Quantum News Briefs: November 9, 2023: Quantum Machines and QuERA Awarded US-Israel BIRD Grant; Princeton University offers new QIS Ph.D. Program; Photonic Inc. Partners with Microsoft, and MORE
Quantum News Briefs: November 9, 2023
Quantum Machines and QuEra Computing Win Binational Industrial Research and Development Foundation Award
Quantum Machines and QuEra Computing have been awarded a grant from the Israel-U.S. Binational Industrial Research and Development (BIRD) Foundation to create a Photonic Control Unit (PCU) to enhance the computational capacity of quantum computers. QuEra, known for its neutral atom quantum computing platform, and Quantum Machines, recognized for its industry-leading quantum controller OPX1000, are collaborating to integrate QuEra’s photonic microchips with Quantum Machines’ high-speed analog controllers. This innovation is expected to advance quantum computing by supporting various qubit systems and providing scalable, efficient solutions for increasing qubit counts. The grant acknowledges the companies’ potential to overcome significant scaling challenges in quantum computing, marking a pivotal step in the progress towards practical quantum computing applications.
Princeton University introduces a new Ph.D. program at the intersection of quantum physics and information theory
Princeton University has announced the launch of a new Ph.D. program in Quantum Science and Engineering, aimed at training graduates in the nascent field that blends quantum physics and information theory. The program, which welcomes its first class in Fall 2024 with applications due by December 15, is expected to pave the way for revolutionary technologies such as advanced computers, secure communication channels, and sensitive sensors. As part of Princeton’s investment in quantum research and education, the program is distinguished by its interdisciplinary approach. It aims to cultivate a graduate student community with a shared scientific vernacular. The curriculum empowers students to pioneer quantum systems, spearhead technological breakthroughs, and lead the emerging quantum industry. The initiative is supported by Princeton’s extensive quantum research across multiple disciplines, collaborative efforts with the Princeton Plasma Physics Laboratory, and a commitment to an inclusive, interdisciplinary, and community-focused academic environment. The University also offers one of the highest graduate stipends in the U.S., comprehensive funding, and a robust support system for Ph.D. students.
Photonic Collaborating with Microsoft to Power Global Quantum Ecosystem
Photonic Inc., specializing in photonically linked silicon spin qubits for quantum computing, has entered into a strategic collaboration with Microsoft to advance quantum networking and integrate their technologies into the global quantum ecosystem. The partnership will focus on developing reliable quantum communications over long distances and providing access to Photonic’s quantum computing resources through Microsoft Azure Quantum Elements. This collaboration aims to fast-track the evolution of quantum networking, boosting innovation within the quantum computing field. Microsoft is crafting a fault-tolerant quantum supercomputing ecosystem on Azure, while Photonic has gathered a significant team of quantum silicon experts and secured $140 million USD in funding. Their combined efforts could potentially lead to breakthroughs in various scientific and technological areas by leveraging Photonic’s unique qubit-photon interface technology and Microsoft’s extensive infrastructure and Azure platform.
UK Researchers Find that Quantum light can ‘see’ quantum sound within molecules
Researchers at the University of East Anglia are utilizing quantum optics techniques to investigate the quantum aspects of molecular systems, a novel approach blending the exploration of light’s quantum properties with complex molecular behavior. Garth Jones and Magnus Borgh, associates in theoretical chemistry and physics, respectively, are probing whether quantum mechanics influences interactions within molecules or if they behave classically. Their theoretical model, which mirrors spectroscopic experiments, examines how molecular vibrations—quantized as phonons—affect light interaction, providing insights into the quantum mechanics at play in processes like photosynthesis. The team’s surprising discovery is that phonons can be analyzed using the same methods as photons, shedding light on the unobservable dynamics of phonons through measurable photon correlations. This fundamental research, bridging theoretical chemistry and quantum optics, aims to inspire experimental work to unravel the intricacies of molecular interactions with light, potentially advancing quantum technologies. Moving forward, the team intends to refine their work to align closer with practical experiments.
Photonic Raises $100 Million USD for Quantum Technology from BCI, Microsoft, and Other Investors
Photonic Inc., based in Vancouver, British Columbia, has secured a $100M USD investment for its revolutionary quantum computing and networking platform, which utilizes photonically linked silicon spin qubits. This funding round included contributions from BCI, Microsoft, NSSIF, Inovia Capital, and Amadeus Capital Partners, raising the company’s total investment to $140M USD. Photonic’s platform is poised to be one of the first scalable and fault-tolerant quantum computers, integrating silicon spin-photon interfaces to enhance quantum processing and error correction over a distributed network. The company, with over 120 employees and new offices in the UK and the US, has been recognized by investors for its significant technical progress and strategic partnerships. Additionally, collaborations with Microsoft aim to bolster the global quantum ecosystem, with both companies sharing insights on their joint efforts toward scalable quantum technology.
