Delving into the Quantum Realm: Celebrating World Quantum Day

 Delving into the Quantum Realm: Celebrating World Quantum Day

Every year on April 14th, the world comes together to celebrate World Quantum Day. This international event aims to raise public awareness and understanding of the fascinating field of quantum science and technology. Quantum mechanics, the foundation of this field, explores the behavior of matter and energy at the atomic and subatomic level, revealing a world that defies our classical intuition.

World Quantum Day

Why April 14th?

The chosen date, April 14th, is not a random pick. It has a special connection to the constant that underpins quantum mechanics: Planck's constant. Represented by the symbol "h," Planck's constant plays a crucial role in describing the quantized nature of energy. The first three digits of Planck's constant, rounded, are 4.14, hence the date, April 14th.

Unveiling the Quantum World

Quantum mechanics paints a picture of the universe that is fundamentally different from the one described by classical physics. Here are some key concepts that set the quantum world apart:

·         Superposition: Unlike classical bits in a computer that can be either 0 or 1, qubits, the quantum equivalent of bits, can exist in a superposition of both states simultaneously. This bizarre property allows quantum computers to explore multiple possibilities at once, leading to significant speedups for specific types of problems.

·         Entanglement: This phenomenon describes a spooky connection between qubits, where they become linked in such a way that measuring one instantaneously affects the state of the other, regardless of the distance separating them. Einstein famously referred to entanglement as "spooky action at a distance."

·         Uncertainty Principle: This principle states that it is impossible to know both the exact position and momentum of a particle simultaneously with perfect accuracy. The more precisely you know one, the less precisely you can know the other. This inherent uncertainty underpins the probabilistic nature of the quantum world.

Quantum Technologies: Revolutionizing the Future

The principles of quantum mechanics are not just theoretical curiosities. They are being harnessed to develop revolutionary technologies with the potential to transform various fields:

·         Quantum Computing: Quantum computers leverage the power of superposition and entanglement to tackle problems that are intractable for classical computers. These problems include drug discovery, materials science, financial modeling, and breaking current encryption methods.

·         Quantum Communication: Quantum cryptography utilizes the principles of quantum mechanics to create unbreakable communication channels, ensuring the highest level of security for sensitive information.

·         Quantum Sensing: This emerging field employs quantum systems to develop ultra-sensitive sensors with unprecedented capabilities in areas like medical imaging, navigation, and environmental monitoring.

World Quantum Day: A Celebration of Progress

World Quantum Day serves as a platform to showcase the incredible progress being made in quantum science and technology. Here's how the day is celebrated:

·         Educational Outreach: Research institutions, universities, and science communication organizations around the globe organize workshops, talks, and demonstrations to educate the public about quantum concepts.

·         Industry Events: Leading companies involved in quantum research and development host conferences and events to discuss the latest advancements and future directions in the field.

·         Online Resources: Numerous websites and social media campaigns are launched to provide accessible information about quantum science and its potential applications.

World Quantum Day plays a vital role in fostering global collaboration and accelerating the development of quantum technologies. By demystifying the quantum realm and sparking public interest, it paves the way for a future where these transformative technologies can benefit society as a whole.

The Road Ahead: Challenges and Opportunities

While the potential of quantum technologies is undeniable, significant challenges remain:

·         Maintaining Quantum Coherence: Qubits are susceptible to errors and decoherence, where they lose their quantum properties. Maintaining coherence for extended periods is crucial for building robust quantum computers.

·         Scalability: Constructing large-scale quantum computers with a vast number of qubits is a significant engineering hurdle. New materials and techniques are being explored to overcome this challenge.

·         Error Correction: Quantum systems are prone to errors. Developing efficient error correction protocols is essential for ensuring the reliability of quantum computations.

Despite these hurdles, the research community is making rapid strides. Governments and private companies are also investing heavily in quantum research, accelerating progress.

Conclusion: A Quantum Leap for Humanity

World Quantum Day serves as a reminder of the immense potential that lies at the intersection of physics and technology. By unraveling the mysteries of the quantum realm, we are on the cusp of a technological revolution that could reshape various industries and improve our understanding of the universe. As we continue to explore the frontiers of quantum science, World Quantum Day reminds us to celebrate the progress made while collectively shaping a future where these transformative technologies benefit all of humanity.

 

 

Advancing Science: Microsoft and Quantinuum Achieve Breakthrough in Quantum Computing

Introduction

In a groundbreaking collaboration, Microsoft and Quantinuum have achieved a significant milestone in the field of quantum computing. By combining Microsoft’s innovative qubit-virtualization system with Quantinuum’s cutting-edge ion-trap hardware, they have demonstrated the most reliable logical qubits on record. This achievement promises to revolutionize scientific research and industry applications, unlocking new possibilities for solving complex problems.

The Quest for Reliable Quantum Computing

Quantum computing holds immense promise for tackling some of humanity’s most pressing challenges, from climate change to drug discovery. However, the inherent fragility of quantum bits (qubits) has been a major hurdle. Physical qubits are susceptible to errors due to environmental noise and other factors, limiting their reliability.

The Breakthrough

Microsoft’s qubit-virtualization system, coupled with error diagnostics and correction, has transformed the landscape. Here are the key highlights:

1. Logical Qubits: Unlike physical qubits, logical qubits are robust and resilient. By applying the qubit-virtualization system, Microsoft and Quantinuum achieved an error rate 800 times better than physical qubits.

2. 14,000 Error-Free Experiments: The joint effort involved running over 14,000 individual experiments without encountering a single error. This remarkable feat demonstrates the stability and reliability of the logical qubits.

3. Quantum Computation Without Destruction: Traditionally, diagnosing and correcting errors in quantum systems required destroying the qubits. However, this breakthrough allows for error diagnostics and corrections without compromising the qubits’ integrity.

Moving Beyond NISQ to Resilient Quantum Computing

The current state of quantum computing is often referred to as Noisy Intermediate-Scale Quantum (NISQ). With the successful demonstration of reliable logical qubits, we are now entering Level 2 Resilient quantum computing. This advancement paves the way for more robust quantum algorithms and applications.

The Path Forward

A hybrid supercomputing system powered by 100 reliable logical qubits would significantly impact scientific research. Scaling up to 1,000 reliable logical qubits could unlock commercial advantages. Imagine simulating complex molecular interactions, optimizing supply chains, or revolutionizing drug discovery—all powered by quantum computing.

Azure Quantum Elements Preview

For those eager to explore these capabilities, advanced features based on logical qubits will be available in private preview for Azure Quantum Elements customers in the coming months. Researchers, innovators, and industry leaders can harness the power of quantum computing to accelerate their work.

Conclusion

The collaboration between Microsoft and Quantinuum represents a leap forward in quantum computing reliability. As we continue to refine and expand our understanding of logical qubits, we move closer to a future where quantum solutions drive positive change across various domains. From fundamental scientific research to practical applications, the era of reliable quantum computing is upon us.

Learn more about this achievement in the official Microsoft blog post.

Microsoft teams up with Sydney University for Quantum Computing

Microsoft teams up with Sydney University for Quantum Computing

The University of Sydney

25/07/2017

Australian lab part of IT giant's ramped-up quantum computing bid Share

A multi-year partnership announced today establishes ongoing investment focused on Sydney’s Quantum Nanoscience Laboratory to scale-up devices, as Microsoft moves from research to real-world engineering of quantum machines.

The University of Sydney today announces the signing of a multi-year quantum computing partnership with Microsoft, creating an unrivalled setting and foundation for quantum research in Sydney and Australia.

[caption id="attachment_835" align="aligncenter" width="704"]                            Microsoft teams up with Sydney University for Quantum Computing[/caption]

The long-term Microsoft investment will bring state of the art equipment, allow the recruitment of new staff, help build the nation’s scientific and engineering talent, and focus significant research project funding into the University, assuring the nation a key role in the emerging “quantum economy.”

David Pritchard, Chief of Staff for Microsoft’s Artificial Intelligence and Research Group and Douglas Carmean, Partner Architect of Microsoft’s Quantum Architectures and Computation (QuArC) group, participated in the announcement at  the University of Sydney’s Nanoscience Hub.

The official establishment of Station Q Sydney today embeds Microsoft’s commitment to kickstarting the emergence of a quantum economy by partnering with the University to develop a premier centre for quantum computing.

Directed by Professor David Reilly from the School of Physics and housed inside the $150 million Sydney Nanoscience Hub, Station Q Sydney joins Microsoft’s other experimental research sites at Purdue University, Delft University of Technology, and the University of Copenhagen. There are only four labs of this kind in the world.

We’ve reached a point where we can move from theory to applied engineering for significant scale-up.

Professor David Reilly

Sydney-born Professor Reilly – who completed a postdoctoral fellowship at Harvard University before returning to Australia – asserts that quantum computing is one of the most significant opportunities in the 21^st century, with the potential to transform the global economy and society at large.

“The deep partnership between Microsoft and the University of Sydney will allow us to help build a rich and robust local quantum economy by attracting more skilled people, investing in new equipment and research, and accelerate progress in quantum computing – a technology that we believe will disrupt the way we live, reshaping national and global security and revolutionising medicine, communications and transport,” Professor Reilly said.

The focus of Professor Reilly and his team at Station Q Sydney is to bring quantum computing out of the laboratory and into the real world where it can have genuine impact: “We’ve reached a point where we can move from mathematical modelling and theory to applied engineering for significant scale-up,” Professor Reilly said.

Leveraging his research in quantum computing, Professor Reilly’s team has already demonstrated how spin-off quantum technologies can be used in the near-future to help detect and track early-stage cancers using the quantum properties of nanodiamonds. Watch the video animation.

Microsoft’s David Pritchard outlined the company’s redoubled quantum efforts, a key strategic pillar within Microsoft’s AI and Research Group; the quantum computing effort is being led by Todd Holmdahl, the creator of the Xbox and HoloLens.

Mr Pritchard said the partnership with the University of Sydney was important because Microsoft is looking forward to reaching the critical juncture where theory and demonstration need to segue and be complemented by systems-level abstraction and applied engineering efforts focused on scaling.

“There’s always an element of risk when you are working on projects with the potential to make momentous and unprecedented impact; we’re at the inflection point now where we have the opportunity to do that,” Mr Pritchard said.

Source : The University of Sydney

Advances in Device Performance for Quantum Computing

IBM Research Advances Device Performance for Quantum Computing

- Latest results bring device performance near the minimum requirements for implementation of a practical quantum computer.

- Scaling up to hundreds or thousands of quantum bits becomes a possibility.

YORKTOWN HEIGHTS, N.Y., Feb. 28, 2012 /PRNewswire/ -- Scientists at IBM Research (NYSE: IBM) / (#ibmresearch) have achieved major advances in quantum computing device performance that may accelerate the realization of a practical, full-scale quantum computer. For specific applications, quantum computing, which exploits the underlying quantum mechanical behavior of matter, has the potential to deliver computational power that is unrivaled by any supercomputer today.

IBM Research Advances Device Performance for Quantum Computing

Using a variety of techniques in the IBM labs, scientists have established three new records for reducing errors in elementary computations and retaining the integrity of quantum mechanical properties in quantum bits (qubits) – the basic units that carry information within quantum computing. IBM has chosen to employ superconducting qubits, which use established microfabrication techniques developed for silicon technology, providing the potential to one day scale up to and manufacture thousands or millions of qubits.

The Possibilities of Quantum Computing

The special properties of qubits will allow quantum computers to work on millions of computations at once, while desktop PCs can typically handle minimal simultaneous computations. For example, a single 250-qubit state contains more bits of information than there are atoms in the universe.

These properties will have wide-spread implications foremost for the field of data encryption where quantum computers could factor very large numbers like those used to decode and encode sensitive information.

"The quantum computing work we are doing shows it is no longer just a brute force physics experiment. It's time to start creating systems based on this science that will take computing to a new frontier," says IBM scientist Matthias Steffen, manager of the IBM Research team that's focused on developing quantum computing systems to a point where it can be applied to real-world problems.

Other potential applications for quantum computing may include searching databases of unstructured information, performing a range of optimization tasks and solving previously unsolvable mathematical problems.

How Quantum Computing Works

The most basic piece of information that a typical computer understands is a bit. Much like a light that can be switched on or off, a bit can have only one of two values: "1" or "0". For qubits, they can hold a value of "1" or "0" as well as both values at the same time. Described as superposition, this is what allows quantum computers to perform millions of calculations at once.

One of the great challenges for scientists seeking to harness the power of quantum computing is controlling or removing quantum decoherence – the creation of errors in calculations caused by interference from factors such as heat, electromagnetic radiation, and materials defects. To deal with this problem, scientists have been experimenting for years to discover ways of reducing the number of errors and of lengthening the time periods over which the qubits retain their quantum mechanical properties. When this time is sufficiently long, error correction schemes become effective making it possible to perform long and complex calculations.

There are many viable systems that can potentially lead to a functional quantum computer. IBM is focusing on using superconducting qubits that will allow a more facile transition to scale up and manufacturing.

IBM has recently been experimenting with a unique "three dimensional" superconducting qubit (3D qubit), an approach that was initiated at Yale University. Among the results, the IBM team has used a 3D qubit to extend the amount of time that the qubits retain their quantum states up to 100 microseconds – an improvement of 2 to 4 times upon previously reported records. This value reaches just past the minimum threshold to enable effective error correction schemes and suggests that scientists can begin to focus on broader engineering aspects for scalability.

In separate experiments, the group at IBM also demonstrated a more traditional "two-dimensional" qubit (2D qubit) device and implemented a two-qubit logic operation – a controlled-NOT (CNOT) operation, which is a fundamental building block of a larger quantum computing system. Their operation showed a 95 percent success rate, enabled in part due to the long coherence time of nearly 10 microseconds. These numbers are on the cusp of effective error correction schemes and greatly facilitate future multi-qubit experiments.

IBM and Quantum Computing Leadership

The implementation of a practical quantum computer poses tremendous scientific and technological challenges, but all results taken together paint an optimistic picture of rapid progress in that direction.

Core device technology and performance metrics at IBM have undergone a series of amazing advancements by a factor of 100 to 1,000 times since the middle of 2009, culminating in the recent results that are very close to the minimum requirements for a full-scale quantum computing system as determined by the world-wide research community. In these advances, IBM stresses the importance and value of the ongoing exchange of information and learning with the quantum computing research community as well as direct university and industrial collaborations.

"The superconducting qubit research led by the IBM team has been progressing in a very focused way on the road to a reliable, scalable quantum computer. The device performance that they have now reported brings them nearly to the tipping point; we can now see the building blocks that will be used to prove that error correction can be effective, and that reliable logical qubits can be realized," observes David DiVincenzo, professor at the Institute of Quantum Information, Aachen University and Forschungszentrum Juelich.

Based on this progress, optimism about superconducting qubits and the possibilities for a future quantum computer are rapidly growing. While most of the work in the field to date has focused on improvements in device performance, efforts in the community now must now include systems integration aspects, such as assessing the classical information processing demands for error correction, I/O issues, feasibility, and costs with scaling.

IBM envisions a practical quantum computing system as including a classical system intimately connected to the quantum computing hardware. Expertise in communications and packaging technology will be essential at and beyond the level presently practiced in the development of today's most sophisticated digital computers.


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SOURCE IBM

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Quantum Computing - Yesterday, Today, and Tomorrow

Quantum Computing - Yesterday, Today, and Tomorrow

Author: Dele Oluwole

Abstract

This paper digs into the fundamental issues of the slow but progressive breakthrough in embracing quantum computing and how its benefit and risk affects humanity. Drawing analysis from its probable practicality, while also exploring today's available technology.

The aim of this idea is to observe the effectiveness of quantum computing and how it could impact on mankind tracing its history and looking into what awaits mankind in the future.

Approaching this ideal from two major perspectives that form the basis for this paper, which are where we are and where we are going consequent upon which this research of impeccable sources were predicated

The result invariably shows realistically the importance of quantum computing to all mankind when eventually fabricated in the future.

1. Introduction

Quantum computing may be coming closer to everyday use because of the discovery of a single electron's spin in an ordinary transistor. The success, by researcher Hong Wen Jiangand colleagues at the University of California, Los Angeles, could lead to major advances in communications, cryptography and supercomputing. Jiang's research reveals that an ordinary transistor, the kind used in a Desktop PC or cell phone can be adapted for practical quantum computing. Quantum computing exploits the properties of subatomic particles and the laws of quantum mechanics. Today's computers have bits in either a 1 or a 0 state. Qubits, however, can be in both states at the same time.

                                                 Quantum Computing Technology Australia :                                                Quantum Computing -  yesterday, today, and tomorrow

CISC is a CPU design that enables the processor to handle more complex instructions from the software at the expense of speed. All Intel processors for PCs are CISC processors. Complex instruction set computing is one of the two main types of processor design in use today. It is slowly losing popularity to RISC designs; currently all the fastest processors in the world are RISC. The most popular current CISC processor is the x86, but there are also still some 68xx, 65xx, and Z80s in use. CISC processor is designed to execute a relatively large number of different instructions, each taking a different amount of time to execute (depending on the complexity of the instruction). Contrast with RISC.

Complex Instruction-Set Computer has CPU designed with a thorough set of assembly calls, systems and smaller binaries but generally slower execution of each individual instruction.

2. CISC/RISC Speed and limitations

One important assumption in circuit design is that all circuit elements are 'lumped'. This means that signal transmission time from one element to the other is insignificant. Meaning that the time it takes for the signal produced at one point on the circuit to transmit to the rest of the circuit is tiny compared to the times involved in circuit operation.

Electrical signals travel at the speed of light, suppose a processor works at 1GHz. that is one billion clock cycles per second, also meaning that one clock cycle goes one billionth of a second, or a nanosecond. Light travels about 30cm in a nanosecond. As a result, the size of circuitry involved at such clock speeds will be much less than 30cm, therefore, the most circuit size is 3cm. bearing in mind that the actual CPU core size is less than 1cm on a side, which is still okay, but this is just for 1 GHz.

Cases where the clock speed is increased to 100GHz, a cycle will be 0.01 nanoseconds, and signals will only transmit 3mm in this time. So, the CPU core will definitely need to be about 0.3mm in size. It will be very difficult to cram a CPU core into such a small space, which is still okay, but somewhere between 1 GHz and 100GHz, there will be a physical barrier. As smaller and smaller transistors are manufactured soon there may be physical limit as the numbers of electrons per transistors will become one and this will bring to a close to the rule of electron.

3. The benefits and capabilities of quantum computing in theory are:

1. Factor large integers in a time that is exponentially faster than any known classical algorithm.


2. Run simulations of quantum mechanics.


3. Break encrypted secret messages in seconds that classical computers cannot crack in a million years.


4. Create unbreakable encryption systems to shield national security systems, financial transactions, secure Internet transactions and other systems based on present day encryption schemes.


5. Advance cryptography to where messages can be sent and retrieved without encryption and without eavesdropping.


6. Explore large and unsorted databases that had previously been virtually impenetrable using classical computers.


7. Improve pharmaceutical research because a quantum computer can sift through many chemical substances and interactions in seconds.


8. Create fraud-proof digital signatures.


9. Predict weather patterns and identify causes of global warming.


10. Improve the precision of atomic clocks and precisely pinpoint the location of the 7,000-plus satellites floating above Earth each day.


11. Optimize spacecraft design.


12. Enhance space network communication scheduling.


13. Develop highly efficient algorithms for several related application domains such as scheduling, planning, pattern recognition and data compression.

4. Risks

And the risks are

1. Cripple national security, defences, the Internet, email systems and other systems based on encryption schemes.


2. Decode secret messages sent out by government employees in seconds versus the millions of years it would take a classical computer.


3. Break many of the cryptographic systems (e.g., RSA, DSS, LUC, Diffie-Helman) used to protect secure Web pages, encrypted mail and many other types of data.


4. Access bank accounts, credit card transactions, stock trades and classified information.


5. Break cryptographic systems such as public key ciphers or other systems used to protect secure Web pages and email on the Internet.

5.  History of Quantum Computing

The idea of quantum computing was first explored in the 1970's and early 1980's by physicists and computer scientists like Charles GH. Bennett of the IBM Thomas J. Watson Research Center,  Paul A. Benioff of Argonne National Laboratory in Illinois, David Deutsch of the University of Oxford, and the late Richard P. Feynman of the California Institute of Technology (Caltech).  This idea emerged as scientists were debating the fundamental limits of computation.  They realized that if technology continued to go by Moore's Law, the continually shrinking size of circuitry packed onto silicon chips will get to a point where individual elements would be no larger than a few atoms. Then there was disagreement over the atomic scale the physical laws that rule the behaviour and properties of the circuit are inherently quantum mechanical in nature, not classical. Then came the question of whether a new type of computer could be invented based on the principles of quantum physics.

Feynman was the first to provide an answer by producing an abstract model in 1982 that demonstrated how a quantum system could be used for computations. Besides he explained how such a machine could act as a simulator for quantum physics. Meaning that, a physicist may have the ability to conduct experiments in quantum physics in a quantum mechanical computer.

In 1985, Deutsch discovered that Feynman's claim could lead to a general purpose quantum computer and published a crucial theoretical paper illustrating that any physical process, in principle, could be moulded perfectly by a quantum computer.  So, a quantum computer would have capabilities far beyond those of any traditional classical computer.  Immediately after Deutsch publication, the search began.

Unfortunately, all that could be found were a few rather contrived mathematical problems, until Shor circulated in 1994 a preprint of a paper in which he set out a method for using quantum computers to crack an important problem in number theory, namely factorization.  He showed how an ensemble of mathematical operations, designed specifically for a quantum computer, could be organized to enable a such a machine to factor huge numbers extremely rapidly, much faster than is possible on conventional computers.  With this breakthrough, quantum computing transformed from a mere academic curiosity directly into a national and world interest.

6. Conclusion & Future Outlook

Right now, quantum computers and quantum information technology is still in its pioneering stage, and obstacles are being overcome that will provide the knowledge needed to drive quantum computers up in becoming the fastest computational machines in existence. This has not been without  problems, but it's nearing a stage now where researchers may have been equipped with tools required to assemble a computer robust enough to adequately withstand the effects of de-coherence.  With Quantum hardware, we are still full of hope though, except that progress so far suggest that it  will only be a matter time before the physical and practical breakthrough comes around to test Shor's and other quantum algorithms.  This breakthrough will permanently stamp out today's modern computer. Although Quantum computation has origin is in highly specialized fields of theoretical physics; however its future undoubtedly is in the profound effect it will bring to permanently shape and improve mankind.

References:

1.  D. Deutsch, Proc. Roy. Soc. London, Ser. A 400, 97 (1985).

2.  R. P. Feynman, Int. J. Theor. Phys. 21, 467 (1982).

3.  J. Preskill, 'Battling Decoherence:  The Fault-Tolerant Quantum Computer,' Physics Today, June (1999

4. R. Feynman, Int. J. Theor. Phys. 21, 467 (1982).

5. D. Deutsch, Proc. R. Soc. London A 400, 97 (1985).

6. P.W. Shor, in Proceedings of the 35th Annual Symposium on the Foundations of Computer Science, edited by S. Goldwasser (IEEE Computer Society Press, Los Alamitos, CA), p. 124 (1994).

7. A. Barenco, D. Deutsch, A. Ekert and R. Jozsa, Phys. Rev. Lett. 74, 4083 (1995)

8. Article by Yasar Safkan, Ph.D., Sofware Engineer, Noktalar A.S., Istanbul, Turkey


About the Author

Dele Oluwole graduated in England with a master's degree in computing. He began his IT career as a software test engineer (ISEB certified) with Argos Retail group, UK. Dele has been a consultant in software testing/project management for multi-national organisations, which include LG Electronics, Virgin Mobile, and T-Mobile Telecoms. He has also worked for the NHS, Waitrose, Ardentia, etc. His career in IT has revolved round software integration and project management. Dele is also an avid sports man and a Member of the prestigious British Computer Society (BCS) where he was awarded full membership in 2006.

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