Qubit Community Weekly Newsletter #10

Dear Qubit Community Members,

We are excited to bring you the 10^th edition of our Qubit community newsletter! As we reach this milestone, we're thrilled to share the latest advancements, discussions, and events happening in the vibrant world of quantum technologies

This newsletter is packed with insights, updates, and opportunities to connect with fellow quantum enthusiasts.

Stay connected, stay curious, and let's continue to push the boundaries of what's possible together.

Happy reading!

Qubit news and announcements:

1. Join us for Quantum Meetup in Haifa!

   We invite you to join us for a conference on quantum research and innovation, this time in the north of Israel!

   In collaboration with:

   🌟 The Technion 🏫
   🌟 Quantum Transistors
   🌟 Our hosts - Road2 Haifa 🚀
   🌟 CICC California 🇺🇸 - Israel 🇮🇱 Chamber of Commerce
   🌟 Classiq Technologies
   🌟 ScienceAbroad - the Israeli Scientists' Organization Abroad 👩🏻‍🔬👨🏻‍🔬🔭
   🌟 Quantum Machines 💫

   Mark your calendars:
   📅 Date: 05/09/2024 (Subject to security conditions*)
   ⏰ Time: 17:30-20:00
   📍 Location: Derech Ha'atzmaut 65, Haifa (Near Haifa Central Railway Station)
   📝 Registration link: shorturl.at/Nh4de

   During the Meetup, we will explore the latest breakthroughs in quantum research with:
   ◾ Prof. Ido Kaminer - Associate Professor at the Technion
   ◾ Nir Alfasi - Chief Scientist at Quantum Machines (Israel Quantum Computing Center)
   ◾ Ron Cohen - Quantum Applications Engineer at Classiq Technologies
   ◾ Dr. Moshe Turgeman - CTO at Quantum Transistors

   Join us for a Meetup filled with insights from top experts in the field, quality networking 🗣️, and light refreshments 🍕🍺. Hurry and register 📩, places are limited❗

2. This week holds special significance event, Tu B'Av, the Jewish day of love. To honor this occasion, we're blending the beauty of quantum mechanics with the language of love. After all, what better way to express the entanglement of our hearts than through the principles that define quantum relationships? Below, you'll find some quantum-inspired love sentences to share with your beloved one:

Quantum love sentences

Business and Investments

1. BlueQubit and Quantum Art Secure $2.2 Million Grant for Quantum Computing Advancements – BlueQubit Inc. and Quantum Art Ltd. have been awarded a $2.2 million grant by the Israel-U.S. BIRD Foundation to accelerate innovation in quantum computing. The project focuses on developing quantum machine learning algorithms and optimizing quantum processor configurations. This collaboration merges BlueQubit's software expertise with Quantum Art's scalable hardware, aiming to advance quantum computing capabilities for various industries. The grant highlights the growing importance of international partnerships in pushing the boundaries of quantum technology.

   For further information: https://www.businesswire.com/news/home/20240810693073/en/BlueQubit-and-Quantum-Art-Receive-BIRD-Foundation-Grant-for-Quantum-Computing-Innovation-with-a-2.2M-Budget

2. U.S. Federal Agencies Face $7.1 Billion Migration to Post-Quantum Cryptography – A White House report has revealed that U.S. federal agencies are preparing for a $7.1 billion transition to post-quantum cryptography (PQC) to protect against future quantum computing threats. The "record-now, decrypt-later" risk, where adversaries could capture encrypted data now and decrypt it later using quantum computers, has prompted an urgent need for this migration. The process involves identifying vulnerable systems, prioritizing critical data, and updating legacy systems. The report highlights that this will be an ongoing effort, requiring continuous updates to cryptographic inventories and cost estimates as technology evolves.

   For further information: https://thequantuminsider.com/2024/08/12/white-house-report-u-s-federal-agencies-brace-for-7-1-billion-post-quantum-cryptography-migration/

   For the report: https://www.whitehouse.gov/wp-content/uploads/2024/07/REF_PQC-Report_FINAL_Send.pdf

3. Quantum Circuits Raises Over $60 Million to Revolutionize Quantum Computing with Error Detection Technology – Quantum Circuits Inc. (QCI) has secured more than $60 million in a Series B funding round to accelerate the commercialization of its innovative quantum systems, which feature built-in error detection. Led by prominent investors including ARCH Venture Partners and Sequoia Capital, this funding will help QCI bring its dual-rail qubit technology to market. This technology promises enhanced accuracy, scalability, and performance, addressing one of the most significant challenges in quantum computing—error correction. With this investment, QCI is well-positioned to lead the development of fault-tolerant and scalable quantum computers, bringing reliable quantum computing closer to reality.

   For further information: https://thequantuminsider.com/2024/08/15/quantum-circuits-secures-more-than-60-million-in-series-b-investment/

Technology and Engineering

1. Introducing Qmod: Simplifying Quantum Algorithm Design – Classiq has launched Qmod, a high-level quantum programming language that streamlines the design of quantum algorithms. Qmod allows developers to focus on the functional intent of their algorithms while abstracting implementation details. It supports advanced quantum programming concepts and integrates classical programming features like type systems and control-flow statements. Qmod's powerful constructs enable concise coding and flexible optimization, making it easier to create and optimize complex quantum circuits. This innovation is set to enhance the efficiency of quantum software development, offering a robust tool for the growing quantum computing community.

   For further information: https://www.classiq.io/insights/introducing-qmod-streamlining-quantum-algorithm-design

2. Accelerating Quantum Research with Classiq’s Open-Source IDE – Classiq's Integrated Development Environment (IDE) is revolutionizing quantum research by providing a powerful platform that simplifies the development of quantum algorithms. By offering a library of pre-written, optimized code and tools for adapting to various quantum hardware, the IDE reduces the complexity of quantum programming. This allows researchers to focus more on innovation rather than on the intricacies of quantum code, ultimately accelerating the pace of discovery. The platform also supports projects from the Quantum Open Source Foundation, showcasing its potential to streamline quantum research and make it more accessible to a wider range of scientists and engineers.

   For further information: https://www.classiq.io/insights/quantum-open-source-accelerate-research-with-classiqs-ide   

3. Quantum Computing and AI Join Forces to Revolutionize Drug Discovery – QuEra Computing and Quantum Intelligence Corp. (QIC) have partnered to advance drug discovery by integrating quantum computing with AI-driven techniques. QuEra's cutting-edge neutral-atom quantum computers will power QIC's QUEST platform, enabling faster, more precise drug development. This collaboration aims to improve the safety and effectiveness of new treatments by accurately predicting potential side effects early in the drug development process. The partnership marks a significant leap in applying quantum computing to biopharmaceuticals, potentially transforming the way new medicines are discovered and brought to market.

   For further information: https://thequantuminsider.com/2024/08/15/quera-computing-and-quantum-intelligence-corp-team-up-to-accelerate-drug-discovery-with-quantum-computing/

4. IonQ Delivers First Overseas Ion Trap to Switzerland, Advancing Quantum Computing in Europe – IonQ has successfully delivered its first overseas ion trap to QuantumBasel in Switzerland, marking a significant milestone in its collaboration with QuantumBasel. This delivery is part of the development of IonQ's Forte Enterprise quantum system, which will eventually scale to 35 algorithmic qubits. The partnership provides European businesses, research institutes, and government agencies direct access to cutting-edge quantum computing technology. This initiative aims to position Europe as a key hub for quantum innovation, enabling advancements in fields like AI, finance, and chemistry. IonQ’s trapped-ion technology, known for its accuracy and scalability, is expected to drive significant progress in quantum research and enterprise applications across Europe.

   For further information: https://ionq.com/news/ionq-and-quantumbasel-partner-to-achieve-future-quantum-advantages-with

5. NIST Releases First Post-Quantum Encryption Standards: A New Era in Cybersecurity – The U.S. National Institute of Standards and Technology (NIST) has finalized the first three post-quantum encryption standards, marking a crucial step in protecting digital data against future quantum computer threats. These standards, developed over an eight-year process, are designed to withstand the decryption capabilities of quantum computers, which are expected to be able to break current encryption within a decade. Experts from the quantum community emphasize the importance of immediate adoption to secure sensitive information and highlight this development as the beginning of a significant cybersecurity transition.

   For further information: https://thequantuminsider.com/2024/08/13/nist-new-pqc-standards-online-awaiting-official-announcement/

   For NIST announcement and standards: https://csrc.nist.gov/news/2024/postquantum-cryptography-fips-approved

6. Understanding Quantum Communication: A Primer for Beginners – NASA, in collaboration with Quantinuum, has published a comprehensive guide titled "Quantum Communication 101." This 95-page document serves as an introductory resource for those new to the field of quantum communication, covering essential topics such as quantum information, quantum light, quantum components, and quantum-enhanced security. It also explores advanced concepts like quantum networks and the quantum internet. The guide aims to demystify the complexities of quantum communication technology, making it accessible to a broader audience and highlighting its potential applications in future communications systems.

   For the guide: https://www.nasa.gov/wp-content/uploads/2024/07/quantum-communication-101-final.pdf

Research

1. Universal Quantum's Breakthrough in Error Correction: Paving the Way for Scalable Quantum Computing – Universal Quantum has made a significant advancement in quantum error correction, addressing a critical challenge in scalable quantum computing. The research focuses on using transversal logical CNOT gates, which enable operations between distant qubits, essential for scaling quantum computers. A key innovation is the development of a multi-pass iterative decoder, which effectively corrects correlated errors, drastically improving performance and efficiency. This breakthrough allows trapped-ion quantum computers to achieve performance levels comparable to faster systems, marking a major step toward fault-tolerant quantum computing. By reducing the time complexity of error correction, Universal Quantum is closer to realizing practical, large-scale quantum computers, with the potential to revolutionize the field. High-fidelity long-range qubit connectivity and advanced decoding techniques are crucial in overcoming current limitations, pushing the boundaries of what is achievable in quantum computing. This research aligns with Universal Quantum's mission to scale quantum technology, potentially enabling machines with one million qubits and beyond.

   For further information: https://universalquantum.com/knowledge-hub/universal-quantum/universal-quantum-achieves-research-breakthrough-in-advanced-error-correction-using-high-fidelity-long-range-qubit-connectivity

   For the academic paper: https://arxiv.org/abs/2407.20976

2. Nano-Semiconductors and Moiré Excitons: The Next Frontier in Quantum Technology – A recent breakthrough by Kyoto University researchers has positioned nano-semiconductors at the forefront of quantum technology innovation. By leveraging moiré excitons as qubits, these semiconductors demonstrate unprecedented quantum coherence, maintaining stability for over 12 picoseconds at near absolute zero temperatures. This marks a significant improvement over traditional two-dimensional semiconductors, promising a new era of more efficient and scalable quantum computers.

   The development of this technology hinges on advanced techniques that minimize optical interference, allowing for precise measurements of quantum coherence. The implications of this research extend beyond quantum computing, potentially revolutionizing next-generation nano-semiconductors and broadening the scope of quantum technology applications. As this research progresses, it could pave the way for more practical and powerful quantum systems, driving the field closer to widespread adoption.

3. For further information: https://thequantuminsider.com/2024/08/16/nano-semiconductors-poised-to-disrupt-quantum-technology-with-moire-excitons-as-qubits/

   For the academic paper: https://www.nature.com/articles/s41467-024-48623-4

4. Simplifying Quantum Computing Scaling: The Lego-Like Approach – Researchers at the University of Rhode Island have introduced a novel approach to scaling quantum processors that mimics the simplicity of building with Lego blocks. This method utilizes sideband frequencies, which provide qubits with additional connection options, reducing the need for precise frequency matching—a common hurdle in quantum computing.

   By allowing qubits to be linked more flexibly and robustly, this technique simplifies the construction of larger quantum systems. The research suggests that this modular approach could accelerate the development of practical, large-scale quantum computers by making the scaling process more efficient and manageable. This breakthrough represents a significant step towards realizing the full potential of quantum computing technology.

   For further information: https://www.uri.edu/news/2024/08/uri-led-study-holds-promise-for-advancing-modular-quantum-information-processing/

   For the academic paper: https://journals.aps.org/prxquantum/abstract/10.1103/PRXQuantum.5.020339

5. Quantum Algorithm Sets New Standard in Identifying Healthy Livers for Transplant – Terra Quantum has developed a quantum algorithm that outperforms traditional methods in identifying healthy livers for transplantation. The hybrid quantum neural network (HQNN) model achieves 97% accuracy, surpassing classical techniques and even human experts. By integrating federated learning, this approach enables hospitals to share diagnostic models without compromising patient privacy, complying with regulations like the EU AI Law. This advancement not only improves liver transplant outcomes but also demonstrates the practical application of quantum computing in medical diagnostics, potentially revolutionizing healthcare.

   For further information: https://thequantuminsider.com/2024/08/14/quantum-algorithm-outperforms-current-method-of-identifying-healthy-livers-for-transplant/

   For the academic paper: https://www.mdpi.com/2075-4418/14/5/558

6. Designing Ultra-Sensitive Quantum Sensors: A New Protocol Emerges – Scientists from North Carolina State University and MIT have developed a new algorithmic framework for creating ultra-sensitive quantum sensors. By coupling a qubit with a bosonic oscillator, the framework allows for highly precise detection of specific signals. This advancement in quantum sensing could push the limits of sensor capabilities, approaching the fundamental thresholds set by quantum mechanics. The new protocol offers a versatile approach for a variety of quantum sensing applications, potentially revolutionizing fields where detecting minute changes is crucial, such as in medical diagnostics and environmental monitoring.

   For further information: https://thequantuminsider.com/2024/08/13/scientists-create-protocol-for-designing-ultra-sensitive-quantum-sensors/

   For the research paper: https://quantum-journal.org/papers/q-2024-07-30-1427/

7. Breakthrough in Quantum Computing Readout Achieves Near-Perfect Accuracy – Scientists at Infleqtion have achieved a major milestone in quantum computing by developing a readout technique that reaches near-perfect accuracy. Utilizing a 24-qubit array, the researchers implemented high-fidelity entangling gates and a non-destructive state-selective readout, which are crucial for building a fault-tolerant quantum computer. The team achieved a discrimination fidelity of 99.6% and significantly reduced errors in detecting quantum states. This advancement brings us closer to practical quantum computers, with enhanced connectivity and error correction capabilities, paving the way for larger and more reliable quantum systems.

   For further information: https://arxiv.org/pdf/2408.08288

8. Molecular Quantum Pump: A Breakthrough in Electronics – Researchers from the University of Jyväskylä and Wroclaw University of Science and Technology have developed a molecular quantum pump that could revolutionize molecular electronics. The pump, based on a benzenedithiol molecule coupled with copper electrodes and interacting with cavity photons, showcases significant light emission and high harmonic generation. This new theoretical modeling technique aligns experimental time scales with theoretical predictions, making it a potential game-changer in creating switches or amplifiers for future electronic devices. The findings could lead to groundbreaking advancements in the field of molecular electronics.

   For further information: https://www.jyu.fi/en/news/quantum-pumping-in-molecular-junctions

   For the academic paper: https://pubs.acs.org/doi/10.1021/acs.nanolett.4c02609

9. Quantum Algorithms Unlock Breakthrough Efficiency in Quantum Operations – Recent advancements in quantum computing have led to the development of a new generalized algorithm that optimizes quantum operations with unprecedented efficiency. This algorithm, a refinement of the quantum Arimoto-Blahut method, addresses limitations in current optimization techniques, enabling more effective processing in quantum information tasks. Its application to the quantum information bottleneck problem has shown superior performance compared to previous methods, paving the way for more efficient quantum learning and enhanced system performance in various quantum applications. This breakthrough represents a significant step forward in the quest to optimize quantum operations.

   For further information: https://iopscience.iop.org/article/10.1088/2058-9565/ad6eb1

10. Quantum Circuits Breakthrough: Measuring Multiple States Simultaneously – Researchers have made a significant advancement in quantum computing by developing a quantum circuit capable of measuring multiple quantum states at once. Traditionally, quantum state overlaps are measured sequentially using the Swap Test circuit. This new recursive circuit uses Ok2k-controlled swap (CSWAP) gates, allowing simultaneous measurement of multiple states with higher precision and fewer ancillary qubits. This innovation could greatly enhance quantum information processing and simulation, marking a pivotal step forward in the efficiency and scalability of quantum computing systems.

    For further information: https://epjquantumtechnology.springeropen.com/articles/10.1140/epjqt/s40507-024-00259-5

11. Quantum Computing Revolutionizes Power System Fault Diagnosis – Quantum computing is transforming the way power system faults are diagnosed, addressing the limitations of classical methods. Researchers have developed a quantum computing-based approach using the Quantum Approximate Optimization Algorithm (QAOA) to efficiently identify and diagnose faults in complex power grids. By reformulating the fault diagnosis problem as a Hamiltonian and employing advanced gate decomposition techniques, this method offers faster and more accurate fault detection. This breakthrough could lead to more reliable and stable power systems, ensuring better decision-making support for operators and reducing the impact of power outages.

    For further information: https://www.nature.com/articles/s41598-024-67922-w

12. Preserving Qubits During State-Destroying Operations: A Quantum Computing Breakthrough – Researchers have achieved a significant breakthrough in quantum computing by developing a method to preserve qubits during state-destroying operations with 99.9% fidelity. This innovation involves precise wavefront control of optical beams and using a single ion as a quantum sensor. The ability to maintain qubit integrity during critical operations like resets and measurements enhances the performance of quantum processors, enabling more accurate simulations and advanced error correction protocols. This advancement marks a crucial step forward in the development of reliable and scalable quantum computing systems.

    For further information:https://www.nature.com/articles/s41467-024-50864-2