Tuesday, October 22nd, 2024

Enjoy a nice cup of freshly brewed quantum news ☕️ 

Today’s issue includes:

• A hierarchical graph contrastive learning framework uses quantum neural networks to level up multi-modal sentiment analysis.

• Space-based quantum sensors on satellites may aid in the search for ultralight exotic particles, such as axions and dark photons.

• A new quantum computing architecture is based on electronic wave packets propagating in semiconductor circuits.

• Plus, the latest Riverlane quantum error correction report, IBM’s latest quantum-related launch, multiple mentions of spin qubits, and more.

And even more research, news, & events within quantum.

🙂  Quantum Neural Networks for Enhanced Multi-Modal Sentiment Analysis with HGCL-QNN

QUICK BYTE: Researchers from Shandong University present a hierarchical graph contrastive learning framework using quantum neural networks to level up multi-modal sentiment analysis.

DETAILS

• The HGCL-QNN framework addresses shortcomings in multi-modal sentiment analysis by building intra-modality and inter-modality graphs and applying quantum fuzzy neural networks to capture complex emotional attributes like intensity and direction.

• Quantum multi-modal fusion networks are introduced for effective cross-modal interaction, using quantum amplitude encoding to integrate information across text, video, and audio modalities.

• The framework uses hierarchical graph contrastive learning at both single-modal and multi-modal levels, using supervised and self-supervised contrastive loss functions to improve emotion representation accuracy and robustness in graph-based structures.

• Experimental results on the MOSI and MOSEI datasets show that HGCL-QNN outperforms existing models in sentiment analysis, with improvements in accuracy and F1-score, demonstrating the potential of quantum computing in feature fusion and emotional analysis.

💫 Space-Based Quantum Sensors for Detecting Exotic Dark Matter Particles

QUICK BYTE: Scientists from the University of Science and Technology of China, including the Deep Space Exploration Laboratory, and others propose the use of space-based quantum sensors on satellites to search for ultralight exotic particles, such as axions and dark photons.

DETAILS

• In pursuit of the search for ultralight particles beyond the Standard Model of physics, scientists propose deploying quantum sensors on space platforms to detect exotic particles such as axions and paraphotons, which are potential candidates for dark matter. The sensors would exploit long-range spin-dependent interactions between particles on Earth and in space.

• Space-based quantum sensors benefit from the high velocity of platforms like the China Space Station, which moves at approximately 7.67 km/s, improving search sensitivity for new particles. The relative motion between the platform and Earth increases interaction detection, surpassing the limitations of terrestrial experiments by up to 7 orders of magnitude in sensitivity.

• The proposal also explores the broader potential of this technique, such as integrating space and ground quantum sensors to form networks that could also advance the detection of dark matter models, including dark matter halos around celestial bodies like the Sun.

〰️ RIKEN and CNRS Propose Scalable Quantum Computing Architecture Using Electronic Wave Packets in Semiconductor Circuits

QUICK BYTE: RIKEN, CNRS, and others introduce a quantum computing architecture based on electronic wave packets propagating in semiconductor circuits.

DETAILS

• The authors propose a quantum computing framework using flying electronic wave packets (EWPs) in semiconductor circuits to avoid the need for individually wired qubits. Time-bin qubits are generated using a Mach-Zehnder interferometer, where qubits are defined by the superposition of "earlier" and "later" pulses.

• This setup reduces hardware complexity through the implementation of EWPs for quantum information transfer and manipulation. Time-bin qubits can be generated and manipulated in loop circuits, supporting thousands of qubits on a single loop, unlike traditional architectures that require extensive wiring.

• The design introduces a two-path interferometer for qubit manipulation and two-qubit gates through Coulomb interactions between neighboring EWPs, ensuring coherence and entanglement capabilities. The architecture also uses Lorentzian pulses to extend coherence time and suppress decoherence typically caused by electron-electron interactions.

• This minimization of hardware overhead while maintaining high coherence may eventually support the implementation of millions of qubits and address key challenges in existing current quantum processor designs.

Quantum Dice and SCI Semiconductor have signed a memorandum of understanding to jointly develop quantum-backed, high-integrity security solutions for industries such as energy, defense, and telecommunications. This partnership will combine Quantum Dice’s patented DISC™ quantum random number generator technology, which offers real-time verification of encryption key security, with SCI Semiconductor’s expertise in high-integrity silicon design and CHERI technology.

Riverlane's 2024 Quantum Error Correction (QEC) Report is officially here, and emphasizes the integral role of quantum error correction in achieving scalable, fault-tolerant quantum computing. The report highlights the industry's consensus that reaching 99.9% qubit fidelity and performing millions of error-free quantum operations (MegaQuOp) is essential for advancing beyond experimental systems. Riverlane's QEC Stack, including real-time hardware decoders, addresses large-scale system errors and may be used for practical applications for quantum computing within the next five years.

The University of Basel and QuantumBasel have partnered to expand the Center for Quantum Computing and Quantum Coherence into a leading international hub for quantum computing research and industrial applications. This collaboration will strengthen Switzerland’s role in quantum innovation by bridging basic research, such as spin qubits and Majorana qubits, with practical applications in quantum algorithms across various hardware modalities. Situated at the uptownBasel Innovation Campus, the partnership also intends to accelerate talent development and industry collaboration.

IBM has introduced the IBM Guardium Data Security Center, a comprehensive, unified platform solution designed to secure data in hybrid cloud, AI, and quantum environments. The platform integrates key features such as AI security and quantum-safe cryptography, providing organizations with unified tools to protect sensitive data and manage security risks, including the rising threat of unsanctioned AI models. The Guardium Quantum Safe component also ensures protection against future cyberattacks from quantum computers through IBM's post-quantum cryptography algorithms and policy enforcement.

Info-Tech Research Group's Tech Trends 2025 report highlights six key trends, including the rise of generative AI avatars, deepfake defense, quantum computing, and post-quantum cryptography. The report emphasizes the importance of proactive planning as AI and quantum technologies advance, with sectors like finance and healthcare leading the adoption of quantum-resistant encryption to safeguard sensitive data. The research also reveals a growing investment in quantum computing and AI infrastructure, advising IT leaders to act now to stay competitive and mitigate emerging security risks.

The EuroHPC Joint Undertaking has selected SURF to host a new state-of-the-art quantum computer in the Netherlands, in collaboration with QuantumDelta NL, which will be integrated into the Dutch national supercomputer at the Amsterdam Science Park. This quantum system will use semiconductor spin qubit technology, initially providing a minimum of 16 qubits. This initiative aligns with EuroHPC's goal to provide diverse quantum computing platforms across Europe, supporting scientific research and innovation while leaning into Europe's semiconductor industry for scalable quantum chip production.

ParTec AG and Helmholtz-Zentrum Dresden-Rossendorf have signed a memorandum of understanding to jointly develop ELBJUWEL, an AI supercomputer designed to support scientific research and economic development in AI, quantum computing, and high-performance computing. With an expected performance of 500 petaflops and 50 exaflops for 8-bit floating-point operations, ELBJUWEL is expected become one of the most powerful AI supercomputers globally. This Germany-based infrastructure will reduce reliance on international cloud solutions and encourage collaboration between academia and industry.

Quantum Computing Inc. announced that it is nearing the completion of its quantum photonic chip foundry in Tempe, Arizona, which focuses on processing thin film lithium niobate for high-performance optical components and photonic integrated circuits. These chips are essential for quantum computing, secure quantum communications, and high-speed data transfer. The foundry, set to open in Q1 2025, will provide early access to customers, and QCi plans to begin offering multi-project wafer runs in the latter half of 2025.

At the seventh annual Chicago Quantum Summit, industry leaders expressed both optimism and skepticism about the future of quantum computing. While companies like PsiQuantum working toward building the world’s first commercially viable quantum computer in Chicago, experts caution that the industry still faces significant engineering challenges, particularly in developing scalable quantum bits. Illinois Governor JB Pritzker highlighted the state's role in supporting quantum research and attracting companies to the region, while federal funding opportunities continue to encourage innovation in the field.

LISTEN

On the most recent episode of InformationWeek’s Quantum Report Card, host Joao-Pierre Ruth sits down with Rajeeb Hazra, the CEO and President of Quantinuum, to discuss advancements in/the state of quantum computing.

WATCH

What I’m sure is the very first video ever that combines rap with a quantum computing lab — and, I’ve got to tell you, it’s not bad: