Quantum News Briefs: February 24, 2024: IonQ Announces generation of entangled photons with ions repeatedly and reproducibly, key for future quantum networks; Xanadu receives $3.75M CAD through the Regional Quantum Initiative to accelerate the development of quantum software for practical applications; SPIE commits $100,000 in matching funds to grow University of Colorado Boulder’s Quantum Scholars Program; Ulsan National Institute of Science and Technology Researchers Develop Extremely Efficient Quantum Dot Solar Cells; and MORE!
Quantum News Briefs: February 24, 2024:
IonQ Announces the generation of entangled photons with ions repeatedly and reproducibly, key for future quantum networks
IonQ, a leading quantum computing company, announced a significant advancement in the quantum computing industry by successfully demonstrating the generation of photons entangled with ions. This marks the first commercial demonstration of ion-photon entanglement outside academic environments, paving the way for future quantum systems to communicate and transfer information effectively. This achievement is a critical step towards quantum networking and photonic interconnects, enhancing IonQ’s capability to deliver higher computational power in next-generation systems. IonQ’s advancement underscores a move towards interconnected quantum computing applications, emphasizing the transition from academic research to practical, commercial technologies. This development is also part of IonQ’s broader efforts to build infrastructure for a future quantum network, including strategic acquisitions and expanding partnerships. It highlights its commitment to achieving commercial quantum advantage and developing future quantum applications and networking solutions.
Xanadu receives $3.75M CAD through the Regional Quantum Initiative to accelerate the development of quantum software for practical applications
Xanadu, a leading company in photonic quantum computing, has received a repayable contribution from the Government of Canada, facilitated by the Federal Economic Development Agency for Southern Ontario (FedDev Ontario), to support the advancement and commercialization of quantum technologies. This financial backing, part of the Regional Quantum Initiative (RQI), will expedite the development of Xanadu’s PennyLane, an open-source, cloud-based platform for quantum machine learning, chemistry, and computing. The investment underscores the government’s commitment to fostering innovation within the quantum sector, which is expected to bolster Canada’s economy and create high-quality jobs by promoting technologies with potential applications in computing, communications, security, and healthcare. The funding aligns with Canada’s National Quantum Strategy, focusing on research, talent, and commercialization, and will contribute to creating 22 new quantum jobs, enhancing Canada’s quantum workforce, and reinforcing the country’s stature as a global quantum leader.
SPIE commits $100,000 in matching funds to grow University of Colorado Boulder’s Quantum Scholars Program
The Quantum Scholars Program at the University of Colorado Boulder, aimed at fostering the next generation of quantum scientists and engineers, has been significantly boosted through SPIE’s commitment to match $100,000 in donations over two academic years. This funding initiative will enable the program to offer scholarships to up to 20 additional students annually, expanding its reach and impact. Launched in 2022 by the Department of Physics and the College of Engineering and Applied Science at CU Boulder, the program supports undergraduates in physics, engineering, and computer science. It focuses on advancing quantum education and workforce development through professional development, co-curricular activities, and industrial engagement. The program is currently in its second year and has attracted substantial interest, with about 50 students participating and roughly half benefiting from scholarships. SPIE’s matching gift aims to encourage further donations to expand the program to provide 50 scholarships per year in the near future, reinforcing Colorado’s role as a burgeoning Quantum Tech Hub and addressing the growing demand for trained professionals in the quantum industry.
Ulsan National Institute of Science and Technology Researchers Develop Extremely Efficient Quantum Dot Solar Cells
An advancement in solar energy research led by Professor Sung-Yeon Jang and his team from UNIST has resulted in the development of the world’s most efficient quantum dot (QD) solar cell, achieving an unprecedented 18.1% efficiency. This efficiency milestone, recognized by the National Renewable Energy Laboratory (NREL), has been made possible by a novel ligand exchange technique synthesizing organic cation-based perovskite quantum dots (PQDs). These PQDs exhibit exceptional stability and reduced internal defects in solar cells, marking a significant step forward in commercializing next-generation solar technologies. The innovative approach not only addresses the limitations faced by inorganic PQDs, which previously capped efficiency at 16% but also maintains the cells’ performance after long-term storage, potentially reshaping the future of solar energy and material research.
In Other News: Investor Place article: “Wall Street Favorites: 3 Quantum Computing Stocks with Strong Buy Ratings for February 2024”
As quantum computing edges to commercial viability, three companies emerge as key players in this revolutionary field, backed by strong buy ratings from Wall Street for February 2024, highlights a recent Investor Place article. D-Wave Quantum (QBTS) impresses with its 1200+ qubit Advantage2 system, demonstrating its prowess in quantum annealing technology accessible through its Leap platform. Advanced Micro Devices (AMD) is leveraging its semiconductor expertise to support quantum computing’s computational needs despite its focus on AI and CPU markets. Rigetti Computing (RGTI) stands out with its vertically integrated approach, offering the 84-qubit Ankaa-2 system through its cloud service and showcasing significant potential in quantum processor design and manufacturing. These companies not only represent the forefront of quantum computing innovation but also offer promising investment opportunities as the technology progresses toward mainstream application.
