Griffiths hopes the Legislature sees the value in the proposed $6 million appropriation for the quantum science center and approves the money so universities can immediately begin recruiting faculty and student researchers to build the momentum built for the future.

"We want to say, Let's get the expertise ready. And we're doing it in a shared way across four institutions, which I believe is the way to go. And then we will attract interest, Griffiths said. "I just think that we have a real opportunity here, and if we stop, we won't be ready when the time comes. And we'll miss the whole thing."

This article was produced by South Dakota News Watch, a non-profit journalism organization located online at sdnewswatch.org.

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South Dakota looks to be a leader in quantum computing - mykxlg.com

The morning coffee will swirl with clouds of white liquid if a dash of creamer is added. But after a few seconds, those swirls will go, and it will be left with a regular brown liquid in a mug.

In the current study, Nandkishore and his colleagues used mathematical tools to envision a checkerboard pattern of theoretical qubits. The team discovered that if they arranged these zeros and ones in the right way, the patterns could flow around the checkerboard but might never disappear entirely. Image Credit: Stephen, Hart & Nandkishore

Information can quickly become jumbled in quantum computer chips, which are devices that tap into the strange features of the universe at its smallest scales. This limits the memory capacity of these devices.

That does not have to be the case, notes Rahul Nandkishore, Associate Professor of Physics at CU Boulder.

Using mathematical techniques, he and his colleagues have made a significant breakthrough in theoretical physics by demonstrating that it is possible to construct a situation in which milk and coffee do not mix, regardless of how vigorously they are stirred.

The team's research could result in improved quantum computer chips and give engineers new avenues to store data in minuscule items.

Think of the initial swirling patterns that appear when you add cream to your morning coffee; imagine if these patterns continued to swirl and dance no matter how long you watched.

Rahul Nandkishore, Senior Author and Associate Professor, Department of Physics, University of Colorado Boulder

To confirm that these infinite swirls are indeed feasible, more laboratory tests are required. However, the team's findings represent a significant advancement for physicists working on the project known as "ergodicity breaking," which aims to produce materials that stay out of equilibrium for extended periods of time.

The group's results were published in the journal "Physical Review Letters."

The study's universal issue in quantum computing is what drives co-authors David Stephen and Oliver Hart, postdoctoral physics researchers at CU Boulder.

Typically, "bits," which are represented by zeros or ones, power computers. Contrarily, Nandkishore clarified, quantum computers use "qubits," which are entities that can exist as either zero or one at the same moment due to the peculiarities of quantum mechanics.

Qubits have been created by engineers using a variety of materials, such as single atoms trapped by lasers or small components known as superconductors.

But qubits are readily confused, much like that cup of coffee. For instance, if every qubit is flipped to one, the qubits will ultimately flip back and forth until the chip as a whole becomes a disorganized mess.

In their recent research, Nandkishore and his colleagues may have identified a method to overcome the usual tendency of qubits to mix. The group conducted calculations suggesting that if scientists organize qubits into specific patterns, these configurations would preserve their information even when subjected to disturbances such as a magnetic field.

This finding raises the possibility of constructing devices with a form of quantum memory, according to the physicist.

This could be a way of storing information; you would write information into these patterns, and the information could not be degraded.

Rahul Nandkishore, Senior Author and Associate Professor, Department of Physics, University of Colorado Boulder

In the study, an array of hundreds to thousands of qubits arranged in a checkerboard-like pattern was seen by the researchers using mathematical modeling techniques.

They found that packing the qubits into a small space was the key. According to Nandkishore, qubits can affect the actions of their neighbors if they are near enough to one another. It is similar to a throng of people attempting to cram themselves into a phone booth. Even if some of those individuals are either standing straight or on their heads, they are unable to turn around without shoving into other people.

According to their calculations, if these patterns were formed precisely, they may flow around a quantum computing chip and never break down, much like the clouds of cream that swirl indefinitely throughout the coffee.

Nandkishore said, The wonderful thing about this study is that we discovered that we could understand this fundamental phenomenon through what is almost simple geometry.

The teams findings could influence a lot more than just quantum computers.

However, his recent discoveries add to the increasing amount of evidence that implies certain small matter organizations can resist that equilibrium, thereby defying some of the universe's most inflexible laws.

According to Nandkishore, nearly everything in the universe, from massive seas to coffee cups, tends to gravitate toward a state known as "thermal equilibrium." When you place an ice cube inside the mug, for instance, the heat from the coffee will cause the ice to melt and finally turn into a liquid that is all the same temperature.

We are not going to have to redo our math for ice and water. The field of mathematics that we call statistical physics is incredibly successful in describing things we encounter in everyday life. But there are settings where maybe it does not apply.

Rahul Nandkishore, Senior Author and Associate Professor, Department of Physics, University of Colorado Boulder

Stephen, D. T., et.al., (2024). Ergodicity Breaking Provably Robust to Arbitrary Perturbations. Physical Review Letters. doi.org/10.1103/physrevlett.132.040401

Source: https://www.colorado.edu/

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The Science Behind the Swirling Patterns in Your Morning Coffee - AZoQuantum

Quantum computing stocks emerged as a booming growth sector at the back-end of last year. Over the past six months, the Defiance Quantum ETF (NYSEARCA:QTUM), focused on quantum computing, rose by 8%, outperforming the S&P 500s 7% return, highlighting the sectors robust market performance. This sector, harnessing decades of research, leverages quantum mechanics to eclipse traditional computing in problem-solving efficiency. Consequently, Future Market Insights predicts that the global quantum computing market will experience remarkable growth, soaring from $784 million in 2023 to a staggering $6.5 billion by 2033.

Moreover, the ripple effect of this technology is vast, enhancing industries across the board, thanks to improved affordability and cloud computing breakthroughs. In this dynamic scenario, a few quantum computing leaders are ready to achieve remarkable investment success. At the quantum forefront, these trailblazers offer revolutionary computing solutions and compelling investment opportunities.

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Nvidia (NASDAQ:NVDA), renowned for its AI innovations, is now making major inroads in quantum computing. Its cuQuantum project, focused on quantum circuit simulations, has achieved breakthroughs in simulating both ideal and noisy qubits. This advancement solidifies Nvidia as a major force in quantum computing, with its Tensor Core GPUs at the forefront of powering advanced quantum simulators and algorithms.

Moreover, a recent press release reveals a third quarter non-GAAP earnings per share of $4.02, surpassing estimates by 63 cents, and a revenue surge to $18.12 billion, a 205.6% surge year-over-year, beating projections by $2.01 billion. The company is poised to announce its results for the fourth quarter next month, and 38 analysts have recently bumped its earnings per share (EPS) forecasts.

Furthermore, Nvidias collaboration with diverse quantum hardware providers will propel it even further. With its chips and semiconductors integral to the worlds top supercomputers and quantum computing, projections suggest Nvidia could quadruple in value by 2032, marking it as a trailblazer in computing innovation and investment potential.

Source: Koshiro K / Shutterstock.com

Alphabet (NASDAQ:GOOG, NASDAQ:GOOGL), a global tech behemoth, continues to make waves across various domains, notably quantum computing. The companys Quantum AI marks a significant stride, offering an open-source framework for quantum computer programming. Additionally, its Quantum Virtual Machine, which emulates a Google quantum computer, underscores Alphabets commitment to innovation in this cutting-edge field. Through its Google Quantum AI team, Alphabet is establishing itself as a key player in the development of superconducting quantum processors and software tools, demonstrating remarkable progress in quantum supremacy.

Financially, Alphabet has outperformed in its sector. With year-over-year revenue growth of 5.32%, it stands at 93% higher than the sector median of 2.76%. While the growth rate might appear modest for a company of Alphabets scale, its ability to sustain and achieve significant growth in a saturated market is commendable. This performance has earned Alphabet a Strong Buy rating from TipRanks analysts, with an anticipated 6% upside potential.

Source: Asif Islam / Shutterstock.com

Microsoft (NASDAQ:MSFT) is quickly becoming a frontrunner in the quantum computing arena, a move catching many investors eyes. Much like its revolutionary impact on software development with .NET, Microsoft is now crafting a comprehensive quantum computing ecosystem through its Q# framework. This initiative is already in motion, attracting thousands of eager developers to explore and create quantum-powered applications using Microsofts cutting-edge tools.

On the hardware side, Microsoft embraces a bold strategy, investing heavily in research and development to forge a more stable quantum system. This high-risk, high-reward approach reflects Microsofts dedication to being a trailblazer in quantum computing. The companys commitment to innovation is mirrored in its impressive financial performance. In the first quarter of 2024, Microsoft reported earnings per share of $2.99 and revenues of $56.52 billion, a stellar 12.76% increase year-over-year. Considering the potential of quantum computing to enhance AI capabilities exponentially, Microsoft emerges as an incredibly promising long-term investment option.

On the date of publication, Muslim Farooque 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

Muslim Farooque is a keen investor and an optimist at heart. A life-long gamer and tech enthusiast, he has a particular affinity for analyzing technology stocks. Muslim holds a bachelors of science degree in applied accounting from Oxford Brookes University.

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The Quantum Leap: 3 Stocks to Buy for the Age of Quantum Computing - InvestorPlace

BOULDER, Colo. Your morning coffee is playing an important role in the world of quantum physics. Adding cream to a cup of joe can cause mesmerizing swirls, but imagine if it was for an indefinite period of time instead of a few seconds. Researchers at the University of Colorado-Boulder are now drawing a parallel between this tasty event and the potential advancements of quantum computing.

They have made a theoretical breakthrough, suggesting that quantum computer chips could be engineered to maintain information in a constant state, much like unending swirls in a coffee cup. This discovery could revolutionize how we approach data storage in quantum computers.

What Are Quantum Computers?

Quantum computers, unlike traditional computers, operate on qubits instead of bits. While bits represent data as zeros or ones, qubits, due to the peculiarities of quantum physics, can exist as zero, one, or both simultaneously. This unique capability allows quantum computers to perform complex computations at unprecedented speeds. However, qubits are notoriously susceptible to becoming jumbled, leading to disorganized and unusable data a challenge akin to the settling of coffee swirls into a uniform brown liquid.

Scientists have proposed a solution to this instability. By arranging qubits in specific patterns, similar to a checkerboard, and bringing them in close proximity, they can influence each other in a way that preserves their initial state. This arrangement, the researchers suggest, could create a form of quantum memory, resistant to disturbances like magnetic fields.

This could be a way of storing information, says study author Rahul Nandkishore, an associate professor of physics at CU Boulder, in a university release. You would write information into these patterns, and the information couldnt be degraded.

The study used mathematical models to envision an array of hundreds to thousands of qubits in tight configurations. In such a setup, individual qubits can affect their neighbors, preventing them from flipping states randomly. This concept, Nandkishore explains, is akin to squeezing people into a telephone booth, where movement is highly restricted.

Beyond quantum computers, this research touches on fundamental principles of physics. It challenges the concept of thermal equilibrium, where systems like a cup of coffee or an ice cube in water eventually reach a uniform state. Nandkishores work suggests that in certain conditions, systems can resist this equilibrium, potentially defying long-standing physical laws.

The wonderful thing about this study is that we discovered that we could understand this fundamental phenomenon through what is almost simple geometry, says Nandkishore.

While further experimental validation is required, the research teams findings offer a promising avenue for developing more stable and efficient quantum computers, potentially leading to significant advancements in the field.

Were not going to have to redo our math for ice and water, concludes Nandkishore. The field of mathematics that we call statistical physics is incredibly successful for describing things we encounter in everyday life. But there are settings where maybe it doesnt apply.

The study is published in the journal Physical Review Letters.

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Coffee With Cream Is Revolutionizing Quantum Physics - Study Finds

IonQ, the College Park-based quantum computing company, Thursday announced it hit its target technical milestone of 35 algorithmic qubits (#AQ) a full year ahead of schedule.

This milestone was achieved on IonQ Forte and leveraged the unique advantages of IonQs quantum computers, including high-fidelity trapped ion qubits and the industrys only all-to-all connected architecture.

At #AQ 35, IonQs systems will now be more useful than ever for tackling quantum applications, such as those in quantum machine learning and quantum chemistry.

The companys performance results were achieved on IonQs Forte through hardware and software improvements including increasing the systems qubit count, improving optical detection hardware and deploying a new, optimized quantum program compiler.

IonQ adopted #AQ as a primary technical benchmark and has been laser-focused on optimizing across the full quantum computing stack to attain the ambitious targets laid out in the companys roadmap. The higher the #AQ a system offers, the more commercial value IonQ can deliver to customers and partners.

The single-number AQ metric is derived from algorithmic benchmarking protocols established inanindependent industry-wide studyconducted by the Quantum Economic Development Consortium. In this benchmark the most complex circuits, in terms of the number of qubits and number of gates, determine the resulting #AQ score. At #AQ 35, IonQ Forte is capable of considering more than 34 billion different possibilities simultaneously.

IonQs quantum computers are the only systems available on all three major cloud platforms Amazon Braket, Microsoft Azure and Google Cloud, as well as through direct API access. Current customers taking advantage of IonQs quantum systems includeAirbus,HyundaiMotors and theU.S. Air Force Research Laboratory.

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Maryland company reports quantum computing milestone ahead of schedule - Maryland Daily Record