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Category Archives: Quantum Computing

Quantum Computers Take a Major Step With Error Correction Breakthrough – Singularity Hub

For quantum computers to go from research curiosities to practically useful devices, researchers need to get their errors under control. New research from Microsoft and Quantinuum has now taken a major step in that direction.

Todays quantum computers are stuck firmly in the noisy intermediate-scale quantum (NISQ) era. While companies have had some success stringing large numbers of qubits together, they are highly susceptible to noise which can quickly degrade their quantum states. This makes it impossible to carry out computations with enough steps to be practically useful.

While some have claimed that these noisy devices could still be put to practical use, the consensus is that quantum error correction schemes will be vital for the full potential of the technology to be realized. But error correction is difficult in quantum computers because reading the quantum state of a qubit causes it to collapse.

Researchers have devised ways to get around this using error correction codes that spread each bit of quantum information across multiple physical qubits to create what is known as a logical qubit. This provides redundancy and makes it possible to detect and correct errors in the physical qubits without impacting the information in the logical qubit.

The challenge is that, until recently, it was assumed it could take roughly 1,000 physical qubits to create each logical qubit. Todays largest quantum processors only have around that many qubits, suggesting that creating enough logical qubits for meaningful computations was still a distant goal.

That changed last year when researchers from Harvard and startup QuEra showed they could generate 48 logical qubits from just 280 physical ones. And now the collaboration between Microsoft and Quantinuum has gone a step further by showing that they can not only create logical qubits but can actually use them to suppress error rates by a factor of 800 and carry out more than 14,000 experimental routines without a single error.

What we did here gives me goosebumps, Microsofts Krysta Svore told New Scientist. We have shown that error correction is repeatable, it is working, and it is reliable.

The researchers were working with Quantinuums H2 quantum processor, which relies on trapped-ion technology and is relatively small at just 32 qubits. But by applying error correction codes developed by Microsoft, they were able to generate four logical qubits that only experienced an error every 100,000 runs.

One of the biggest achievements, the Microsoft team notes in a blog post, was the fact that they were able to diagnose and correct errors without destroying the logical qubits. This is thanks to an approach known as active syndrome extraction which is able to read information about the nature of the noise impacting qubits, rather than their state, Svore told IEEE Spectrum.

However, the error correction scheme had a shelf life. When the researchers carried out multiple operations on a logical qubit, followed by error correction, they found that by the second round the error rates were only half of those found in the physical qubits and by the third round there was no statistically significant impact.

And impressive as the results are, the Microsoft team points out in their blog post that creating truly powerful quantum computers will require logical qubits that make errors only once every 100 million operations.

Regardless, the result marks a massive jump in capabilities for error correction, which Quantinuum claimed in a press release represents the beginning of a new era in quantum computing. While that might be jumping the gun slightly, it certainly suggests that peoples timelines for when we will achieve fault-tolerant quantum computing may need to be updated.

Image Credit: Quantinuum H2 quantum computer / Quantinuum

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Microsoft and Quantinuum join forces on quantum computing reliability breakthrough – SiliconANGLE News

Integrated quantum computing company Quantinuum Ltd. and Microsoft todayannounceda breakthrough in bringing higher reliability to quantum error correction, which will advance the path toward building hybrid quantum supercomputing systems.

Researchers applied Microsofts qubit-virtualization system, which uses error diagnostics and correction, to Quantinuums ion-trap hardware, successfully demonstrating error rates 800 times lower than physical systems alone. Using the new system, the team was able to run more than 14,000 individual experiments without a single error.

Quantum computing uses qubits to store and process information. Unlike a classical bit that is a 1 or a 0, a qubit can also exist in a superposition where its state is indeterminate has a probability of being a 1 or a 0 or entangled with another qubit. Because of the hardware that qubits are built on, which is often sensitive superconducting circuitry to resolve the measurements, qubits can be extremely error-prone.

Quantinuum combined its 32-qubit H2 quantum processor, powered by Honeywell International Inc., with Microsofts new error correction system. This led to what both companies said generated the most reliable logical qubits, by creating four logical qubits using 30 of the 32 physical qubits available on the H2.

The team also diagnosed and corrected errors in logical qubits without destroying them a practice known as active syndrome extraction. This breakthrough is particularly important because it represents an important milestone toward reliable quantum computation.

Microsoft likened its qubit error correction system to using a high-quality noise-canceling headset to increase the clarity of sound in a noisy environment. It corresponds to an approximately 29-decibel improvement in signal, according to the joint team, which in terms of headphones would knock out even fairly loud annoying noises such as a vacuum cleaner or a busy street.

With our qubit-virtualization system, we were able to create four highly reliable logical qubits from only 30 physical qubits of the available 32 on Quantinuums machine, the team said in itsannouncement. When entangled, these logical qubits exhibited a circuit error rate of105or 0.00001, which means they would experience an error only once in every 100,000 runs. That is an 800x improvement over the circuit error rate of 8103or 0.008, measured from entangled physical qubits.

This achievement will help lead to a new era in computing called Level 2 Resilient, where quantum supercomputers are capable of dealing with the issues caused by errors and can tackle meaningful challenges such as modeling states of molecules and materials, simulate complex systems in condensed matter physics, and explore new branches of science. This includes scientific disciplines that are currently beyond the scale of conventional computing, such as large-scale climate simulation, astronomical simulations, drug discovery and advanced material sciences.

Quantum error correction often seems very theoretical, said Dr. David Shaw, chief analyst at Global Quantum Intelligence. Whats striking here is the massive contribution Microsofts midstack software for qubit optimization is making to the improved step-down in error rates. Microsoft really is putting theory into practice.

Microsoft said advanced capabilities based on this new technology will be available in private preview forAzure Quantum Elements, the companys purpose-built infrastructure for research and development productivity, in the coming months.

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Microsoft and Quantinuum join forces on quantum computing reliability breakthrough - SiliconANGLE News

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Examining the True Impact of Recent Quantum Computing Progress – yTech

A recent discussion among experts in the field of quantum computing reveals skepticism regarding the magnitude of advancements touted by Microsoft and Quantinuum. According to Paul Lucero of Omdia, despite Microsofts claims, their quantum leap requires significant improvement in fidelity and an expansion of computational capabilities beyond Clifford gates, which only support certain types of calculations. While Microsoft has successfully demonstrated four logical qubits, a far cry from the 100 necessary for scientific relevance, this progress does not yet herald a threat to current encryption methods which are projected to require approximately 2,000 logical qubits to be compromised.

Consequently, encryption systems like AES 256-bit remain secure for the time being. David Shaw, the chief analyst at Global Quantum Intelligence, suggests that the impressive results may have been somewhat curated by Microsoft, as some unsuccessful test runs were disregarded to paint a more favorable picture.

Despite the breakthrough, these advancements do not substantially alter the ongoing conversation about when large-scale, fault-tolerant quantum computing systems might be realized. Moreover, with numerous approaches to constructing quantum computers, Microsofts collaboration with Quantinuum suggests a more exclusive pathway that other companies may not readily adopt, though they could potentially draw inspiration from the underlying theory, posits Baptiste Royer from the University of Sherbrooke.

While this represents a series of cumulative improvements in error-correction, hardware, and calibration, the developments offer little immediate practical benefit for enterprises keen on the applications of quantum computing. For researchers, however, these findings provide a valuable environment for experimental testing and could ultimately accelerate the journey towards practical quantum applications.

Overview of Quantum Computing Industry

Quantum computing represents a significant leap from traditional computing by using the principles of quantum mechanics to process information. While standard computers use bits to represent either a 0 or a 1, quantum computers use quantum bits, or qubits, which can represent a 0, 1, or both simultaneously, vastly increasing the computational power for particular tasks.

The industry has been witnessing rapid development, but currently, large-scale quantum computers remain a goal rather than a reality. Companies like IBM, Google, and Intel, are also deeply invested in the quantum computing race, continually pushing the boundaries of what is possible.

Market Forecasts

The market for quantum computing is expected to grow significantly over the next decade. Estimates suggest that the quantum computing market could reach billions of dollars as the technology matures and finds applications across various sectors, including pharmaceuticals, materials science, finance, and cybersecurity. This growth is fueled by substantial investments from both the private sector and government initiatives intending to achieve quantum supremacy the point at which quantum computers can solve problems beyond the reach of classical supercomputers.

Issues in the Quantum Computing Industry

While advancements are noteworthy, the quantum computing industry faces several challenges. The development of qubits with lower error rates and high fidelity is a major technical hurdle. Additionally, building systems with enough qubits to perform meaningful computations, which includes error correction routines, is another significant technical challenge. Theres also the matter of making these systems accessible and useful for businesses, which require software ecosystems and quantum algorithms tailored to specific tasks.

Quantum computers have the potential to break contemporary encryption methods, a concern that has started to push the development of post-quantum cryptography. Although current encryption standards like AES 256-bit remain secure, the industry is focusing on cryptographic approaches that are considered quantum-resistant.

For further information on quantum computing and the work being done by leading companies, visit the main websites of these pioneer entities:

IBM Google Intel Microsoft

In conclusion, despite Microsoft and Quantinuum showcasing notable progress with four logical qubits, there is widespread acknowledgment within the expert community that we are still far from realizing quantum computings full potential. This nascent industry continues to grapple with significant technical challenges, but the progress in qubit quality and algorithm development keeps the sector optimistic about future breakthroughs. As for the security concerns regarding encryption, they remain at bay for now, but continued vigilance and innovation in cryptography are crucial as quantum computing evolves.

Igor Nowacki is a fictional author known for his imaginative insights into futuristic technology and speculative science. His writings often explore the boundaries of reality, blending fact with fantasy to envision groundbreaking inventions. Nowackis work is celebrated for its creativity and ability to inspire readers to think beyond the limits of current technology, imagining a world where the impossible becomes possible. His articles are a blend of science fiction and visionary tech predictions.

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Quantum Computing Takes a Quantum Leap with Error Correction Breakthrough – yTech

Summary: Quantinuum and Microsoft have made a quantum leap in quantum computing by dramatically improving the reliability of logical qubits and reducing the physical resources required. This milestone could revolutionize computational problem-solving across various industries and pave the way for scalable quantum computing, promising to deliver high-grade logical qubits to industrial and research sectors.

In an unprecedented advance that may redefine the landscape of modern computing, Quantinuum, in partnership with Microsoft, has engineered a quantum leap in the performance of quantum computers. The collaboration has yielded the most stable logical qubits to date, suggesting a bright future for complex computational analysis and problem-solving. A clear shift has been observed in the quantum computing paradigm as the number of physical qubits required to form reliable logical qubits has dramatically shrunk.

Quantinuums hardware has undergone intense scrutiny, with over 14,000 error-free experimental cycles, showcasing their systems resilience. Previously, a large assembler of physical qubits was necessary to fabricate a small set of logical qubits, whereas now, a minuscule fraction of that number is needed, establishing an 800-time increase in reliability compared to prior standards.

The quantum community is abuzz, envisioning a spectrum of applications from deciphering the mysteries of cryptography to conducting in-depth climate research. Quantinuums goal is clear: to provide the industry and scientific domains with superior logical qubits that could, within a few years, contribute to significant advancements in a range of global challenges, including environmental and AI technology enhancements.

Though today Quantinuums technology is based on a model supporting four logical qubits from 32 physical ones, it aims to sustain at least ten stable logical qubits by 2025. Integrating these logical qubits with classical supercomputing could initiate breakthroughs in otherwise intractable problems, moving us closer to solving some of the most pressing issues of our time.

As the quantum computing landscape continues to evolve, the potential outcomes of such advancements are profound, influencing not only the technological sphere but also shaping the trajectory of human cognition and capacity for problem-solving. For further insights into the burgeoning field of quantum computing, researchers and enthusiasts alike are encouraged to explore the research and developments from other industry giants like IBM and Google.

Advancing Quantum Computing: Industry Perspectives and Future Outlook

Quantinuums breakthrough, in collaboration with Microsoft, has positioned the company as a significant player in the quantum computing industry. Quantum computing stands at the precipice of transforming countless sectors including cryptography, materials science, drug discovery, and climate modeling. The implication of reducing the quantum resource overhead while improving qubit stability is a direct path toward practical and scalable quantum computation.

The current quantum computing industry is composed of key players such as IBM, Google, and Rigetti, all of which contribute to the technological race to realize a fully-functional, error-corrected quantum computer. Each of these organizations is pushing forward with their own unique approaches to quantum technology. Researchers and interested parties can learn more about their latest developments at their respective websites, such as IBM and Google.

Market Forecasts for the quantum computing industry suggest robust growth. According to recent studies, the global quantum computing market size is expected to expand significantly, with some analyses projecting a compound annual growth rate (CAGR) of over 30% in the coming years. This growth is anticipated to be driven by increasing investment from both the public and private sectors, technological advancements, and a growing demand for high-speed computing for complex problem-solving tasks.

However, the industry faces several key issues and challenges. Noise and error correction continue to pose major hurdles on the path to creating reliable quantum computers. Additionally, there are practical considerations relating to the integration of quantum computing within existing classical infrastructures and making quantum technology accessible to a broader array of users who may not have specialized knowledge in quantum mechanics.

Other important issues include cybersecurity concerns, as quantum computing has the potential to break current encryption algorithms, necessitating the development of quantum-resistant cryptography. There is also an ongoing debate around the ethics and implications of quantum computing, from issues of privacy to broader societal impacts.

Despite these challenges, the advancements in logical qubit stability by Quantinuum and Microsoft underscore the industrys rapid progress. As quantum computing edges closer to everyday relevancy, anticipation builds for a new frontier in technology that could reshape the way we tackle the worlds most complex problems.

In conclusion, the partnership between Quantinuum and Microsoft has catalyzed significant optimism in the quantum computing realm. With continued investment and research, along with a commitment to overcoming technical and ethical challenges, quantum computing may soon unlock new horizons in scientific discovery and innovation. To keep abreast of the evolving industry landscape, stakeholders are encouraged to track the continuous developments in this fascinating field of technology.

Igor Nowacki is a fictional author known for his imaginative insights into futuristic technology and speculative science. His writings often explore the boundaries of reality, blending fact with fantasy to envision groundbreaking inventions. Nowackis work is celebrated for its creativity and ability to inspire readers to think beyond the limits of current technology, imagining a world where the impossible becomes possible. His articles are a blend of science fiction and visionary tech predictions.

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U.S. weighs National Quantum Initiative Reauthorization Act – TechTarget

While artificial intelligence and semiconductors capture global attention, some U.S. policymakers want to ensure Congress doesn't fail to invest and stay competitive in other emerging technologies, including quantum computing.

Quantum computing regularly lands on the U.S. critical and emerging technologies list, which pinpoints technologies that could affect U.S. national security. Quantum computing -- an area of computer science that uses quantum physics to solve problems too complex for traditional computers -- not only affects U.S. national security, but intersects with other prominent technologies and industries, including AI, healthcare and communications.

The U.S. first funded quantum computing research and development in 2018 through the $1.2 billion National Quantum Initiative Act. It's something policymakers now want to continue through the National Quantum Initiative Reauthorization Act. Reps. Frank Lucas (R-Okla.) and Zoe Lofgren (D-Calif.) introduced the legislation in November 2023, and it has yet to pass the House despite having bipartisan support.

Continuing to invest in quantum computing R&D means staying competitive with other countries making similar investments to not only stay ahead of the latest advancements, but protect national security, said Isabel Al-Dhahir, principal analyst at GlobalData.

"Quantum computing's geopolitical weight and the risk a powerful quantum computer poses to current cybersecurity measures mean that not only the U.S., but also China, the EU, the U.K., India, Canada, Japan and Australia are investing heavily in the technology and are focused on building strong internal quantum ecosystems in the name of national security," she said.

Global competition in quantum computing will increase as the technology moves from theoretical to practical applications, Al-Dhahir said. Quantum computing has the potential to revolutionize areas such as drug development and cryptography.

Al-Dhahir said while China is investing $15 billion over the next five years in its quantum computing capabilities, the EU's Quantum Technologies Flagship program will provide $1.2 billion in funding over the next 10 years. To stay competitive, the U.S. needs to continue funding quantum computing R&D and studying practical applications for the technology.

"If reauthorization fails, it will damage the U.S.'s position in the global quantum race," she said.

Lofgren, who spoke during The Intersect: A Tech and Policy Summit earlier this month, said it's important to pass the National Quantum Initiative Reauthorization Act to "maintain our competitive edge." The legislation aims to move beyond scientific research and into practical applications of quantum computing, along with ensuring scientists have the necessary resources to accomplish those goals, she said.

Indeed, Sen. Marsha Blackburn (R-Tenn.) said during the summit that the National Quantum Initiative Act needs to be reauthorized for the U.S. to move forward. Blackburn, along with Sen. Ben Ray Lujn (D-N.M.), has also introduced the Quantum Sandbox for Near-Term Applications Act to advance commercialization of quantum computing.

The 2018 National Quantum Initiative Act served a "monumental" purpose in mandating agencies such as the National Science Foundation, NIST and the Department of Energy to study quantum computing and create a national strategy, said Joseph Keller, a visiting fellow at the Brookings Institution.

Though the private sector has made significant investments in quantum computing, Keller said the U.S. would not be a leader in quantum computing research without federal support, especially with goals to eventually commercialize the technology at scale. He said that's why it's pivotal for the U.S. to pass the National Quantum Initiative Reauthorization Act, even amid other congressional priorities such as AI.

"I don't think you see any progress forward without the passage of that legislation," Keller said.

Despite investment from numerous big tech companies, including Microsoft, Intel, IBM and Google, significant technical hurdles remain for the broad commercialization of quantum computing, Al-Dhahir said.

She said the quantum computing market faces issues such as overcoming high error rates -- for example, suppressing error rates requires "substantially higher" qubit counts than what is being achieved today. A qubit, short for quantum bit, is considered a basic unit of information in quantum computing.

IBM released the first quantum computer with more than 1,000 qubits in 2023. However, Al-Dhahir said more is needed to avoid high error rates in quantum computing.

"The consensus is that hundreds of thousands to millions of qubits are required for practical large-scale quantum computers," she said.

Indeed, industry is still trying to identify the economic proposition of quantum computing, and the government has a role to play in that, Brookings' Keller said.

"It doesn't really have these real-world applications, things you can hold and touch," he said. "But there are breakthroughs happening in science and industry."

Lofgren said she recognizes that quantum computing has yet to reach the stage of practical, commercial applications, but she hopes that legislation such as the National Quantum Initiative Reauthorization Act will help the U.S. advance quantum computing to that stage.

"Quantum computing is not quite there yet, although we are making tremendous strides," she said.

Makenzie Holland is a news writer covering big tech and federal regulation. Prior to joining TechTarget Editorial, she was a general reporter for the Wilmington StarNews and a crime and education reporter at the Wabash Plain Dealer.

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Apple to launch PQ3 update for iMessage, bolstering encryption against quantum computing – ReadWrite

Apple has confirmed its plans to launch its newest iMessage security protocol, named PQ3, in response to what it claims is a future threat from quantum computers, according to a recent PCMag report.

iMessage currently uses end-to-end encryption, ensuring that messages between the sender and receiver are secure and inaccessible to anyone else, including Apple. However, Apple is concerned that the advancement of quantum computers may soon reach a level where they could decrypt iMessage content. Such powerful quantum computers would presumably also be capable of decrypting messages sent through other apps, such as WhatsApp.

Last year, the Technical University of Denmark stated that although quantum computers are already operational, they lack the power to break end-to-end encryption at present, indicating it may take years to achieve this capability due to their current size limitations.

On Wednesday, Apples Security Engineering and Architecture (SEAR) team wrote about the evolution of encryption on messaging platforms. They explained that traditionally, platforms have relied on classical public key cryptography methods like RSA, Elliptic Curve signatures, and Diffie-Hellman key exchange to secure end-to-end encrypted connections. These methods are grounded in complex mathematical problems that were once deemed too challenging for computers to solve, even with advancements predicted by Moores law.

The SEAR team highlighted, however, that the advent of quantum computing could shift this balance. They noted that a sufficiently powerful quantum computer could solve these classical mathematical problems in fundamentally different ways, potentially fast enough to compromise the security of encrypted communications.

The team also raised concerns about future threats, stating that while current quantum computers cant decrypt data protected by these methods, adversaries might store encrypted data now with the intention of decrypting it later using more advanced quantum technology. This strategy, known as Harvest Now, Decrypt Later, underscores the potential long-term vulnerabilities in current encryption techniques against the backdrop of quantum computings rapid development.

As a result, the tech giant has created PQ3, which it says has been built from the ground up to redesign iMessage from a security standpoint, adding a third level of protection to its end users.

PQ3 is expected to launch in March with iOS 17.4, as well as iPadOS 17.4, macOS 14.4 and watchOS 10.4.

The simultaneous rollout across multiple Apple operating systems underscores the companys commitment to addressing the future threat quantum computers pose to end-to-end encryption. Apple is taking proactive steps to ensure that iMessage users on iPhones, tablets, computers, and wearables receive protection as swiftly as possible.

Featured Image: Photo by Mariia Shalabaieva on Unsplash

James Jones is a highly experienced journalist, podcaster and digital publishing specialist, who has been creating content in a variety of forms for online publications in the sports and tech industry for over 10 years. He has worked at some of the leading online publishers in the country, most recently as the Content Lead for Snack Media's expansive of portfolio of websites, including Football Fancast.com, FootballLeagueWorld.co.uk and GiveMeSport.com. James has also appeared on several national and global media outlets, including BBC News, talkSPORT, LBC Radio, 5 Live Radio, TNT Sports, GB News and BBCs Match of the Day 2. James has a degree in Journalism and previously held the position of Editor-in-Chief at FootballFanCast.com. Now, he co-hosts the popular We Are West Ham Podcast, writes a weekly column for BBC Sport and covers the latest news in the industry for ReadWrite.com.

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Apple to launch PQ3 update for iMessage, bolstering encryption against quantum computing - ReadWrite

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