Quantum News Briefs: November 14, 2023: D-Wave Demonstrates Error Mitigation, Infleqtion Collaborates with U.S. DOE, SandboxAQ Spearheads Newly Created AQ CISO Council, and MORE!
Quantum News Briefs: November, 14, 2023
D-Wave Demonstrates Error Mitigation on the Advantage2™ Prototype
In a significant development for quantum computing, D-Wave Quantum Inc. announced their successful implementation of Quantum Error Mitigation (QEM) techniques in their Advantage2 annealing quantum computing experimental prototype. This groundbreaking research demonstrated that QEM could effectively maintain a quantum system’s coherence significantly longer than an unmitigated system, paving the way for enhanced performance in future quantum processors. The study, led by Mohammad Amin, marks the company’s first experimental use of Zero-Noise Extrapolation, a practical QEM technique, within its systems. This advancement is expected to aid in tackling complex scientific and machine-learning problems, moving closer to achieving quantum supremacy. This announcement follows D-Wave’s recent progress in developing high-coherence fluxonium qubits, further solidifying its position as a leader in quantum computing.
Infleqtion Collaborates with U.S. Department of Energy for Quantum Technology Demonstrations in Space
The U.S. Department of Energy, in collaboration with key partners including the Department of Defense, NASA, and various private sector entities, has launched the Quantum & Space Collaboration. This initiative aims to leverage quantum technologies in advancing national security, energy, and economic prosperity, focusing on sustainability goals. With a diverse group of participants like Infleqtion, Nebula Space Enterprises, and Accenture Federal Services, the collaboration seeks to exploit quantum sensing, communications, and computing for enhancing global safety and economic stability. Rima Kasia Oueid, the DOE’s lead for the collaboration, emphasizes its significance in keeping the U.S. at the forefront of innovation, particularly in space exploration and technology. The collaboration plans to initiate space environmental demonstrations using quantum technologies by early 2024. It represents a concerted effort to synergize expertise in quantum information science, cybersecurity, and space technology development, aiming to create new commercial opportunities and capabilities in space.
SandboxAQ Spearheads Newly Created AQ CISO Council
SandboxAQ announces the formation of the AQ CISO Council, a new initiative aimed at revolutionizing cryptographic management and digital asset protection in the face of evolving cybersecurity threats. The council is composed of top cybersecurity experts, including Taher Elgamal, known as “the father of SSL”; Teresa Shea, a prominent intelligence and cybersecurity leader; and Steven Ramsden, the 2023 Swiss CISO of the Year and CISO of The Global Fund. This elite group will work alongside SandboxAQ to enhance its Security Suite, a leading solution in cryptographic management. Marc Manzano, General Manager for SandboxAQ’s Security Suite, emphasizes the council’s role in developing preemptive, quantum-resilient security strategies. The initiative reflects SandboxAQ’s commitment to driving advancements in zero trust architecture and modern cryptography, ensuring robust protection against current and future cybersecurity challenges.
Tracking down quantum fluctuations of the vacuum to explore the limits of physics
Scientists are preparing a groundbreaking laser experiment at the Helmholtz-Zentrum Dresden-Rossendorf (HZDR) to explore quantum vacuum fluctuations. In this phenomenon, empty space isn’t truly empty but filled with fleeting quantum activity. These fluctuations are a fundamental aspect of quantum electrodynamics (QED) but have only been indirectly observed. The experiment, part of the Helmholtz International Beamline for Extreme Fields (HIBEF) at the European XFEL in Hamburg, aims to manipulate these fluctuations using a powerful laser to change the polarization of an X-ray flash. The novel approach involves using two laser flashes to create a “light crystal,” increasing the likelihood of detecting changes in the X-ray pulse. This experiment, scheduled for 2024, could either reaffirm QED or, if deviations are observed, suggest new physical laws and the existence of previously unknown particles like axions, potentially revealing new aspects of nature.
In Other News: Nature article: “The future is quantum: universities look to train engineers for an emerging industry”
A new Nature article discusses how universities worldwide embrace the quantum revolution by offering undergraduate courses in quantum engineering, a field set to transform industries from pharmaceuticals to computing. The University of New South Wales (UNSW) in Sydney, Australia, is at the forefront with its program designed to prepare students for the emerging quantum-technology industry. This industry is developing devices that utilize the unique properties of quantum mechanics, like quantum computers, which promise to outperform traditional computers in certain algorithms. The program at UNSW, started by physicist Andrea Morello, is part of a growing trend where universities respond to the industry’s need for engineers trained in quantum mechanics. Such programs are essential as the industry, backed by significant government and private investment, is poised for growth but faces a shortage of qualified professionals. With the quantum-tech sector requiring diverse educational backgrounds, these undergraduate courses provide a vital talent pipeline, equipping the next generation of engineers with the skills to propel this technological paradigm shift.
