Tag: quantum

Make a Quantum Leap in Computational Capabilities

The world of computing is advancing at an extraordinary pace, and businesses everywhere are working to keep up. While quantum computing (QC) is on track to revolutionize technology, it isn’t poised to replace classical computing just yet. Instead, a Hybrid Quantum-Classical Computing (HQCC) approach, where quantum processors complement classical computers to tackle the most complex challenges, seems to be the way forward.

John Roese, Global CTO & Chief AI Officer – Dell Technologies tells us more 

According to IDC, the global quantum computing market is projected to reach $8.9 billion by 2028, highlighting the increasing demand for quantum-enhanced solutions. But what does this mean for businesses today, and how can they begin leveraging this emerging synergy?

Quantum Computing: The Promise Is Real but So Are the Challenges

Quantum computing isn’t just about scientific theory anymore. It’s already being tested and applied in some of the most demanding industries. Its unparalleled ability to evaluate multiple possibilities simultaneously makes it an ideal choice for specific domains – from accelerating drug discovery to enabling faster financial risk modelling. What makes it powerful is its ability to consider many possibilities at once, making it ideal for problems that involve many variables and outcomes.

But today’s quantum machines are still in their early stages of development, characterized by limited qubit counts and relatively low fidelity rates. Systems will require significant improvement to achieve practical applications. Additionally, the control mechanisms required to implement instructions are prone to errors due to the intricate interplay of quantum phenomena, making it challenging to maintain coherence and accuracy. The complexity of quantum algorithms and the need for extensive error correction tools, make it challenging to scale up qubit counts and improve overall computational power.

Moreover, the quantum computers’ limited capabilities in solving optimization problems and machine learning tasks, which are critical applications in many fields, highlight the pressing need for HQCC approaches that can leverage the strengths of both paradigms. By combining the power of quantum processors with the stability and reliability of classical systems, HQCC offers the best of both worlds.

Preparing for Quantum: How Businesses Can Start Today

It’s important to understand that HQCC isn’t an alternative to current HPC operations, but an enhancement. Despite its potential, HQCC comes with some critical hurdles that need to be addressed, such as software interoperability, shortage of talent and evolving hardware advancements. Keeping that in mind, businesses that start exploring hybrid solutions now will be better positioned as quantum capabilities advance.

Here’s a simple three-step approach to get started:

  1. Discover:Begin with learning and experimentation. Quantum computing is an emerging field, so the first stage of preparing your business is to do some foundational research. Once you’re ready to experiment, consider using emulation for developing, porting and optimizing code for quantum computing on a classical infrastructure, avoiding major upfront costs.
  1. Identify:Not every problem is suited to quantum. You wouldn’t want to use it to do any kind of calculation that has one exact answer. For example, you shouldn’t use it to calculate your tax bill or process your payroll. On the other hand, it can be very good at solving optimization problems. The key is to look for situations that are difficult to model because of a large number of variables. You also want use cases that are intrinsic to your business, where improving operations would have a large impact on your bottom line.
  1. Deploy:Enable frictionless deployment into production and real business benefits. HQCC offers a flexible approach to deploying quantum computing solutions into production. By combining classical processing with the power of quantum computing, Hybrid Quantum-Classical Systems (HQCS) enable developers to create and test quantum algorithms in a familiar classical environment before deploying them on expensive quantum hardware. That means you can achieve frictionless deployment into production, accelerating your entry into the quantum computing era while minimizing the risks of adopting a new technology.

The Intersection of HQCC & AI

Artificial intelligence (AI) and quantum computing are increasingly converging. As AI models become more complex and classical systems begin to hit performance and energy limits, the potential for hybrid technologies like HQCC, which combines the capabilities of both AI and quantum is immense.

AI enhances quantum computing by:

  • Optimizing workloads: AI can intelligently allocate tasks between classical and quantum processors.
  • Improving algorithm efficiency: AI can refine quantum algorithms to run more efficiently on quantum hardware.
  • Accelerating development: AI enables progress in quantum computing without relying on dedicated quantum hardware.

In turn, HQCC can advance AI itself by:

  • Providing unparalleled compute power: Quantum computers can handle complex computations that classical systems struggle with, enabling AI models to scale in domains such as material science and drug discovery.
  • Offering increased energy efficiency: By leveraging both classical and quantum processing, HQCC can deliver improved energy efficiency for AI tasks.

This two-way relationship creates a synergy between AI and quantum computing, boosting the performance of each field and opening new possibilities across industries as they continue to mature.

Looking Ahead: A Smart Step Towards the Future

The hybrid computing era is not just about technology – it’s about transformation. Imagine a world where problems that used to take years to solve are now tackled in days or even hours. With the seamless integration of HQCC, this vision is quickly becoming reality. For forward-thinking enterprises, implementing hybrid solutions is the path to unlocking long-term growth, efficiency, and innovation.

Europe’s quantum communication community gathers in Dublin for IrelandQCI event

Quantum technology specialists from across Europe are gathering at the Camden Court Hotel in Dublin city this week for a 3-day conference organised by the IrelandQCI Project Leads at Walton Institute in South East Technological University (SETU). Minister of State at the Department of the Environment, Climate and Communications, with special responsibility for Communications and Circular Economy, Ossian Smyth T. D., was delighted to address attendees today, Tuesday 2 July 2024, an audience made up of representatives from the European Commission, European Space Agency and technology specialists from across Irish and European industry and academia.

The €10m Ireland Quantum Communications Infrastructure (QCI) project, almost one and a half years into its 30 month duration, is one of several EuroQCI projects across the European Union which sees the European Commission working with 27 Member States, as well as the European Space Agency, towards the deployment of a secure quantum communication infrastructure spanning the EU.

The €10m project, co-funded by the European Commission and the Irish government’s Department of the Environment, Climate and Communications, is working to create an innovative quantum technology ecosystem, future-proofing Ireland’s communications infrastructure against cyber-attacks.

The IrelandQCI team is working to establish Quantum Key Distribution (QKD) infrastructure along a major network backbone from Dublin to Cork via Waterford using a quantum channel integrated with existing classical fibre systems.

The project will trial 16 quantum security technology scenarios with key stakeholders across the general public, industry and academic sectors over the project duration.

This week’s QCI Ireland event in Dublin spans 3 days of industry and academic stakeholder engagement, workshops, training and technology specialist addresses from representatives of the European Commission’s PETRUS network – the organisation coordinating the deployment of EuroQCI – and will see over 150 attendees each day.

Opening remarks today were delivered by John Regan, Managing Director of ESB Telecoms, who then introduced Ossian Smyth T.D. who commented on the importance of the IrelandQCI project and Ireland’s fantastic collaborative efforts with the EU and wider EuroQCI territories.

Minister Smyth said,  ‘I’m delighted that the Department of the Environment, Climate and Communications is co-funding the IrelandQCI project with the European Commission. With the creation of a secure communication network, this project represents a major step forward in our ability to protect and encrypt communications. Working collaboratively with European partners through the EuroQCI initiative is a key pillar of the project and I’m glad to see members of other European QCI projects in attendance.

I’d like to commend the Walton Institute for organising today’s event which has brought together a wide range of stakeholders from across many different industries. Today’s event will benefit both the IrelandQCI project and stakeholders in attendance through collaboration and knowledge-sharing’.

Waterford’s Walton Institute in SETU is leading the €10 million IrelandQCI project, on behalf of SFI CONNECT. Several national universities and research centres make up the consortium of partners involved in the project, including quantum technology experts from Trinity College Dublin, UCC’s Tyndall National Institute, UCD, Maynooth University and the Irish Centre for High End Computing at University of Galway, and industry partners HEAnet and ESB Telecoms. These academic and industry specialists are pooling their expertise and resources to achieve success in adding an extra security layer to Ireland’s communications infrastructure and the data it transmits.

Project Lead and Director of Research at Walton Institute, Dr Deirdre Kilbane, commented: “This event is an excellent coming-together of the quantum communication community not only from across Ireland but across Europe, gathering here in Dublin for knowledge-sharing.

There are sectors represented here today spanning not only STEM industries but also health, security, education, finance, telecommunications and more. IrelandQCI will create a secure communication infrastructure that will benefit not only government, industry, and academia, but wider Irish society. At Walton Institute, we are very proud to lead this event, and we are delighted with the success of this week’s QCI Ireland event in bringing so many of our stakeholders together. We are glad to welcome our European colleagues to Dublin and to hear the success stories from other EuroQCI territories.”

HEAnet and ESB Telecoms are key partners in the project, as the quantum communications network is being built across the dark fibre optic network of ESB Telecoms parallel to the existing HEAnet backbone between Dublin, Waterford and Cork.

Managing Director of ESB Telecoms, John Regan, commented: ‘’ESB Telecoms, in its pioneering role in the Ireland QCI consortium, is committed to shaping Ireland’s quantum future. We take immense pride in providing the vital fibre optic backbone for the project.

Quantum technology will ensure the security of our digital infrastructure well into the future. This conference is a testament to the unwavering dedication of Ireland QCI, the European Commission, the European Space Agency and our consortium partners in this crucial project.”

Overseas EuroQCI attendees at the event include representatives from the UK, Portugal, Spain, Germany, Cyprus and Greek quantum communication infrastructure projects.

Project Director at Deutsche Telekom PETRUS and Nostradamus Programmes at the European Commission, Keith Elder, commented: ‘’Petrus, as the Coordination and Support Action (CSA) for the national deployment projects funded under the Digital Europe Program for EuroQCI, along with the consortium partners Deutsche Telekom, Austrian Institute of Technology (AIT), Thales SIX and Airbus, is pleased to be able to participate in this important event, giving Petrus the opportunity to work closely with various stakeholders involved in EuroQCI from different Member States, QCI projects, academia, and manufacturers.

This will allow Petrus and the participants to exchange ideas based on the experience gained in the various projects to build on the foundations already laid for EuroQCI and to extend the roadmap to a full deployment. There are a large number of activities in the field, and with the support of the European Commission, projects are advancing the knowledge, the technology and the understanding of the end user benefits of QKD services. Bringing all this experience together in Ireland is a great opportunity for the community to share their experience and knowledge.’’

Industry experts across the agenda include speakers from Toshiba, BT, ID Quantique, Mbryonics, BME, QT Labs and Quantum Industries. Key local representatives include attendees from Government Networks, Science Foundation Ireland (SFI), IDA Ireland, Enterprise Ireland, ComReg, INEX, IBM, Airbus, ESB Networks and more. The agenda includes quantum flagship, vendor and use case workshops, community cooperation and sustainability plans, international deployments, and various insightful panel discussions.

Quantum Group Chooses Zutec for Document Management, Quality Management, Handover Management and Health and Safety

Quantum Group, a leading developer in Ireland, has selected Zutec to manage construction project data from a single platform. Zutec leads the way in providing construction and property management software solutions to contractors, housebuilders, developers and asset owners across the UK and Ireland, and will roll out document, quality, handover and health and safety management solutions to support Quantum in delivering safer, higher standard homes and properties.

Patrick Shaughnessy, Construction Director at Quantum Group, commented: “At Quantum, we place a huge emphasis on build quality and excellence, and are proud to lead the way in bringing in specialist and innovative techniques to support our drive to be more effective, efficient, productive, and sustainable.

“In a market where quality cannot be overlooked, we required a platform to differentiate ourselves from others and create a framework for quality-driven processes. With innovation at its core, Zutec fitted the bill in terms of an easy-to-use platform that provides solutions, features and functionality that gives us more control over how we manage documents and information related to construction and quality for all our projects – all from one place. This will help us better manage site teams, site progress, suppliers, and sub-contractors, and ultimately raise the standards of the quality and innovation across our developments.”

By digitising building information and construction documents, Quantum will use Zutec’s Document Management for planning, design, tenders, procurement, and plot tracking, including the ability to approve drawings for future developments and resolve issues on site as they arise. With project information in one place, Quantum can eliminate inefficient and costly data sprawl, but also save time and costs by having clear visibility of information that enables better understanding of projects and drives more informed decisions that bring projects to completion faster.

Quantum Group, Millers Crest, Portlaoise

 

A suite of integrated Quality Assurance and Health & Safety forms, checklists and inspections will all be delivered to Quantum by Zutec to ensure data is digitised and can be easily collected in a consistent way and housing and apartments are built to the company’s high standards. This will include the ability to upload photos to evidence work done and a snagging register so data can be reviewed, and problems resolved ahead of handover. Data related to safety inspections can be captured on-site in real-time then easily shared with teams to provide safety visibility and mitigate risk.

Zutec’s Handover Management means Quantum can effectively manage projects to completion by bringing together O&M (Operations & Maintenance) Manuals, Fire Evacuation Files (FEF) and Health and Safety Files (H&S) in one place to meet asset owner and regulatory obligations.

All data can be captured in the field by site teams and subcontractors using the Zutec Field app from any device with or without a Wi-Fi connection. Information is then synced in the Zutec cloud, when a device is online, and uploaded into the Zutec dashboard for reporting and analytics, but also for easy information, site progress and compliance.

“As developers and housebuilders look to digitise more construction and quality processes, our aim is to support them with the best solutions that help drive structure and standardisation in data and documentation across their business. Before now, Quantum didn’t have a digital system in place to manage information during the construction stages and relied on manual and paper-based processes. With Zutec they can have all their information in the cloud and workflows in place to ensure the right people have the right information at the right time, empowering teams to deliver builds more efficiently and to higher-quality standards, while giving site managers complete control and confidence over works completed. One solution for everything,” said James Cannon, Chief Revenue Officer at Zutec.

To find out more about how Zutec is helping customers deliver quality work the first time around, please visit http://www.zutec.com. Alternatively, book a demo and experience solutions for yourself: https://zutec.com/book-a-demo.

 

 

Quside and Equinix to offer quantum random number generation technology to Irish businesses

Quside, a quantum technology company,  is working closely with Equinix, the world’s digital infrastructure company®, to enable access for businesses in Ireland to the latest quantum random number generation (QRNG) technology. This will help Equinix customers to build the strongest cryptographic foundation to defend against increasingly sophisticated attacks. True QRNG and quantum cryptography provides a vital defence for businesses as AI advancements lead to a new era of cybercrime.

Equinix has led the way in facilitating access to quantum computing for businesses in Ireland recently, announcing partnerships with Oxford Quantum Computing and Alice & Bob in 2023.

The unusual concept of randomness in cybersecurity is known as entropy. In cryptography, entropy creates completely unpredictable strings of random numbers, making it exceptionally difficult for bad actors to predict patterns and hack into systems. Entropy, which can only be produced by hardware, is at the foundation of security, but poorly generated entropy can lead to insecure and vulnerable systems.

Through its globally interconnected Equinix Fabric network, Equinix enables businesses worldwide to connect with this highly innovative and robust cybersecurity solution on high-speed, low-latency, and private network connections. By allowing seamless communication between quantum entropy systems and operational data processing infrastructure, Equinix and Quside are lowering the barrier to world-class security for businesses in Ireland, as well as thousands of businesses across the globe.

Equinix already supports a number of quantum businesses as part of its network of over 10,000 customers worldwide. It is well-placed to support businesses such as Quside on their growth journey and lead the transition towards a range of quantum technologies for multiple sectors, including enhanced cybersecurity options and improved power efficiency.

Peter Lantry, Managing Director, Equinix Ireland, said: “Advanced cyber defences such as Quside’s quantum cryptography are becoming increasingly necessary to defend businesses in Ireland, and around the world, from bad actors. Equinix is proud to be a leader in providing businesses in Ireland with access to quantum computing to help them to explore and unlock its potential. Access to this latest cutting edge solution comes at a time when the need for strong, reliable cybersecurity is at an all-time high.”

Carlos Abellan, CEO & co-founder, Quside, said: “Equinix plays a crucial role for customers in facilitating global access to Quside’s unique quantum entropy technology. To truly harness the benefits of Quside’s entropy solution in their cloud transition, customers require secure, private, and scalable infrastructure. Equinix’s IBX data centres offer the perfect scalable solutions that can easily adapt to changing computational demands, allowing our customers to effortlessly connect to and expand their quantum entropy capabilities as needed.”

Operating in the heart of Europe’s bustling interconnectivity network, Quside focuses on key sectors including government, finance, healthcare, telecommunications, and cloud computing. Quside products deliver highly performant, scalable, quality, and measurable quantum entropy and can be used in conventional, post-quantum, and quantum cryptography systems.

Equinix data centres provide the essential infrastructure, security, and connectivity required to support the development and deployment of quantum cryptography and entropy generation systems, enabling organisations to leverage the power of quantum technologies for enhanced cybersecurity and data protection.

JBL Unveils Exciting Innovations at #CES2024 JBL Live TWS 3 Series, Enhanced Portable Speakers, PartyBox Lineup, and Quantum Microphones

JBL has unveiled the new JBL Live TWS 3 Series of true wireless earphones at CES 2024 including the Live Buds 3, Live Beam 3 and Live Flex 3, all featuring the brand’s game changing Smart Charging Case with LED touch display as well as upgraded audio performance and connectivity.

JBL has also launched refreshed models of its award-winning range of portable speakers: the Xtreme 4, Clip 5 and Go 4. All the new products boast supercharged audio as well as upgraded design, new colourways and impressive portable playtime.

The audio leader is also showcasing new PartyBox speakers and a refreshed Quantum microphone lineup for content creators.

 

JBL Live TWS 3 Series

  

 

  • The JBL Live TWS Series, including Buds, Beam and Flex designs, features the game changing Smart Charging Case found in the JBL Tour Pro 2.
  • Taking the user experience beyond audio, the 1.45″ inch LED touch display provides listeners full control of almost all features and functions in real time.
  • Equipped with Hi-Res Audio Wirelessly and JBL Signature Sound, the newest true wireless lineup also features Bluetooth 5.3 with LE so users can enjoy stable multipoint connections.
  • Battery life is improved too, with the JBL Live Buds 3 carrying up to 40 hours of portable playtime, up to 48 hours with the JBL Live Beam 3 and up to 50 hours with the JBL Live Flex 3.
  • Available in four new colourways, Purple, Blue, Silver and Black, the JBL Live TWS 3 lineup offers users both style and durability with an IP55 waterproof rating.
  • Prices: £179.99/€199.99 from mid-June 2024.

JBL Xtreme 4, Clip 5 & Go 4

Introducing AuracastTM to JBL portables for the first time unlocks unlimited connectivity options for stereo or multi-speaker pairing across different speakers.

JBL Xtreme 4 and JBL Clip 5 now incorporate post-consumer recycled (PCR) materials for 70% of the plastic, and 80% PCR materials are used for the plastic in the JBL Go 4. All speakers use 100% PCR fabric for the speaker grille.

All three of the new speakers feature Bluetooth v5.3 with LE audio capabilities, IP67 waterproof and dustproof rating. All are available from mid-March.

 JBL Xtreme 4 – £329.99/€349.99 

  • Now enhanced with AI Sound Boost which analyses audio in real time with an AI algorithm to optimise the acoustic output level.
  • Two woofers, two powerful drivers and dual-pumping JBL Bass Radiators effortlessly deliver dynamic, immersive sound with deeper bass and plenty of detail.
  • Up to 24 hours of playtime and a power bank to charge your phone on the go. The battery is replaceable, to extend the lifespan of the speaker.

JBL Clip 5 – £59.99/€69.99

  • Redesigned carabiner has a bigger and more accessible opening, making it easier to clip on.
  • The stylish travel accessory continues to bring the sound with an increase in driver power that allows for more streamlined sound and consistent bass at every volume.
  • Up to 12 hours of playtime – the perfect travel companion.

JBL Go 4 – £39.99/€49.99

  • Boasts a more robust sound and punchier bass than its predecessor.
  • Features updated silhouette and wider and more durable strap, making it more hand-friendly.
  • Up to 7 hours of playtime and available in six colourways.

JBL PartyBox Category 2024

  • JBL PartyBox Club 120 – £349.99/€399.99

o    Powerful sound, and deeper bass, along with a dynamic light show all synced with your music.

o    Up to 12 hours of playtime and an easy-to-swap replaceable battery

o    Two mic inputs and one guitar input and is compatible with the JBL PartyBox App.

  • JBL PartyBox Stage 320 – £549.99/€599.99

o    With two high-sensitivity woofers and dual tweeters, users can listen to all the details of their favourite tracks, even at the loudest volumes.

o    Easily transported with telescopic handle and wide, sturdy wheels.

o    Up to 18 hours of playtime and an easy-to-swap-out replaceable battery, and FastCharge, a 10-minute charge boost that delivers 2 hours of playtime.

  • JBL PartyBox Wireless Mic –  £119.99/€129.99

o    Easy-to-use and compatible with all JBL PartyBox speakers.

o    Comes in a plug-and-play two-mic pack guaranteed to deliver clear voice and crisp sound.

o    Easy-to-use, plug-and-play, the new Mic comes with up to 20 hours of playtime and a rechargeable battery that can be charged while using.

  • All three products will be available to purchase from April 2024.

JBL Quantum Stream Microphones

  • JBL Quantum Stream Talk – £39.99/€49.99

o    Features built-in JBL QuantumENGINE PC software allowing users to adjust the microphone’s EQ.

o    Background noise-free recordings through a shock-absorbing base and a super cardioid pickup pattern.

  • JBL Quantum Stream Wireless – £79.99/€99.99

o    Versatile and wearable with an omnidirectional pattern that picks up high quality sound from every direction.

o    A dongle for automatic connectivity and lightweight, clip-on design delivers easy portability.

o    Environmental noise cancelling ensures recordings are captured without interruption from surrounding sound sources.

  • JBL Quantum Stream Studio – £129.99/€149.99

o    Levels up any recording to professional quality with its specially designed three condenser microphones and 192 kHz/24 bit broadcast quality sampling rate.

o    Optimal sound capture is also supported by the mic’s universal mounting solution, which allows users to mount the mic to their preference.

o    The JBL Quantum Stream Studio’s dynamic range compressor stops loud noises from getting distorted in recordings, calls or streams, and it amplifies quiet sound for a more enjoyable recording.

New partnership positions Equinix as a leader in Ireland’s quantum computing movement

Equinix, Inc. the world’s digital infrastructure company, has today announced its collaboration with Alice & Bob, a leading quantum computing company developing one of the most reliable quantum processors on the market. Through the collaboration with Alice & Bob, Equinix customers in Ireland and across the world will benefit from secure access to Alice & Bob’s cutting-edge quantum technology in France, therefore joining an ecosystem of businesses utilising quantum computing to unlock opportunities worth billions of dollars*. This positions Equinix as a leader in the provision of quantum computer access for businesses in Ireland.

Quantum computing is a transformative technology that supports computationally intensive tasks such as simulation, optimisation, machine learning and cryptography. Although still in its early stages, it has the potential to revolutionise industry processes, change our understanding of the universe, and even help slow down climate change by accelerating green innovations and discoveries. Quantum computers have the power and potential to solve problems that would take our best classical computers thousands of years.

Through this collaboration with Alice & Bob, enterprises in Ireland will be able to access Alice & Bob’s patented technology of self-correcting superconducting quantum bit: the cat qubit, the result of cutting-edge research carried out in French and international laboratories. The technology, located in Alice & Bob’s own data centre in France, is uniquely positioned to help businesses to accelerate innovation and futureproof their offerings.

While current quantum computers can suffer from computation errors which prevent them from fulfilling their theoretical promises, Alice & Bob cat qubit allows for a much simpler road to fault-tolerant and universal gate-based quantum computing, with the potential to transform the promise of quantum computing into a decisive commercial advantage.

Théau Peronnin, CEO of Alice & Bob, said: “We are proud that our technology is moving out of the laboratory and into the real world. Equinix is the ideal partner to bring the quantum revolution into society. We are looking forward to helping Equinix customers solve some of the world’s most challenging problems.”

Combining Equinix’s rigorous secure operations with Alice & Bob’s quantum expertise creates the ideal environment to design breakthrough innovations. This synergy will allow companies to discover the power of quantum computing with the peace of mind that their research will remain completely confidential.

Peter Lantry, Managing Director of Equinix Ireland, said: “Businesses, academics and policymakers in Ireland are excited about the promise of quantum computing and the seemingly limitless potential that it holds for our economy, society and the planet. This partnership with Alice & Bob provides a gateway to that technology and with it, opens doors to game-changing innovations.

“Our mission is to support businesses and give them access to the digital tools and ecosystems that will determine their success. This announcement is a shining reflection of that mission and we are immensely proud that through our partnerships with the scientific community, businesses in Ireland can now access quantum technologies more easily than ever before.

“This is where the colocation data centre market, of which Equinix is the global leader, is showing its value. By connecting businesses, people, and the latest technologies, we are at the heart of business innovation and the discoveries that can slow down climate change.”

Industries that rely on high intensity compute power such as sustainable energy, chemicals, pharmaceuticals and financial services are among those set to be radically changed by quantum computing by 2035, standing to potentially gain up to $1.3 trillion in value by this date.**

* Quantum Technology Monitor – McKinsey & Company – Page 5

** Quantum Technology Monitor – McKinsey & Company – Page 4

Research reveals rare metal could offer revolutionary switch for future quantum devices

Quantum scientists have discovered a rare phenomenon that could hold the key to creating a ‘perfect switch’ in quantum devices which flips between being an insulator and superconductor.

The research, led by the University of Bristol and published in Science, found these two opposing electronic states exist within purple bronze, a unique one-dimensional metal composed of individual conducting chains of atoms.

Tiny changes in the material, for instance prompted by a small stimulus like heat or light, may trigger an instant transition from an insulating state with zero conductivity to a superconductor with unlimited conductivity, and vice versa. This polarised versatility, known as ‘emergent symmetry’, has the potential to offer an ideal On/Off switch in future quantum technology developments.

Lead author Nigel Hussey, Professor of Physics at the University of Bristol, said: “It’s a really exciting discovery which could provide a perfect switch for quantum devices of tomorrow.

“The remarkable journey started 13 years ago in my lab when two PhD students, Xiaofeng Xu and Nick Wakeham, measured the magnetoresistance – the change in resistance caused by a magnetic field – of purple bronze.”

In the absence of a magnetic field, the resistance of purple bronze was highly dependent on the direction in which the electrical current is introduced. Its temperature dependence was also rather complicated. Around room temperature, the resistance is metallic, but as the temperature is lowered, this reverses and the material appears to be turning into an insulator. Then, at the lowest temperatures, the resistance plummets again as it transitions into a superconductor.

Despite this complexity, surprisingly, the magnetoresistance was found to be extremely simple. It was essentially the same irrespective of the direction in which the current or field were aligned and followed a perfect linear temperature dependence all the way from room temperature down to the superconducting transition temperature.

“Finding no coherent explanation for this puzzling behaviour, the data lay dormant and published unpublished for the next seven years. A hiatus like this is unusual in quantum research, though the reason for it was not a lack of statistics,” Prof Hussey explained.

“Such simplicity in the magnetic response invariably belies a complex origin and as it turns out, its possible resolution would only come about through a chance encounter.”

In 2017, Prof Hussey was working at Radboud University and saw advertised a seminar by physicist Dr Piotr Chudzinski on the subject of purple bronze. At the time few researchers were devoting an entire seminar to this little-known material, so his interest was piqued.

Prof Hussey said: “In the seminar Chudzinski proposed that the resistive upturn may be caused by interference between the conduction electrons and elusive, composite particles known as ‘dark excitons’. We chatted after the seminar and together proposed an experiment to test his theory. Our subsequent measurements essentially confirmed it.”

Buoyed by this success, Prof Hussey resurrected Xu and Wakeham’s magnetoresistance data and showed them to Dr Chudzinski. The two central features of the data – the linearity with temperature and the independence on the orientation of current and field – intrigued Chudzinski, as did the fact that the material itself could exhibit both insulating and superconducting behaviour depending on how the material was grown.

Dr Chudzinski wondered whether rather than transforming completely into an insulator, the interaction between the charge carriers and the excitons he’d introduced earlier could cause the former to gravitate towards the boundary between the insulating and superconducting states as the temperature is lowered. At the boundary itself, the probability of the system being an insulator or a superconductor is essentially the same.

Prof Hussey said: “Such physical symmetry is an unusual state of affairs and to develop such symmetry in a metal as the temperature is lowered, hence the term ‘emergent symmetry’,  would constitute a world-first.”

Physicists are well versed in the phenomenon of symmetry breaking: lowering the symmetry of an electron system upon cooling. The complex arrangement of water molecules in an ice crystal is an example of such broken symmetry. But the converse is an extremely rare, if not unique, occurrence. Returning to the water/ice analogy, it is as though upon cooling the ice further, the complexity of the ice crystals ‘melts’ once again into something as symmetric and smooth as the water droplet.

Dr Chudzinski, now a Research Fellow at Queen’s University Belfast, said: “Imagine a magic trick where a dull, distorted figure transforms into a beautiful, perfectly symmetric sphere. This is, in a nutshell, the essence of emergent symmetry. The figure in question is our material, purple bronze, while our magician is nature itself.”

To further test whether the theory held water, an additional 100 individual crystals, some insulating and others superconducting, were investigated by another PhD student, Maarten Berben, working at Radboud University.

Prof Hussey added: “After Maarten’s Herculean effort, the story was complete and the reason why different crystals exhibited such wildly different ground states became apparent. Looking ahead, it might be possible to exploit this ‘edginess’ to create switches in quantum circuits whereby tiny stimuli induce profound, orders-of-magnitude changes in the switch resistance.”

 

Paper

‘Emergent symmetry in a low-dimensional superconductor on the edge of Mottness’ by P. Chudzinski et al. in Science.

Dai in Deflationary Economies: Case Studies and Analysis

Dai’s performance and resilience in deflationary economies have remained relatively unexplored. In this article, we will explore the role of Dai in the deflationary economy in Japan, Greece and analysis of Dai’s impact on deflationary economies. You can’t afford to miss online trading platforms if you are into trading in the crypto market. Quantum Prime Profit app is the ultimate example!

Dai in a Deflationary Economy – Japan

Japan’s deflationary economy has been a persistent issue for several decades. Despite the government’s efforts to stimulate inflation and encourage spending, price levels have remained stagnant or declined. This deflationary environment poses significant challenges for businesses, consumers, and the overall economy.

Dai, a decentralized stablecoin pegged to the value of the U.S. dollar, offers a potential solution to the deflationary challenges faced by Japan. By maintaining a stable value, Dai can help prevent the erosion of purchasing power and incentivize spending. Its decentralized nature also brings transparency and trust to the monetary system.

Several pilot projects and initiatives have been undertaken in Japan to explore the adoption of Dai in the economy. These projects have shown promising results, with Dai effectively stabilizing prices and encouraging economic activity. Lessons learned from these initiatives can serve as a valuable guide for future implementation of Dai in other deflationary economies.

By leveraging the stability and decentralization of Dai, Japan has the potential to combat deflation and promote economic growth. However, challenges such as regulatory considerations and public acceptance need to be addressed for widespread adoption and success.

Dai in a Deflationary Economy – Greece

Greece has experienced a prolonged period of deflation, characterized by a decline in prices and a shrinking economy. This deflationary spiral has had severe consequences, including reduced consumer spending, increased debt burdens, and limited investment opportunities. Understanding the root causes of deflation in Greece is crucial to assessing the viability of Dai as a solution.

Dai, with its stable value and decentralized nature, presents an alternative form of currency that could help stimulate economic activity in Greece. By providing a reliable medium of exchange, Dai can encourage consumer spending, boost business investment, and alleviate the burden of debt. Additionally, the transparency and security offered by the blockchain technology underlying Dai can enhance trust in the financial system.

While the potential benefits of adopting Dai in Greece are evident, there are challenges that need to be addressed. These include regulatory considerations, public perception, and the integration of Dai into existing financial systems. Collaborative efforts between government entities, financial institutions, and the crypto community are necessary to navigate these challenges and unlock the full potential of Dai in Greece’s deflationary economy.

By embracing Dai as a viable solution to deflation, Greece could potentially experience an economic resurgence. However, careful planning, stakeholder engagement, and a well-designed implementation strategy are crucial to ensure the successful integration of Dai into the Greek economy.

Analysis of Dai’s Impact on Deflationary Economies

Dai’s stability and peg to the U.S. dollar make it an attractive option for individuals and businesses operating in deflationary economies. By providing a reliable store of value, Dai can serve as a hedge against deflation, allowing users to maintain purchasing power even in a declining price environment. 

As the adoption of Dai expands beyond specific case studies, it becomes crucial to evaluate its scalability and sustainability. The underlying blockchain technology and decentralized nature of Dai offer potential advantages in terms of scalability, allowing for broader adoption and use in larger economies. However, challenges such as network congestion and transaction costs need to be addressed to ensure efficient and cost-effective utilization of Dai in different deflationary economies.

While Dai has demonstrated its effectiveness in addressing deflationary challenges, it is essential to consider other stablecoin alternatives in the market. Tether (USDT), USD Coin (USDC), and other stablecoins also provide stable value propositions, but they may differ in terms of governance, collateralization, and regulatory considerations. 

A thorough analysis of Dai’s impact on deflationary economies requires a holistic approach, taking into account the economic, technological, and regulatory aspects. By examining its effectiveness as a deflationary hedge, evaluating scalability and sustainability, and comparing it with alternative stablecoin options, we can gain valuable insights into the potential role of Dai in addressing deflation and fostering economic stability.

Conclusion

In conclusion, the documentary highlights the significant role Dai can play in deflationary economies. Through case studies, we have seen how Dai has the potential to stabilize prices, encourage spending, and revitalize struggling economies. The analysis underscores the importance of examining the effectiveness of Dai as a deflationary hedge, assessing its scalability, and considering it in comparison to other stablecoin alternatives. 

 

Businesses in Ireland to benefit from quantum computer access via Equinix

Oxford Quantum Circuits (OQC), a leading global Quantum Computing as a Service (QCaaS) company, and Equinix, Inc. (Nasdaq: EQIX), the world’s digital infrastructure company, today announced that OQC will make one of the most powerful quantum computers available commercially to businesses in Ireland via Equinix’s TY11 Tokyo International Business Exchange (IBX®) data centre.

OQC is installing its quantum hardware in TY11 and plans to leverage Equinix’s on-demand interconnection solution, Equinix Fabric®, to make its Quantum Computing as a Service available to businesses and organisations around the world, including Ireland, on Equinix’s global platform in late 2023.

Once connected to Equinix Fabric, businesses will benefit from the ease of access to quantum computing as if it is on-premises, meaning that they can trial and experiment with the ground-breaking technology by directly connecting to QCaaS within their own digital infrastructure with greater security and ease.

It is expected there will be growing demand from organisations, with the technology set to support a wide range of sectors, from drug discovery and development to risk management, banking and advanced manufacturing.

Peter Lantry, Managing Director for Equinix in Ireland, spoke of the benefits to Irish businesses: “Quantum computing is set to be a transformational revolution in processing speed and power for businesses, and there is already an exciting ecosystem building around it in Ireland. The country has been investing in quantum computing research and experimentation and this will open the technology and the great potential it holds to a much wider audience. Quantum computers can solve certain highly complex computational problems in a matter of minutes, when even the most powerful supercomputers would take thousands of years to solve the same problem. This cutting-edge technology will create unique opportunities for Irish companies in all areas as it can better optimise investment strategies, improve data encryption or even assist in the discovery of new products in areas like MedTech and pharmaceuticals, where Ireland is already a world leader. As the country continues to grow its digital economy, we are very proud to be at the forefront of enabling that growth.”

Commenting on the news, Dr. Ilana Wisby, CEO at OQC, said: “The world has been waiting for quantum computing to mature to the point that it can change our lives. Installing quantum computing in Equinix’s world-class TY11 data centre brings us a step closer to this reality.

Quantum computing represents a major shift in terms of technology and process. Unlike traditional classical computers, quantum computers can crunch vast amounts of data at incredible speeds. We are excited to work with Equinix to help businesses around the world to build their quantum skillset and capabilities. The future is here, and we are setting the pace for the era of quantum computing.”

Andrew Buss, Senior Research Director, Europe: Future of Digital Infrastructure, IDC points to recent research IDC carried out: “For data-driven businesses, the ability to differentiate and remain competitive comes down to delivering meaningful insights on ever-more complex scenarios and in tighter timespans. This is driving them to invest in cutting-edge technologies, such as quantum computing, that have the potential to revolutionise key data-to-insights functions. IDC predicts that by 2026, 95% of companies will invest in compute technologies that deliver faster insights from complex data sets to drive differentiated business outcomes. Making quantum computing available ‘as-a-Service’ on a globally interconnected digital infrastructure should significantly reduce barriers to experimentation and adoption such as cost, skills, and the complexity of integration—and open up quantum technology to many more organisations to test and use.” 

Arun Dev, Global Head of Digital Interconnection at Equinix, highlights the benefits and importance of Equinix Fabric for customers such as OQC wanting to expand their connectivity opportunities: “Quantum computing has the potential to transform the way businesses solve problems both now and into the future, especially as our customers look for more innovative solutions. As the world’s digital infrastructure company, we are proud to enable easier, secure, high-bandwidth access to this pioneering technology to thousands of businesses around the world. Welcoming OQC’s quantum computer to our global interconnection ecosystem on Platform Equinix underpins our commitment to supporting innovation. We are looking forward to working together to solve some of the key digital challenges organisations face today.”