What's New - 2019
Quantum Dots Encode Vaccine History in the Skin
IEEE Spectrum - December 2019
Invisible to the eye, the dots glow under infrared light from modified smartphones
Small, semiconducting nanoparticles known as Quantum dots are currently being explored for a wide range of applications, including medical use.
Recently, a team of bioengineers at MIT has developed a way for recording one's vaccine history by embedding biocompatible quantum dots into the skin that are invisible to the eye, but can be detected under near-infrared light.
IEEE Computer Society’s Top 12 Technology Trends for 2020
IEEE Computer Society - December 2019
Quantum Computing makes IEEE Computer Society's top 12 list of disruptive technology trends to watch for in 2020, along with AI@Edge, non-volatile memory products, and digital twins. In 2020, quantum demonstrations are projected to become even more compelling, while continuing to outperform standard supercomputers.
Read more at IEEE Computer Society
Google's Quantum Tech Milestone Excites Scientists and Spurs Rivals
IEEE Spectrum - October 2019
Google's quantum supremacy demonstration is a grand physics experiment underwritten by Silicon Valley money
Google's quantum supremacy demonstration correctly performed a computational task in just 200 seconds on their "Sycamore" quantum computing device, whereas the same test computation would take days or even years on the world’s most powerful supercomputer. In this article, scientists share their viewpoints on this unique physics experiment.
Quantum Computing Gets a Boost From AI and Crowdsourcing
IEEE Spectrum - October 2019
Online games can combine human brain power with AI to solve intractable problems
The ScienceAtHome group at Aarhus University in Denmark is exploring the boundary between human and artificial intelligence through the gamification of scientific research problems while providing insight into how people think, both alone and when working in groups.
Stevens' Prototype 'Quantum Lock' May Foreshadow the Next Super-Secure Applications
IEEE Spectrum - October 2019
Stevens Institute of Technology proof-of-concept demonstration successfully leverages quantum properties to secure the Internet of Things
What Google's Quantum Supremacy Claim Means for Quantum Computing
IEEE Spectrum - September 2019
Leaked details about Google's quantum supremacy experiment stirred up a media frenzy about the next quantum computing milestone
An early leak of a research paper detailing Google’s quantum supremacy experiment indicates that the company’s quantum computing device, named Sycamore, has exceeded the performance of classical computers.
Quantum Computing Software Startup Aliro Emerges From Stealth Mode
IEEE Spectrum - September 2019
Startup plans to offer stack of developer tools and middleware that will create value from nascent quantum computers
Boston-based startup Aliro Technologies is building software to make cloud-connected quantum computing accessible to any developer. The startup has already attracted US $2.7 million from investors.
Delivering on Quantum Innovation
IEEE Spectrum - September 2019
Maryland’s Quantum Technology Center will translate quantum physics research into innovative technologies.
The University of Maryland has long been a powerhouse in quantum research. Their new Quantum Technology Center (QTC) will translate quantum physics research into innovative technologies, pursue collaborations with industry and government, and train students to produce a workforce educated in quantum-related engineering.
How the United States Is Developing Post-Quantum Cryptography
IEEE Spectrum - September 2019
NIST has enlisted researchers from academia and private industry to get quantum-resistant cryptography ready for 2022
"A U.S. government agency has challenged researchers to develop a new generation of quantum-resistant cryptographic algorithms."
Researchers Discover What Could Be a New Substrate for Building “Topological” Qubits
IEEE Spectrum - August 2019
Uranium ditelluride could one day help in the construction of quantum computers
Researchers are considering building a topological quantum computer, though constructing such a computer would be much harder than what’s being explored now with superconducting loops and trapped ions.
Cheap, Portable Device Uses Quantum Dots to Spot Deadly Bacteria
IEEE Spectrum - August 2019
Recognizing antibiotic-resistant MRSA infections sooner is key to successful treatment
Researchers at Macquarie University have developed an inexpensive, portable device for detecting a superbug known as MRSA whereby quantum dots on a test strip fluoresce when key DNA sequences are captured. A smartphone camera then registers the florescence, and an app displays the results.
Quantum Cryptography Needs a Reboot
IEEE Spectrum - August 2019
Today, it's a boutique security product—but its enabling tech could someday power large-scale quantum computing
While there is currently still no viable roadmap for how to scale quantum cryptography, companies are already leading efforts to provide quantum crypto services to governments, large companies, and small to medium enterprises.
Quantum Computers Might Save the World—If Companies Can Find Workers to Build Them
Fortune - July 2019
"Quantum computing may be decades away from being a practical reality, but that’s not stopping tech companies from convincing businesses that they should start preparing for the next evolution of computers."
World's First "Quantum Drone" for Impenetrable Air-to-Ground Data Links Takes Off
IEEE Spectrum - June 2019
Chinese researchers are developing an airborne quantum communications network with drones as nodes
In China, quantum communications networks are currently in development with a newly-developed eight-rotor octocopter drone, complete with an onboard quantum communication system, serving as an airborne node.
Quantum Realism
Computer - June 2019
In this issue, we take a look at quantum computing: what has been accomplished and what is its future. We present a collection of views about the realistic challenges facing the future of quantum computing.
Read more at IEEE Computer Society
Exploring the Current State of Quantum Computing
Computer - June 2019
Quantum computing promises to help us someday reach impressive computing speed. In this introduction to the June 2019 special issue of Computer, Editor-in-Chief David Alan Grier explains briefly what quantum computing is and discusses future applications for its use.
Read more at IEEE Computer Society
A Faster Way to Rearrange Atoms Could Lead to Powerful Quantum Sensors
IEEE Spectrum - June 2019
The technique is also more accurate than the traditional method of poking atoms with the tip of a scanning electron microscope
"The fine art of adding impurities to silicon wafers lies at the heart of semiconductor engineering and, with it, much of the computer industry. But this fine art isn’t yet so finely tuned that engineers can manipulate impurities down to the level of individual atoms."
For Specialized Optimizing Machines, It’s All in the Connections
IEEE Spectrum - May 2019
Whether it’s an Ising machine or a quantum annealer, the machine seems to matter less than how the parts connect
"Suppose you want to build a special machine, one that can plot a traveling salesperson’s route or schedule all the flights at an international airport. That is, the sorts of problems that are incredibly complex, with a staggering number of variables. For now, the best way to crunch the numbers for these optimization problems remains a powerful computer."
An Optimist’s View of the 4 Challenges to Quantum Computing
IEEE Spectrum - March 2019
The technical challenges are very difficult, but the promise is too great to quit so early in the quantum computing marathon, writes Intel's Jim Clarke
Intel's Jim Clarke shares four key challenges that could keep quantum computing from becoming a reality, but if solved, could create a commercially relevant quantum computer in 10-12 years.
Google Builds Circuit to Solve One of Quantum Computing’s Biggest Problems
IEEE Spectrum - March 2019
An ultra-low power cryogenic IC would help quantum computers scale up
"One of the big limiters to today’s quantum computing systems is that while their superconducting qubits live in a cryogenic enclosure at less than 1 kelvin, all the control and readout circuits must be at room temperature. For today’s sub-100-qubit systems, there’s enough space for specialized RF cabling to come in and out of the enclosure. But to scale up to the million-qubit systems needed to do really cool stuff, there just won’t be enough room."
One Step Closer to Reducing Quantum Computing’s Notoriously Troublesome Errors
IEEE Spectrum - March 2019
While still far from enabling practical quantum computing, new research demonstrates an impressive reduction in error rates for a simple 2-qubit system
"Most of the popular coverage of quantum computing gives the impression that this technology is poised for an imminent breakthrough, one that will revolutionize the world of computing. Of course, reality is far less dramatic."
Intel Labs Director Talks Quantum, Probabilistic, and Neuromorphic Computing
IEEE Spectrum - March 2019
Rich Uhlig, who took over Intel Labs late last year, discusses Intel's vision for the future of computing
"Intel has done pretty well for itself by consistently figuring out ways of making CPUs faster and more efficient. But with the end of Moore's Law lurking on the horizon, Intel has been exploring ways of extending computing with innovative new architectures at Intel Labs."
Circuit Secures the IoT Against Quantum Attack
IEEE Spectrum - February 2019
MIT engineers design a system for IoT chips to do quantum-computer-proof encryption
"One of the most frequently mentioned fears about future quantum computers is that they will someday crack our encryption codes and lay all our digital secrets bare. Despite it being a truly far-off possibility, cryptographers are already taking the threat very seriously."
When Will Quantum Computing Have Real Commercial Value?
IEEE Spectrum - February 2019
Nobody really knows
"Not everyone believes that quantum computing is going to solve real-world problems in anything like the time frame that some proponents of the technology want us to believe. Indeed, many of the researchers involved acknowledge the hype has gotten out of control, cautioning that quantum computing may take decades to mature."
Qubits and Nanosensors in a 2D Material
IEEE Spectrum - February 2019
New research pins quantum technological hopes on a graphenelike semiconducting material
"A new study has discovered rarified quantum properties in an everyday material that could yield a new approach to quantum computers and extremely sensitive measuring devices."
Quantum Repeater Trial Ignites Hopes for Long-Distance Quantum Cryptography and Computation
IEEE Spectrum - February 2019
New technology teases simple, photon-only alternative to existing high-maintenance quantum repeater technologies
The Race to Develop the World’s Best Quantum Tech
IEEE Spectrum - January 2019
The United States and China both see quantum technologies as key to national security and economic progress
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