Australian Quantum Brilliance to Develop the World’s First Mobile Quantum Computer by 2027

Quantum Brilliance and ParityQC Join Forces to Develop the World’s First Mobile Quantum Computer by 2027

Highlights:

• Quantum Brilliance and ParityQC awarded a €35 million contract to create the first mobile quantum computer.
• The project, funded by Cyberagentur, aims to revolutionize defense, security, and civilian applications.
• Quantum Brilliance’s expertise in miniaturized quantum chips and ParityQC’s scalable architecture are key to the innovation.
• The mobile quantum computer promises quantum-speed simulations in the field, enhancing cybersecurity and national defense.
• The project strengthens Germany’s leadership in cutting-edge quantum technology.

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A Breakthrough Partnership for Quantum Innovation

Quantum Brilliance, a leading developer of miniaturized, room-temperature quantum computing products, and ParityQC, the only quantum architecture company in the world, have been awarded a prestigious contract by the German cybersecurity agency, Agentur für Innovation in der Cybersicherheit GmbH. This contract, valued at €35 million, aims to create the world’s first mobile quantum computer by 2027, marking a significant leap forward in the field of quantum technology.

The partnership between Quantum Brilliance and ParityQC was one of three bids selected for the largest research project ever funded by the Cyberagentur. The primary goal is to develop a quantum computer that can be deployed for defense, security, and civilian use, ensuring Germany remains at the cutting edge of technological innovation.

Pioneers in Quantum Technology

Quantum Brilliance and ParityQC bring complementary expertise to this project. Quantum Brilliance is renowned for its miniaturization of quantum chips that operate at room temperature, utilizing nitrogen-vacancy (NV) centers in synthetic diamonds as qubits. These chips are highly energy-efficient and compatible with traditional semiconductor systems, offering precise qubit positioning and electrical readout.

On the other hand, ParityQC specializes in quantum architecture, designing an operating system for scalable NV-center quantum computers. Their approach is essential to making the mobile quantum computer a reality, providing the ability to process complex algorithms quickly and with reduced error rates.

The Impact of Mobile Quantum Computing

The development of a mobile quantum computer has profound implications for multiple industries, particularly in defense and cybersecurity. With the ability to perform highly complex simulations at quantum speeds, these systems can be deployed directly in the field rather than relying on data centers or cloud access. This opens up new possibilities for secure, real-time computing in remote environments.

According to Mark Luo, co-founder and CEO of Quantum Brilliance, “The potential of a mobile quantum computer is enormous for defense and cybersecurity in Germany and allied nations, and we believe our technology is the perfect fit for fulfilling the goals of this project.”

In defense scenarios, a mobile quantum computer could optimize troop movements, analyze battlefield conditions, and simulate the behavior of chemical or biological agents in real time. These advancements will revolutionize decision-making and situational awareness in critical operations.

A Game-Changing Technological Leap

Mobile quantum technology will enhance not only defense and national security but also other sectors, such as scientific research, supply chain management, and finance. Mark Mattingley-Scott, Chief Revenue Officer and EMEA General Manager at Quantum Brilliance, highlighted the broader applications: “The technology will enable powerful computations in environments not possible with classical computers, benefiting multiple industries beyond defense.”

Recognition from Cyberagentur and Industry Event

The Cyberagentur’s €35 million project signals a major endorsement of the collaborative efforts between Quantum Brilliance and ParityQC. As part of the ongoing initiative, the Cyberagentur hosted an onsite event to showcase the winning bids, where representatives from both companies discussed their innovative approaches.

Wolfgang Lechner and Magdalena Hauser, Co-CEOs of ParityQC, emphasized the critical role of their partnership: “We believe that working with Quantum Brilliance positions us to develop the world’s first mobile quantum computer. Our architecture will be crucial to achieving this, offering the scalability and flexibility needed for real-world deployment.”

About ParityQC and Quantum Brilliance

ParityQC, headquartered in Austria, is a pioneer in quantum architecture, developing blueprints and operating systems for highly scalable quantum computers. Their innovations address complex optimization problems and push the boundaries of error-corrected quantum computing.

Quantum Brilliance, founded in 2019, is an Australian-German quantum computing hardware company that specializes in diamond quantum accelerators. With a vision to enable mass deployment of quantum accelerators, Quantum Brilliance works across various industries and research centers globally, helping drive quantum edge computing applications and next-generation supercomputing.

Source: Quantum Brilliance and ParityQC to Build World’s First Mobile Quantum Computer by 2027 — Quantum Brilliance

Quantum Brilliance CEO Discusses the Future of Quantum Computing with Synthetic Diamonds

 Quantum Brilliance CEO Discusses the Future of Quantum Computing with Synthetic Diamonds

Highlights:

• Quantum Brilliance leads in quantum computing innovation using synthetic diamonds.
• The company’s rapid growth stems from its spin-out from the Australian National University (ANU).
• Quantum Brilliance’s technology offers miniaturized, energy-efficient quantum computers.
• Quantum at the edge promises to revolutionize industries like healthcare, defense, and AI.
• Partnerships with global leaders, including Oak Ridge National Laboratory, are paving the way for groundbreaking advancements.

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Pioneering Quantum Computing with Synthetic Diamonds

Quantum Brilliance, led by CEO Mark Luo, is making waves in the world of quantum computing by leveraging synthetic diamonds to create miniaturized, energy-efficient quantum computers. Unlike conventional quantum computers that require massive cooling systems, Quantum Brilliance’s diamond-based quantum computers operate at room temperature, making them more adaptable to various environments, from satellites to submarines.

Mark Luo explained in an interview, "We're using synthetic diamond as the material to maintain quantum bits without needing large fridges or high-power lasers. This approach allows for quantum systems to be deployed anywhere, normalizing quantum technology for everyday applications."

A Rapidly Growing Company with Australian Roots

Quantum Brilliance's journey began as a spin-out from the Australian National University (ANU), a global leader in diamond quantum technology. Since its inception in 2020, the company has experienced rapid growth, boasting a global workforce of 85 staff across three countries. According to Luo, this success is largely thanks to Australia’s robust research infrastructure.

“We've signed about $50 million in contracts across industries such as supercomputing, defense, and aerospace. This wouldn't have been possible without Australia's support from institutions like ANU, La Trobe, and RMIT,” Luo added.

Transforming Quantum Computing at the Edge

Quantum Brilliance’s approach is revolutionizing the concept of quantum computing at the edge, a technology that could dramatically enhance industries by enabling faster, more accurate processing closer to the data source. This could range from healthcare diagnostics to driverless systems.

Mark Luo explained the potential: "Quantum technology could enable more sophisticated processing, even at the edge, transforming industrial robotics, satellites, and autonomous vehicles by enhancing their decision-making capabilities in real-time."

A Commercially Viable Quantum Future

Quantum Brilliance's innovations offer distinct commercial advantages, with projections estimating the quantum computing market could reach $100 billion, with edge applications constituting half of that. Additionally, quantum sensing, another area of focus, is expected to be a $10 billion market.

Luo gave a concrete example: “Imagine every electric vehicle being equipped with a quantum sensor for better battery management. With millions of EVs set to be sold by the decade’s end, the potential for quantum sensing at the edge is enormous.”

Collaborating with Oak Ridge National Laboratory

Quantum Brilliance is actively working with global leaders, including a key partnership with Oak Ridge National Laboratory in Tennessee, to advance quantum computing applications. This collaboration aims to deploy the first on-premise quantum computer cluster, helping to explore the possibilities of quantum computation.

Luo shared his excitement: "Having a physical quantum computer on-premise allows us to engage with real applications. The discoveries we make here will shape the future of quantum technology."

Supporting Australia's Semiconductor Industry

Quantum Brilliance is also a strong advocate for Australia’s semiconductor industry. The company is a major supporter of the Semiconductor Australia 2024 conference, working alongside organizations like S3B to uplift Australia’s role in the global semiconductor value chain. As the semiconductor market is poised to hit $1 trillion by the end of the decade, Australia has an opportunity to take a share of this massive industry.

Luo emphasized, “Australia has world-class semiconductor engineers, and by connecting with global leaders in quantum technology, we can carve out a competitive advantage in this fast-growing market.”

Source: Quantum computers and diamonds | Finance News Network (finnewsnetwork.com.au)

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.

UNSW Scientia Professor Michelle Simmons Wins 2023 Prime Minister's Prize for Science for Quantum Computing Breakthroughs

UNSW Scientia Professor Michelle Simmons Wins 2023 Prime Minister's Prize for Science for Quantum Computing Breakthroughs

UNSW Scientia Professor Michelle Simmons has been awarded the 2023 Prime Minister's Prize for Science for her achievements in creating the field of atomic electronics, with a mission to create the world's first error-corrected quantum computer in Australia.

UNSW Scientia Professor Michelle Simmons Wins 2023 Prime Minister's Prize for Science for Quantum Computing Breakthroughs

Her discoveries have the potential to impact almost every industry that is dependent on data, such as revolutionising therapeutic drug design, optimising route planning for delivery or logistical systems thereby reducing fuel costs and delivery times, and creating better fertilisers for agriculture.

Prof. Simmons is an ARC Laureate Fellow and former 2018 Australian of the Year. She is also a Fellow of the Royal Society of London, the American Academy of Arts and Science, the American Association of the Advancement of Science, the UK Institute of Physics, the American Physical Society, the Australian Academy of Technology and Engineering, and the Australian Academy of Science.

The Prime Minister's Prizes for Science are Australia's most prestigious awards for outstanding achievements in scientific research, research-based innovation and excellence in science teaching.

Read more about this blog post in Prime Minister’s Prizes for Science.

Australian Quantum Computing Companies in Global Race to Commercialize Technology

Q-CTRL and Diraq, two prominent players in the development of valuable quantum technologies through software and hardware, have announced a collaboration on three substantial projects aimed at expanding the adoption of quantum computing for commercial purposes. This marks the initial phase of an anticipated partnership that will bring cutting-edge quantum computing capabilities to the global market, with a focus on Australia.

Australian Quantum Computing Companies in Global Race to Commercialize Technology

These two Australian quantum technology companies will join forces to deliver three projects, two of which are supported by the Quantum Computing Commercialisation Fund (QCCF) from the NSW Office of the Chief Scientist and Engineer, while the third project is backed by the U.S. Army Research Office. The responsibilities for these projects will be divided between Q-CTRL and Diraq: Diraq will be responsible for the development and provision of its Silicon-based quantum computing hardware, while Q-CTRL will focus on building and integrating its quantum infrastructure software solutions to maximize the value for end-users.

Q-CTRL and Diraq's collaboration showcases Australia's leading role in the quantum technology industry worldwide. Diraq's hardware is constructed using a unique technology called spins in silicon, which enables scalability to millions, and potentially billions, of qubits per chip. On the other hand, Q-CTRL is a pioneering company that focuses on developing software solutions to enhance the utility and performance of quantum hardware. The founders and CEOs of Q-CTRL and Diraq, Michael Biercuk and Andrew Dzurak respectively, have a longstanding professional relationship spanning over two decades, starting from their academic pursuits and continuing into the industry.

With the recently announced National Quantum Strategy, the Australian quantum ecosystem is thriving, and the government has taken proactive measures to support the growth of the industry.

The Quantum Computing Commercialisation Fund, an initiative from New South Wales, aims to empower Australian companies in the quantum computing hardware and software sector. The projects supported by this fund are geared towards enhancing the commercial and technological readiness of quantum computing technologies, with a focus on long-term commercial viability. The joint efforts of Diraq and Q-CTRL will pave the way for Australia's first cloud-accessible silicon quantum processor, bringing cutting-edge capabilities to the country's globally renowned financial services sector.

Andrew Dzurak, CEO and Founder of Diraq, highlighted the shared commitment between Diraq and Q-CTRL in driving innovation in the quantum computing industry, both within Australia and on a global scale. He expressed his delight in collaborating with Q-CTRL and leveraging their respective areas of expertise to achieve successful outcomes for these transformative projects.

Australian companies and University teams have long engaged with the US Army Research Office in support of quantum computing capability development. In the current project led by Diraq, the two teams will focus on developing novel techniques to operate and optimize next-generation Silicon quantum processors. The ARO R&D program now aligns with quantum technology initiatives supported under the trilateral AUKUS agreement’s Pillar II. AUKUS Pillar II is aimed at enhancing capabilities and interoperability with a focus on cyber capabilities, AI, quantum technologies and undersea capabilities. In July, Q-CTRL announced a separate deal with the Australian Department of Defence, centering around quantum sensors for navigation; the technological breakthroughs would be shared with AUKUS partners in the US and UK.

“It’s exciting to see Australia’s two leading quantum computing companies collaborating to deliver true sovereign capability in one of the most profound technical fields of the century,” said Q-CTRL CEO and Founder, Michael Biercuk. “We’re thrilled to be helping accelerate the work of our friends at Diraq, and ensuring these powerful new systems deliver value broadly across the Australian and global economies."

More details on

1. Q-CTRL

2. Diraq

3. Image: From Google Search Internet.

Quantum Computing Basics

Quantum Computing Basics

Question: What is a quantum computer?

Answer: A quantum computer is a computer that uses the principles of quantum mechanics to solve problems that are too complex for classical computers.

Question: What are qubits?

Answer: Qubits are the basic units of information in a quantum computer. They can be in a superposition of states, meaning that they can be both 0 and 1 at the same time.

Question: What are some potential applications of quantum computing?

Answer: Some potential applications of quantum computing include breaking encryption algorithms, simulating complex chemical reactions, designing new drugs, forecasting the weather, and developing new materials.

Question: What are some of the challenges that need to be overcome before quantum computers can be widely used?

Answer: Some of the challenges that need to be overcome before quantum computers can be widely used include noise, scalability, and decoherence.

Question: What are some of the leading companies working on quantum computing?

Answer: Some of the leading companies working on quantum computing include Google, IBM, Microsoft, and Rigetti Computing.

Question: What are some of the academic institutions working on quantum computing?

Answer: Some of the academic institutions working on quantum computing include the University of California, Berkeley, the Massachusetts Institute of Technology, and Stanford University.

Question: What is the future of quantum computing?

Answer: The future of quantum computing is very promising. There is a lot of potential for quantum computers to revolutionize many industries, and the field is rapidly advancing.

Question: What is the difference between quantum computing and classical computing?

Answer: Quantum computing and classical computing are two fundamentally different ways of computing. Classical computers use bits, which can be either 0 or 1. Quantum computers use qubits, which can be in a superposition of states, meaning that they can be both 0 and 1 at the same time.

Question: How does quantum computing work?

Answer: Quantum computing works by using the principles of quantum mechanics to manipulate qubits. Qubits can be entangled, which means that they are linked together in such a way that they share the same fate. This allows quantum computers to perform certain calculations exponentially faster than classical computers.

Question: What are the challenges of quantum computing?

Answer: There are a number of challenges that need to be overcome before quantum computing can be widely used. These challenges include noise, scalability, and decoherence.

Question: What is noise?

Answer: Noise is a random disturbance that can interfere with the operation of a quantum computer. Noise can be caused by a number of factors, including environmental factors, such as heat and vibration, and the interaction of qubits with each other.

Question: What is scalability?

Answer: Scalability is the ability to increase the number of qubits in a quantum computer without sacrificing performance. Scalability is a major challenge for quantum computing, as the number of qubits needed to solve certain problems grows exponentially.

Question: What is decoherence?

Answer: Decoherence is the loss of quantum coherence, which is the ability of qubits to be in a superposition of states. Decoherence can be caused by a number of factors, including noise and the interaction of qubits with their environment.

Question: What is the current state of quantum computing?

Answer: The current state of quantum computing is still in its early stages. However, there has been a lot of progress in recent years, and there is a lot of optimism that quantum computers will be developed in the near future.

World’s First Undergraduate Degree in Quantum Engineering

This Week  Quantum Computing News

 

UNSW Sydney has introduced the world’s first undergraduate degree in quantum engineering, in response to a growing need for a workforce that can help Australia share in a multi-billion dollar industry.

World’s First Undergraduate Degree in Quantum Engineering -
UNSW Scientia Professor Andrea Morello

The Bachelor of Quantum Engineering (Honours) will train students in advanced electronics and telecommunication engineering, specialising in how to design and control complex quantum systems. The degree will cover nanoelectronics, microwave engineering and quantum technologies for advanced sensors, secure communications and computing.

More detail in the following News link UNSW to offer world first bachelors degree in quantum engineering

Image: UNSW News

Australian researchers confirm the promise of silicon for quantum computing.

Australian researchers confirm the promise of silicon for quantum computing.

Australian researchers have measured the fidelity of two-qubit logic operations in silicon for the first time ever, with highly promising results that will allow a full-scale quantum processor to be scaled.

The research, conducted by the UNSW Engineering team of Professor Andrew Dzurak, has been published in the world-renowned journalNature today. The true accuracy of such a two-qubit gate was unknown until this landmark paper today.

Australian researchers confirm the promise of silicon for quantum computing.

Dzurak's team was the first to construct a quantum logic gate in silicon in 2015, enabling calculations between two qubits of information – and thus clearing up a crucial hurdle to make silicon quantum computers a reality.

Important accuracy for success of quantum computing

In this study, the team applied and conducted Clifford-based fidelity benchmarking-a technique that can assess qubit accuracy across all technology platforms-showing an average fidelity of 98 percent to two-qubit gates.

“Most of important Quantum applications, millions of qubits will be needed, and you're going to have to correct quantum errors, even when they’re small,” Professor Dzurak says.

“The more accurate your qubits, the fewer you need – and therefore, the sooner we can ramp up the engineering and manufacturing to realise a full-scale quantum computer.”

Concrete path to silicon in quantum computing

“If our fidelity value had been too low, it would have meant serious problems for the future of silicon quantum computing. The fact that it is near 99% puts it in the ballpark we need, and there are excellent prospects for further improvement. Our results immediately show, as we predicted, that silicon is a viable platform for full-scale quantum computing,” Professor Dzurak says.

Recently published in Nature Electronics and featured on its cover – where Dr. Yang is the lead author, the same team also recorded the world's most accurate 1-qubit gate in a silicon quantum dot with a remarkable 99.96 percent fidelity.

“Besides the natural advantages of silicon qubits, one key reason we’ve been able to achieve such impressive results is because of the fantastic team we have here at UNSW. My student Wister and Dr Yang are both incredibly talented. They personally conceived the complex protocols required for this benchmarking experiment,” says Professor Dzurak.

UNSW Dean of Engineering, Professor Mark Hoffman, says “Quantum computing is this century’s space race – and Sydney is leading the charge.”

“This milestone is another step towards realising a large-scale quantum computer – and it reinforces the fact that silicon is an extremely attractive approach that we believe will get UNSW there first.”

Professor Dzurak is leading a project with Silicon QuantumComputing, Australia's first quantum computing company, to advance silicon CMOS qubit technology.

“Our latest result brings us closer to commercialising this technology – my group is all about building a quantum chip that can be used for real-world applications,” Professor Dzurak says.

The silicon qubit device used in this study was manufactured entirely at UNSW using a unique silicon-CMOS process line, high-resolution patterning systems, and supporting equipment made available by ANFF-NSW for nanofabrication.

For more information in detail:  Quantum world-first: researchers can now tellhow accurate two-qubit calculations in silicon really are

Australian Researchers Unveil First Complete Silicon Quantum ComputerProcessor

Australian Researchers Unveil First Complete Silicon Quantum Computer Processor

UNSW
16 DEC 2017

A reimagining of today’s computer chips by UNSW engineers shows how a quantum computer can be manufactured – using mostly standard silicon technology.

A reimagining of today’s computer chips by Australian and Dutch engineers shows how a quantum computer can be manufactured – using mostly standard silicon technology.

Australian Researchers Unveil First Complete Silicon Quantum Computer Processor

Research teams all over the world are exploring different ways to design a working computing chip that can integrate quantum interactions. Now, UNSW engineers believe they have cracked the problem, reimagining the silicon microprocessors we know to create a complete design for a quantum computer chip that can be manufactured using mostly standard industry processes and components.

The new chip design, published in the journal Nature Communications, details a novel architecture that allows quantum calculations to be performed using existing semiconductor components, known as CMOS (complementary metal-oxide-semiconductor) – the basis for all modern chips.

It was devised by Andrew Dzurak, director of the Australian National Fabrication Facility at the University of New South Wales (UNSW), and Menno Veldhorst, lead author of the paper who was a research fellow at UNSW when the conceptual work was done.

“We often think of landing on the Moon as humanity’s greatest technological marvel,” said Dzurak, who is also a Program Leader at Australia’s famed Centre of Excellence for Quantum Computation and Communication Technology (CQC2T). “But creating a microprocessor chip with a billion operating devices integrated together to work like a symphony – that you can carry in your pocket! – is an astounding technical achievement, and one that’s revolutionised modern life.

“With quantum computing, we are on the verge of another technological leap that could be as deep and transformative. But a complete engineering design to realise this on a single chip has been elusive. I think what we have developed at UNSW now makes that possible. And most importantly, it can be made in a modern semiconductor manufacturing plant,” he added.

Veldhorst, now a team leader in quantum technology at QuTech – a collaboration between Delft University of Technology and TNO, the Netherlands Organisation for Applied Scientific Research – said the power of the new design is that, for the first time, it charts a conceivable engineering pathway toward creating millions of quantum bits, or qubits.

“Remarkable as they are, today’s computer chips cannot harness the quantum effects needed to solve the really important problems that quantum computers will. To solve problems that address major global challenges – like climate change or complex diseases like cancer – it’s generally accepted we will need millions of qubits working in tandem. To do that, we will need to pack qubits together and integrate them, like we do with modern microprocessor chips. That’s what this new design aims to achieve.

“Our design incorporates conventional silicon transistor switches to ‘turn on’ operations between qubits in a vast two-dimensional array, using a grid-based ‘word’ and ‘bit’ select protocol similar to that used to select bits in a conventional computer memory chip,” he added. “By selecting electrodes above a qubit, we can control a qubit’s spin, which stores the quantum binary code of a 0 or 1. And by selecting electrodes between the qubits, two-qubit logic interactions, or calculations, can be performed between qubits.”

A quantum computer exponentially expands the vocabulary of binary code used in modern computers by using two spooky principles of quantum physics – namely, ‘entanglement’ and ‘superposition’. Qubits can store a 0, a 1, or an arbitrary combination of 0 and 1 at the same time. And just as a quantum computer can store multiple values at once, so it can process them simultaneously, doing multiple operations at once.

This would allow a universal quantum computer to be millions of times faster than any conventional computer when solving a range of important problems.

There are at least five major quantum computing approaches being explored worldwide: silicon spin qubits, ion traps, superconducting loops, diamond vacancies and topological qubits; UNSW’s design is based on silicon spin qubits. The main problem with all of these approaches is that there is no clear pathway to scaling the number of quantum bits up to the millions needed without the computer becoming huge a system requiring bulky supporting equipment and costly infrastructure.

That’s why UNSW’s new design is so exciting: relying on its silicon spin qubit approach – which already mimics much of the solid-state devices in silicon that are the heart of the US$380 billion global semiconductor industry – it shows how to dovetail spin qubit error correcting code into existing chip designs, enabling true universal quantum computation.

Unlike almost every other major group elsewhere, CQC2T’s quantum computing effort is obsessively focused on creating solid-state devices in silicon, from which all of the world’s computer chips are made. And they’re not just creating ornate designs to show off how many qubits can be packed together, but aiming to build qubits that could one day be easily fabricated – and scaled up.

“It’s kind of swept under the carpet a bit, but for large-scale quantum computing, we are going to need millions of qubits,” said Dzurak. “Here, we show a way that spin qubits can be scaled up massively. And that’s the key.”

The design is a leap forward in silicon spin qubits; it was only two years ago, in a paper in Nature, that Dzurak and Veldhorst showed, for the first time, how quantum logic calculations could be done in a real silicon device, with the creation of a two-qubit logic gate – the central building block of a quantum computer.

“Those were the first baby steps, the first demonstrations of how to turn this radical quantum computing concept into a practical device using components that underpin all modern computing,” said Mark Hoffman, UNSW’s Dean of Engineering. “Our team now has a blueprint for scaling that up dramatically.

“We’ve been testing elements of this design in the lab, with very positive results. We just need to keep building on that – which is still a hell of a challenge, but the groundwork is there, and it’s very encouraging. It will still take great engineering to bring quantum computing to commercial reality, but clearly the work we see from this extraordinary team at CQC2T puts Australia in the driver’s seat,” he added.

Other CQC2T researchers involved in the design published in the Nature Communications paper were Henry Yang and Gertjan Eenink, the latter of whom has since joined Veldhorst at QuTech.

The UNSW team has struck a A$83 million deal between UNSW, Telstra, Commonwealth Bank and the Australian and New South Wales governments to develop, by 2022, a 10-qubit prototype silicon quantum integrated circuit – the first step in building the world’s first quantum computer in silicon.

In August, the partners launched Silicon Quantum Computing Pty Ltd, Australia’s first quantum computing company, to advance the development and commercialisation of the team’s unique technologies. The NSW Government pledged A$8.7 million, UNSW A$25 million, the Commonwealth Bank A$14 million, Telstra A$10 million and the Australian Government A$25 million.

Source : Complete Design of a Silicon Quantum Qomputer Chip Unveiled

VIDEO, STILLS AND BACKGROUND AVAILABLE

• STILLS: Pictures of Dzurak and Veldhorst, plus illustrations of the complete quantum computer chip. (Photos: Grant Turner/UNSW, Illustrations: Tony Melov/UNSW)


• BACKGROUNDERS: How UNSW’s ‘silicon spin qubit’ design compares with other approaches; plus a free 3,000-word feature article on the UNSW effort (Creative Commons).


• SCIENTIFIC PAPER: Original paper in Nature Communications, “Silicon CMOS architecture for a spin-based quantum computer”.

University of Sydney Miniaturised a Component for the Scale-up of Quantum Computing

Key component to scale up quantum computing invented

28 November 2017

Sydney team develops microcircuit based on Nobel Prize research

Invention of the mrowave circulator is part of a revolution in device engineering needed to build a large-scale quantum computer.

A team at the University of Sydney and Microsoft, in collaboration with Stanford University in the US, has miniaturised a component that is essential for the scale-up of quantum computing. The work constitutes the first practical application of a new phase of matter, first discovered in 2006, the so-called topological insulators.

[caption id="attachment_840" align="aligncenter" width="1280"] University of Sydney Miniaturised a Component for the Scale-up of Quantum Computing[/caption]

Beyond the familiar phases of matter - solid, liquid, or gas - topological insulators are materials that operate as insulators in the bulk of their structures but have surfaces that act as conductors. Manipulation of these materials provide a pathway to construct the circuitry needed for the interaction between quantum and classical systems, vital for building a practical quantum computer.

Theoretical work underpinning the discovery of this new phase of matter was awarded the 2016 Nobel Prize in Physics.

The Sydney team’s component, coined a microwave circulator, acts like a traffic roundabout, ensuring that electrical signals only propagate in one direction, clockwise or anti-clockwise, as required. Similar devices are found in mobile phone base-stations and radar systems, and will be required in large quantities in the construction of quantum computers. A major limitation, until now, is that typical circulators are bulky objects the size of your hand.

This invention, reported by the Sydney team today in the journal Nature Communications, represents the miniaturisation of the common circulator device by a factor of 1000. This has been done by exploiting the properties of topological insulators to slow the speed of light in the material. This minaturisation paves the way for many circulators to be integrated on a chip and manufactured in the large quantities that will be needed to build quantum computers.

Source : University of Sydney

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