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LONDONThe aircraft on display at the Royal International Air Tattoo (RIAT) this weekend all lack a quantum computing system, and if they cannot quickly take on board the emerging technology when it becomes available they risk becoming obsolete, a UK minister says.

Im conscious that all of you are off for an orgy of technology and kit and noise down in Gloucester, said James Heappey, the UK Minister of the Armed Services, speaking July 13 at the Global Air & Space Chiefs Conference here.

But he urged the audience of air and space chiefs and their staffs to not get too excited about the technology on display or even the next generation of fighters in development if they lack the ability to harness the power of quantum computing in the future.

The danger is in that the generation of planes that we will be sold at Fairford over the next 72 hr., none of them have quantum computing in yet, Heappey said. All of them will be in service when quantum computing arrives.

Quantum computing remains in early development, but proposes to revolutionize the power of computers by exploiting quantum phenomena to make enormous calculations quickly and efficiently.

When those computers, instead of computing ones and zeros they are computing on atoms, Heappey continued, then the vastness of the noise of the ocean, or the vastness of the business of the skies or the vastness of everything thats happening with a human population on land can be understood and crunched by computers that are working at a speed that we cant imagine. It will enormously change what our armed forces can do. And weve got to be ready to spiral that into our machines when that moment comes.

Heappey compared the impact of quantum computing in military operations to the arrival of the tank and the machine gun.

We have to be able to buy aircraft, design aircraft where the moment that those computers are good to go, you can rip out whatever is there and chuck in the quantum computer, Heappey said. I think this is going to change warfare in the most profound way.

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UK Minister: Military Aircraft Must Be Ready For Quantum Computing - Aviation Week

IBM

As Sabrina Maniscalco, CEO of the quantum-computing start-up Algorithmiq, told Nature, These machines are coming.

If thats the case, if and when they get here, its going to kickstart a computing revolution. Quantum computers are built to be able to perform incredibly complex and energy-expensive operations with ease that current computers couldnt hope to match. They will open up whole new avenues of computing potential in a vast array of fields, and hopefully answer a lot of questions that we arguably dont even have to power to properly ask right now.

But before thats possible, developers have to get around one major stumbling block: quantum noise.

Quantum noise is basically interference, and it can come from a variety of sourceseverything from interfering radiation to temperature fluctuations. The more noise in a calculation, the more error in the answer. And while quantum bitsor qubitsare incredibly powerful, theyre also temperamental. Anything that can knock them out of their quantum state before the calculation is finished can introduce noise and, therefore, errors.

Ideally, researchers developing these computers want to find ways to actually eliminate this noise before it throws flags by creating what are known as fault-tolerant circuits. But until we figure out how to do that, scientists are working on error mitigation strategies. And thats exactly how IBM got their computer to make its breakthrough calculation.

The researchers took a look at what the noise in their circuits looked like, and mapped it out as well as they could. Then, once the computer had finished its initial calculation, they were able to basically go back in and subtract the noise from the computers answer. This allowed the team to generate a final answer with extremely limited noise pollution to a problem that IBM claims is actually real-world useful. Their calculations used all 127 qubits built into the Eagle processor and took up to 60 processing steps.

Now, this breakthrough isnt quite quantum supremacythe ability of quantum computers to solve problems that regular ones cant. Were most likely not there yet (though Google claimed to have hit that milestone in 2019), and some experts dont think we could ever get there simply through error mitigation.

And even though this quantum benchmark gets a lot closer to real-world useful than Googles claimed quantum supremacy experiment, the test still only modeled a significantly simplified version of the material it was asked to simulate. Simplified tasks are not out of the ordinary for developing new systems, but its important to contextualize the complexity of what these machines are doing.

But the breakthrough seems to be a step in the right direction, especially for the short-term. In theory, this experiment shows that there is promise in the idea of creating a useful quantum computer through error mitigation, even if we cant fully manage true error correction with fault-tolerant circuits just yet. It may be a worthwhile stopover before pretty much everybody, including IBM, sets their sights fully on a noise-free quantum computing system.

Even a little bit of useful quantum computing has the potential to really shake things up.

Associate News Editor

Jackie is a writer and editor from Pennsylvania. She's especially fond of writing about space and physics, and loves sharing the weird wonders of the universe with anyone who wants to listen. She is supervised in her home office by her two cats.

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Quantum Computers Could Be Truly Useful in Just Two Years - Popular Mechanics

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Greetings fellow serial reader

Are you ready for the next big thing?

Lets dive into the fascinating future of quantum computing and explore its implications for the next stage of humanitys ever evolving story.

Strap yourself in, we have ground to cover and the world is changing fast.

First things first, what is quantum computing?

Well, its an entirely new way of processing information. Traditional computers use bits that represent either a 0 or a 1.

Quantum computers, on the other hand, use quantum bits, or qubits, which can represent a 0, a 1, or both simultaneously through a mind-bending concept called superposition.

This means that quantum computers can process an enormous amount of information in parallel, leading to unprecedented computational power.

So, what does this mean for us?

Buckle up, because the implications are vast.

Lets start with cryptography. Quantum computing has the potential to crack many of the encryption methods that currently keep our data secure.

As quantum computers can process large numbers at lightning speed, they could render many of todays encryption protocols obsolete.

This has spurred scientists to develop quantum-resistant encryption algorithms to safeguard our digital privacy in the post-quantum era.

Quantum computing also holds tremendous promise for drug discovery and material science.

The ability to simulate and analyze complex molecular interactions could revolutionize the way we develop new drugs, leading to more effective treatments for diseases that have eluded us for years.

Likewise, quantum computers can model and optimize the properties of materials, paving the way for breakthroughs in energy storage, superconductivity, and much more.

Furthermore, quantum computing is expected to have a profound impact on artificial intelligence.

Machine learning algorithms could be supercharged, allowing for more accurate predictions, faster training, and improved decision-making.

Quantum AI algorithms, such as quantum neural networks, could unlock new avenues of research and enable us to tackle problems that are currently computationally infeasible.

But wait, theres more!

Quantum computing also promises to revolutionize logistics and optimization problems.

With their immense processing power, quantum computers can rapidly find the most efficient routes for transportation, optimize supply chains, and solve complex scheduling problems.

This could lead to significant cost savings, reduced environmental impact, and improved overall efficiency in various industries.

Now, before you start picturing a world dominated by quantum computers, its important to mention that were still in the early stages of quantum computing development.

While weve made impressive strides, there are still numerous technical challenges to overcome, such as improving qubit stability, reducing errors, and scaling up the number of qubits.

But researchers and companies around the world are working tirelessly to address these hurdles and bring us closer to the quantum future.

In conclusion, quantum computing holds immense potential to reshape our world.

From revolutionizing cryptography to transforming drug discovery, AI, logistics, and beyond, this technology is poised to unlock unprecedented computational power.

While we may not see quantum computers on every desk just yet, the strides being made today are laying the groundwork for a future where the impossible becomes possible.

So, hold onto your thoughts, because the quantum revolution is more emergent than ever before!

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Quantum Computing: Igniting a Digital Revolution That Will Change ... - Medium

Nothing exists in a vacuum, but physicists often wish this weren't the case. If the systems that scientists study could be completely isolated from the outside world, things would be a lot easier.

Take quantum computing. It's a field that's already drawing billions of dollars in support from tech investors and industry heavyweights including IBM, Google and Microsoft. But if the tiniest vibrations creep in from the outside world, they can cause a quantum system to lose information.

For instance, even light can cause information leaks if it has enough energy to jiggle the atoms within a quantum processor chip.

"Everyone is really excited about building quantum computers to answer really hard and important questions," said Joe Kitzman, a doctoral student at Michigan State University. "But vibrational excitations can really mess up a quantum processor."

But, with new research published in the journal Nature Communications, Kitzman and his colleagues are showing that these vibrations need not be a hindrance. In fact, they could benefit quantum technology.

"If we can understand how the vibrations couple with our system, we can use that as a resource and a tool for creating and stabilizing some types of quantum states," Kitzman said.

What that means is that researchers can use these results to help mitigate information lost by quantum bits, or qubits (pronounced "q bits").

Conventional computers rely on a clear-cut binary logic. Bits encode information by taking on one of two distinct possible states, often denoted as zero or one. Qubits, however, are more flexible and can exist in states that are simultaneously both zero and one.

Although that may sound like cheating, it's well within the rules of quantum mechanics. Still, this feature should give quantum computers valuable advantages over conventional computers for certain problems in a variety of areas, including science, finance and cybersecurity.

Beyond its implications for quantum technology, the MSU-led team's report also helps set the stage for future experiments to better explore quantum systems in general.

"Ideally, you want to separate your system from the environment, but the environment is always there," said Johannes Pollanen, the Jerry Cowen Endowed Chair of Physics in the MSU Department of Physics and Astronomy. "It's almost like junk you don't want to deal with, but you can learn all kinds of cool stuff about the quantum world when you do."

Pollanen also leads the Laboratory for Hybrid Quantum Systems, of which Kitzman is a member, in the College of Natural Science. For the experiments led by Pollanen and Kitzman, the team built a system consisting of a superconducting qubit and what are known as surface acoustic wave resonators.

These qubits are one of the most popular varieties among companies developing quantum computers. Mechanical resonators are used in many modern communications devices, including cellphones and garage door openers, and now, groups like Pollanen's are putting them to work in emerging quantum technology.

The team's resonators allowed the researchers to tune the vibrations experienced by qubits and understand how the mechanical interaction between the two influenced the fidelity of quantum information.

"We're creating a paradigm system to understand how this information is scrambled," said Pollanen. "We have control over the environment, in this case, the mechanical vibrations in the resonator, as well as the qubit."

"If you can understand how these environmental losses affect the system, you can use that to your advantage," Kitzman said. "The first step in solving a problem is understanding it."

MSU is one of only a few places equipped and staffed to perform experiments on these coupled qubit-mechanical resonator devices, Pollanen said, and the researchers are excited to use their system for further exploration. The team also included scientists from the Massachusetts Institute of Technology and the Washington University in St. Louis.

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Physicists work to prevent information loss in quantum computing - Science Daily

A Second NASA Research Center Subcontracts Quantum Computing Inc. to Build a Photonic Sensor to Accurately Assess Air Particulates Composition

LEESBURG, Va., July 13, 2023 /PRNewswire/ -- Quantum Computing Inc. ("QCi" or the "Company") (NASDAQ: QUBT), a first-to-market nanophotonic-based quantum technology company, today announces a subcontract award from Bay Area Environmental Research Institute (BAERI) to 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. This award represents the third distinct task order from NASA and is the second research center within NASA to subcontract with the Company. Delivery of thephotonic sensor is expected during the first quarter of 2024.

QCi, through its wholly owned federal contracting subsidiary, QI Solutions, will perform this work under a subcontract from BAERI. BAERI is a scientist-founded non-profit research institute, headquartered within NASA facilities, and dedicated to promoting and enabling scientific research in atmospheric and space sciences. The objective of the project is to build and test a new photonic sensor instrument that can provide a more accurate measurement of scattering when laser light travels through clouds and aerosols than is possible with existing instruments. Under the nine-month subcontract, QCi will deliver a compact system, programmed to process a substantial amount of data that can support standalone operations for days, and designed to be powered by a 12-volt battery that consumes no more than 30 watts of power.In addition, QCi will generate reports that will detail the operation of the system in a realistic environment, provide the range of parameters and offer predictive analyses on future enhancements with a possible long-term objective to position these instruments for field deployment to create a monitoring network.

Dr. William McGann, QCi Chief Technology Officer commented, "This proposed instrument includes innovations in both optical systems and in the physics principles behind the measurement concept. Current state-of-the-art instruments use optical components that have existed for many decades and are big and clumsy. The proposed instrument will use state-of-the art optical components developed in the quantum optics community, to measure the optical properties (extinction coefficient and backscatter coefficient) of clouds and aerosols at multi-wavelengths. We use the optical property data to derive physical properties (particle size, cloud water content, particle number concentrations) and the chemical composition of clouds and aerosols (smoke, fog, gas). This approach is expected to be a significant improvement over existing instruments because it will measure both forward and backward scattering and multiple forms of polarization simultaneously. The benefits of this instrument are considerable, producing far greater accuracy in situ measurements of cloud and aerosol extinction coefficients from aircrafts."

Dr. McGann added, "Once fully commercialized, market applications are numerous. In the industrial domain, the technology could play a big role in gas emission monitoring, petroleum processing, chemical and fertilizer manufacturing. In the civilian domain, it could help fire fighting, pollution monitoring, and weather forecasting. For defense, the photonic sensor could be used for battlefield assessment, particularly in areas of gas detection. Consistent with all the Company's products available today and planned for in the future, QCi systems are built for easy, scalable, and versatile use with favorable size, weight, power, and cost combined with increased connectivity and capacity, decreased training bias, and strengthened security."

"This is our third distinct task order from NASA in four months and it highlights our ability to leverage QCi's core proprietary photonic capability across a range of products. In the case of NASA, we were contracted to deliver three capabilities to two different NASA research centers. Our first two engagements contracted earlier this year with NASA Langley Research Center located in Virginia afforded us the opportunity to showcase our powerful and highly secure photonic LiDAR as well as our reservoir computing capability. We were tasked to deliver LiDAR that demonstrated improved measurement and data processing proficiencies, which in combination with reservoir computing produces high-ranging spatial resolution and image fidelity at great distances through challenging environment conditions. In this new engagement with NASA Ames located in Silicon Valley, we will apply QCi's photonic laser technology to identify the composition of particles with much higher spatiotemporal resolution in their natural positions in the atmosphere," commented Sean Gabeler, President of QI Solutions.

"NASA's Ames Research Center, one of ten NASA field centers, conducts world-class research and development with core expertise in aeronautics, astrobiology, lunar exploration technology and science. The center employs over 2,300 research personnel and has an annual budget of $860 million. We are eager to begin work with such a distinguished world-renowned group." Mr. Gabeler continued, "The compensation we receive from these engagements to develop unique product applications provides the roadmap for future large-scale deployment to assist NASAand forms the basis for creating prospective potential commercial opportunities and future product launches for QCi."

For additional information on the company's suite of solutions, please visit our websiteor contact our team directly.

About Quantum Computing Inc. (QCi)

Quantum Computing Inc. is a quantum hardware and software company on a mission to accelerate the value of quantum computing for real-world business solutions, delivering the future of quantum computing, today. The company provides accessible and affordable solutions with real-world industrial applications, using nanophotonic-basedquantum entropy that can be used anywhere and with little to no training, operates at normal room temperatures, low power and is not burdened with unique environmental requirements. QCi is competitively advantaged delivering its quantum solutions at greater speed, accuracy, and security at less cost.QCi's core nanophotonic-based technology is applicable to both quantum computing as well as quantum sensing and imaging solutions, providing QCi with a unique position in the marketplace.QCi's core entropy computing capability, the Dirac series, delivers solutions for both binary and integer-based optimization problems using over 11,000 qubits for binary problems and over 1000 (n=64) qubits for integer-based problems, each of which are the highest number of variables and problem size available in quantum computing today.Using the Company's core quantum methodologies, QCi has developed specific quantum applications for AI, cybersecurity and remote sensing, including its Reservoir Photonic Computer series, reprogrammableand non-repeatable Quantum Random Number Generator and LiDAR products. For more information about QCi, visitwww.quantumcomputinginc.com.

About QI Solutions, Inc. (QIS)

QI Solutions, Inc., a wholly owned subsidiary of Quantum Computing Inc., is a supplier of quantum technology solutions and services to the government and defense industries. With a team of qualified and cleared staff, QIS delivers a range of solutions from entropy quantum computing to quantum communications and sensing, backed by expertise in logistics, manufacturing, R&D and training. The company is exclusively focused on delivering tailored solutions for partners in various government departments and agencies.

Important Cautions Regarding Forward-Looking Statements

This press release contains forward-looking statements as defined within Section 27A of the Securities Act of 1933, as amended, and Section 21E of the Securities Exchange Act of 1934, as amended. By their nature, forward-looking statements and forecasts involve risks and uncertainties because they relate to events and depend on circumstances that will occur in the near future. Those statements include statements regarding the intent, belief or current expectations of Quantum Computing Inc. (the "Company"), and members of its management as well as the assumptions on which such statements are based. Prospective investors are cautioned that any such forward-looking statements are not guarantees of future performance and involve risks and uncertainties, and that actual results may differ materially from those contemplated by such forward-looking statements.

The Company undertakes no obligation to update or revise forward-looking statements to reflect changed conditions. Statements in this press release that are not descriptions of historical facts are forward-looking statements relating to future events, and as such all forward-looking statements are made pursuant to the Securities Litigation Reform Act of 1995. Statements may contain certain forward-looking statements pertaining to future anticipated or projected plans, performance and developments, as well as other statements relating to future operations and results. Any statements in this press release that are not statements of historical fact may be considered to be forward-looking statements. Words such as "may," "will," "expect," "believe," "anticipate," "estimate," "intends," "goal," "objective," "seek," "attempt," "aim to," or variations of these or similar words, identify forward-looking statements. These risks and uncertainties include, but are not limited to, those described in Item 1A in the Company's Annual Report on Form 10-K, which is expressly incorporated herein by reference, and other factors as may periodically be described in the Company's filings with the SEC.

SOURCE Quantum Computing Inc.

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Quantum Computing Inc. Receives Third NASA Subcontract Award - PR Newswire