December 12, 2018 Updated
D-Wave Adds D-Wave Hybrid to Ocean Software Developer Kit. D-Wave has added a preview of upgrades to its quantum computing software available for use in the D-Wave Leap Quantum Application Environment. Dubbed “D-Wave Hybrid”, the upgrade permits classical and quantum system developing in parallel. The upgrade also permits:
- simplified workflow control
- visibility into system performance
- code optimization across systems
- quantum hybrid application stratification
D-Wave touts upwards of 100 quantum computing applications solving challenges in airline scheduling, election modeling and quantum chemistry simulation, to name several. Developers have contributed to their quantum computing environment with numerous application development tools having been created. These steps forward in quantum application development bode well for a sector with a known gap in application development.
Reference is found at Phys.org…
Additional reference at HPCwire…
Quantum Mechanical Algorithms Need Not Apply. Researchers find a way around lack of quantum mechanical software in predicting molecule-magnetic field orientation. A signal the quantum computing industry has gaps to fill.
Reference is found at Phys.org…
Reports
Algorithms & Software
Quantum Mechanical Algorithms Need Not Apply
D-Wave Adds D-Wave Hybrid to Ocean Software Developer Kit
Government & Policy
2019 and Security: AI, Crypto-Agility, Quantum, and the Cloud Migration Security Specialist
Science & Research
Scaling Up Qubits Via Spin and Silicon
University of Arkansas & Topological Quantum Materials
Technology & Hardware
Cold Computing and Quantum Computers
Muddying the Waters with Quantum Computing
December 10, 2018
South Africa Eyes Quantum Computing & Skilled Workforce. The past ten years have seen South Africa make significant cyber-infrastructure improvements. The South African government has advanced their National Integrated Cyber Infrastructure System. This NICIS includes the Centre for High-performance Computing. With the CHPC computing system dubbed Lengau (“Cheetah”) having been brought to fruition in 2016, the nation’s researchers, in one effort, have cut genomics analysis time from four days to 2 hours. With this impetus, South Africa seeks to join other nations in quantum computing research and development. Bringing in quantum machine learning is only a part of the vision. Developing the skilled populace is seen as essential to reap the benefits of a Fourth Industrial Revolution. “Quantum technologies have the potential to realise this vision”, said DG of the Department of Science and Technology (DST), Dr Phil Mjwara, in his opening address at the Centre for High Performance Computing national conference held in Cape Town in December 2018.”
Reference found at eepublishers…
Further reference discussing Lengau…
Reports
Business
Microsoft, Quantum Computing, Risk, Reward for Your Enterprise
“Big” Growth in Quantum Key Distribution Market Touted
More Reasons the Legal Department Must Take Heed of Quantum Computing
#2 in Cloud Trends…Quantum Computing
India: Revenue from Quantum Cryptography
Cybersecurity & Cryptography
Risk Versus Reward in the Legal Department
Less than 20 years to Quantum Supremacy. 20 or More Years to Implement Quantum Resistant Encryption.
Keeping Quantum Computing Expectations In Perspective
Government & Policy
South Africa Eyes Quantum Computing & Skilled Workforce
Canada, Quantum Computing, Workforce Development
Science & Research
Rochester Institute of Technology to Host Quantum Computing Workshop
Colloidal Quantum Dots: Smaller is Blue. Bigger is Red.
December 7, 2018
Strategy to Protect Cutting-Edge Technology. China has not stopped its theft of intellectual property; according to the Trump Administration. This is a mounting concern of those in the quantum computing and other distruptive technologies arena. In a Council on Foreign Relations report, several strategic recommendations on how the U.S. Government should proceed to stymie the theft are given.
#1 Apply the sanctions placed on Russian cyber operations by U.S. and allies to China
#2 Sanction companies, academia, and individuals vice the current policy of issuing indictments, for intellectual property theft
#3 Assist small companies with cyber defense against China. “Small companies and start-ups in AI, quantum, semiconductor, telecommunications, and other sectors central to Chinese technology strategies are unlikely to be aware of the threat of Chinese actors or have the resources and expertise to reduce vulnerabilities.”
In lieu of taking sanctions and trade-war actions for Chinese intellectual property theft alone, the U.S. should aim to build an allied coalition sanctioning China for these actions. Otherwise, expect the theft of intellectual property to become “an increasingly accepted international norm.”
Report is found at COUNCIL on FOREIGN RELATIONS…
Reports
Algorithms & Software
Government & Policy
Strategy to Protect Cutting-Edge Technology
5G, AI, QC All Part of Internal Discussions
U.S. National Quantum Initiative Act Falling Short?
December 4, 2018
Mitigating Data Exposure to Quantum Computing. A simplified risk-timeline has four influencing factors to consider; given you have made a complete cryptographic inventory. The four factors to consider are:
1/ Cryptographic strength of the algorithms in use to protect data and communications
2/ Length of time, in years, your data must be protected
3/ Cryptographic agility of the enterprise. How to quickly is the enterprise able to change the algorithms? Weeks? Months? Years?
4/ Quantum computing advancements, in terms of years to achieve (i.e. when will quantum supremacy arrive?)
The advent of quantum computing capable of cracking cryptography is nearing. “When?” is the bigger question. Anywhere from a bold 2 years to never are routinely discussed.
Reports
Business
2018 International Electron Devices Meeting December 1-5, 2018
Cybersecurity & Cryptography
Mitigating Data Exposure to Quantum Computing
Internet of Things and Quantum Cryptography
Government & Policy
Government Interest in Quantum + Artificial Intelligence
Technology & Hardware
U.S. DoD Awards $500K for Quantum Market Research
December 3, 2018
Microsoft Add Libraries to Quantum Development Kit. Microsoft adds further integration with Visual Studio for its Quantum Development Kit. The kit pushes along use of quantum computing for chemistry research and development. “One significant area is computational chemistry, where quantum computers will drive advancements in areas such as drug discovery, development of pigments and dyes and the development of catalysts for industrial processes.” Potential applications stemming from this QDK use are understanding of pollutant breakdown during combustion processes, pulling nitrogen from the atmosphere for fertilizer use, and possibly enabling the elusive carbon capture process. Quantum is coming.
Reference from Microsoft Quantum…
Reports
Algorithms & Software
Microsoft Add Libraries to Quantum Development Kit
Business
Israeli Startup Raises $5.5M
IBM’s Hybrid Cloud Sr. V-P Discusses QC
Quantum for Business Conference
Cybersecurity & Cryptography
Basic Quantum Computing Discussion
Science & Research
Quantum Post-selection Limited?
November 30, 2018
Quantum Cloud Computing and Error-Correction: IBM v Rigetti. Once again, reporting of steps toward error-correction in the fragile world of quantum computing emerges. University of Southern California scientists utilized IBM’s 16-qubit QX5 and Rigetti’s 19-qubit Acorn quantum computing systems to achieve what is dubbed as “dynamic decoupling”. The decoupling occurs by sequestering the IBM and Rigetti qubits in a microenvironment within the superconducting systems; hence, the qubits are sequestered from ambient noise which is destructive to quantum states and a bane on current quantum computing progress. Through manipulation of the qubits via electromagnetic pulses, a quantum state was perpetuated in each of the systems. This is the error-correction.
“For the IBM quantum computers, final fidelity improved threefold, from 28.9 percent to 88.4 percent. For the Rigetti quantum computer, final fidelity improvement was a more modest 17 percent, from 59.8 to 77.1.” An aside, the study found more pulses always improved the Rigetti Acorn’s error-correction, while the IBM QX5 computer would level at 100 pulses. Though measured in billionths of a second, this method of perpetuating a quantum state is a strong step forward for quantum cloud computing.
Reference is found at Phys.org…
Reports
Science & Research
Quantum Cloud Computing and Error-Correction: IBM v Rigetti
Technology & Hardware
Moving to Market: Quantum Technologies Showcase
November 28, 2018
European Space Agency Sees Laser Communication as Next Revolution. With the use of satellites projected to double and spending to increase over $2B from 2020 to 2025, the ESA views laser communication as the “basis for the next revolution in satcom.” This looks to be the foundation of extensive use of secure communications utilizing quantum cryptography.
Reference is found at the ESA…
Performing Quantum Error-correction Just Got Easier. Australia’s University of New South Wales, Sydney, has developed a unique approach to reading quantum information stored in quantum bits. The method reads the electrons of phosphorus atoms encapsulated in silicon with the reading sensor embeded in the quantum gate. Reading the position of the quantum bits was the challenge; the position being the stored information. Effectively, the stored data is read by the single integrated sensor. Previous “conventional measurement” methods required 3 sensors. “This represents a major advance…in reading of qubits.” The sensitivity of the sensors in reading the information permits quantum error-correction, conceivably in a scalable manner.
Reports
Business
‘Smart Industry’ Strategy Fueling French R&D Lab
Cybersecurity & Cryptography
European Space Agency Sees Laser Communication as Next Revolution
Government & Policy
Not in the Forseeable Future
Science & Research
Performing Quantum Error-correction Just Got Easier
November 25, 2018
ETH Zurich & Yale University: Error Correcting Fragile Quantum States. Quantum information is fragile – inaccurate and incorrect results arise from interaction with the environment; a major challenge to moving closer to quantum supremacy. Quantum supremacy, the point at which quantum computers are able to effectively surpass classical computers in computational capabilities, requires quantum bits, or qubits. “Quantum calculations are done via delicate bits of data called qubits, which are prone to errors. In experimental quantum systems, “logical” qubits are monitored by “ancillary” qubits in order to detect and correct errors immediately.”(Ref, Yale). Logical qubits, vice physical qubits, are being studied as a less error-prone, and correctable, qubit. The logical qubit relies on the stability found in multiple, interconnected qubits. Several criteria are depended upon to enable the logical qubit: (1) Stability of the qubit must be high, (2) Connecting the bits must occur in a tight space, (3) Extreme cold temperatures are necessary. Even with these requirements satisfied, the logical qubits demand they are controlled at the quantum mechanical level. Doing so will permit interlinking the physical qubits to the logical qubit. At the edge of experimental research, ETH Zurich and Yale University studies seek to develop quantum computers with the logical qubits, bringing the day of quantum supremacy closer, sooner.
Error-correcting Logical Qubits by Yale Researchers [PHYS.org]…
Reports
Algorithms & Software
Quantum Algorithm Mimics Darwinian Evolution
Business
Retail Industry Considering Quantum Computing Application
Cybersecurity & Cryptography
Act Together or Hack Together?
Science & Research
ETH Zurich & Yale University: Error Correcting Fragile Quantum States
November 16, 2018
Quantum Leap: Big Idea. Workforce Development by the National Science Foundation. The U.S. National Science Foundation is striving to expand the U.S. quantum computing and information science (QCIS) workforce. A recent request for proposals is offering upwards of $1.5M to universities to hire and expand QCIS programs. End goal of the QL Big Idea is “the development of a well-trained workforce capable of pursuing advanced research and development in quantum technologies.” By developing the workforce, expansion of U.S. strength in QCIS research geared toward quantum computation and communication will also be attained. Research aims for the QL Big Idea are to “exploit quantum mechanics” in order to control atomic and subatomic particles. To do such research requires an advanced and highly trained workforce, the end goal of the QL Big Idea. Proposals are due December 17, 2018. Proposal in PDF is found here at the National Science Foundation…
Reports
Business
Applied Materials Teams with State University of New York in $600M Project
Government & Policy
U.S. National Security Telecommunications Advisory Committee: A Cybersecurity Moonshot
China Poised to Lead in Secure Quantum Communications
Science & Research
Quantum Leap: Big Idea. Workforce Development by the National Science Foundation
November 14, 2018
Hardware-agnostic Quantum Computer Software. Xanadu corporation has developed hardware-agnostic quantum computer software dedicated to machine learning. Currently available systems utilizing qubits and photonic methods to enable quantum computation have built-in support with the package, dubbed PennyLane.
PennyLane’s Key Points and Features:
- Scalability inherent in its design
- Implements the Backpropagation algorithm; key for training deep learning models
- Plugin system design
- Hardware-agnostic
- Hybrid quantum-computation routines
The plugin developer system in PennyLane permits integration to major corporation quantum computing services; the IBM Quantum Experience, for example. Xanadu’s “Strawberry Fields software stack, released earlier this year…enabled the rapid prototyping and optimization of quantum circuits using existing machine learning tools.” Building on Strawberry Fields experiences, Xanadu released PennyLane.
Release found here at MARKETS INSIDER…
More on Backpropagation algorithm…
Reports
Algorithms & Software
Hardware-agnostic Quantum Computer Software
Business
Argonne Takes Delivery of 35-Qubit Quantum Learning Machines
Capturing the Commoner’s Eye: Too Expensive, but Getting There via Cloud
Technology & Hardware
Google and NASA Contracting Bristlecone’s Quantum Computing Services
November 12, 2018
Risk Assesment and Data Protection. In the top cost reduction factors for a data breach in the pre-quantum computing era, also known as the classical computing era, or today, we have number one, an incident response team. And number two, extensive use of encryption. As the National Institute of Standards and Technology (NIST) feverishly works to screen suitable cryptographic algorithms resistant to quantum computing, the race to beat a ‘practical’ quantum computer to ‘the cracking’ of encryption is on.
Organizations need now to conduct a thorough risk assessment of their encryption infrastructure. Not only the cryptography in use, but also the enablers to its practical use. To be thorough, an assessment from a quantum computing threat aspect must be given. Areas in cybersecurity and data protection assessment that should be considered are “digital certificate management, mobile device management, application scanning, data loss prevention, security incident response, access control, data classification and digital forensics.” Reference report is found here…
IBM and the Ponemon Institute have produced a data breach calculator, based on Ponemon’s 2018 data breach report; worth putting some thought into. 2018 Data Breach Calculator…
Reports
Government & Policy
Risk Assessment and Data Protection
Second Meeting for the U.S. Quantum Economic Development Consortium
Science & Research
Calcutta University Initiates Quantum Studies
Technology & Hardware
U.K.’s Pioneer Fund Aims to Produce in Next 2 Years
November 9, 2018
Quantumizing the Speed of Data Searches. New research and advancements in the “quantum walk” protocol shows promising application. “…[C]onsidering the protocol’s essence as an optimization process…the protocol of fast hitting on glued trees may further trigger many useful applications that utilize quantum speed-up for tasks…” Data searches and logistics are potential gainers of this protocol. Benefit is also seen in the quantum device’s scalability, utilizing an integrated quantum photonic chip. Use of the chip’s scalability places it as a viable candidate for simulating complex physical systems.
Reference report is found here at PHYS.ORG…
Original work is found at Cornell University Libary [PDF]…
Reports
Algorithms & Software
Quantumizing the Speed of Data Searches
Business
Two-Minute Guide to Quantum Computing?
Science & Research
University of Alberta Using Reduced Power to Store Quantum Data
November 7, 2018
QKD Over Long Distance; Crucial to Data Security. Quantum Key Distribution, QKD, utilizes photon entanglement to distribute encryption keys with near-total security. Research conducted at the University of Geneva has taken QKD to new lengths, literally. Though only a small gain in distance has been achieved over the 404KM record, the 421KM distance attained showed improvements elsewhere. Namely, in encryption key-rate throughput – a much needed aspect to enabling QKD in the high-speed communication networks today. Security, distance, and key rate must all be considered. These studies are sorting out each of these aspects for the optimal QKD system.
Reference is found here at APS physics…
Reports
Business
VW and Quantum Computing for Traffic Management
Cybersecurity & Cryptography
QKD Over Long Distance; Crucial to Data Security
Risk and Mitigation for Quantum Computing Enterprise Systems
Quantum-Resistant Signatures on Your Host
Government & Policy
U.S. Has Disruptive Technologies as an Option for Big Data Crunching
Technology & Hardware
Maintaining Quantum Information Through Error Reduction
November 5, 2018
Voting by Mobile Phone is Bad. Using Blockchain, Worse. West Virginia is set to test blockchain for voting. The ballot will be right in the palm of the voter’s hand on their mobile phone. Inherently insecure, the mobile phone as a ballot is a bad idea, today. Consider what happens when quantum computing arrives? If West Virginia incorporates blockchain, it could spell a bigger disaster. Concept is found here at LIVE BITCOIN NEWS…
Reports
Business
Cybersecurity & Cryptography
Voting by Mobile Phone is Bad. Using Blockchain, Worse.
Quantum-resistant Password-Authenticated Key Exchange Partners
Science & Research
Australia Entangling Photons with Fewer Errors
November 2, 2018
Scalable Quantum Computing Nodes Using Rare Earth Atoms. Scientists at the Karlsruhe Institute of Technology (KIT), funded by the European Commission within the Quantum Technology Flagship, are undertaking a 3M EUR project to study rare earth ions. Though nascent in the study, the ions show promise for quantum communication due to their quantum properties being readable via focused laser and transmission of their quantum state to photons. Further benefits to be studied are the rare earth ions’ resistance to external interference (increases qubit stability) – ergo, quantum states are stored “for a very long time”, activated by light in solid-state crystals. Presently, the program (“SQUARE”) is aiming “to demonstrate functional elements of a multi-qubit quantum register that can be read out optically and to realize building blocks of a quantum network.” Simply put, SQUARE is looking to determine which rare earth ions are programmable individually in vast numbers. This will give quantum computational capacity a vast boost forward to making quantum computing a reality.
Reference from Karlsruhe Institute of Technology…
Reports
Business
Bitcoin Getting Quantum Resistant
Government & Policy
Getting Hysterical over China’s Voracious Appetite for U.S. Tech, Is it Grounded in Truth?
Science & Research
Scalable Quantum Computing Nodes Using Rare Earth Atoms
Rochester Institute of Technology Receives Funding for Advanced Research and Training
If Chemistry is the Hardware of Life, Is Quantum the Software?
Technology & Hardware
Protecting Entanglement of Photons with Symmetry
Have a Replacement