In the rapidly evolving landscape of quantum information science, the pursuit of secure communication has led to groundbreaking developments, one of which is the E91 protocol. Named after its inventors Artur Ekert, Anton Zeilinger, and Alain Aspect, the E91 protocol is a quantum key distribution (QKD) scheme that exploits the unique phenomenon of quantum entanglement… Continue reading E91 Protocol: Harnessing Entanglement for Secure Communication
Month: December 2023
BB84 Protocol: Quantum Key Distribution for Unbreakable Communication
In the realm of secure communication, the BB84 protocol stands out as a groundbreaking achievement in the field of quantum key distribution (QKD). Proposed by Charles Bennett and Gilles Brassard in 1984, the BB84 protocol leverages the principles of quantum mechanics to enable the exchange of cryptographic keys in a manner that is theoretically immune… Continue reading BB84 Protocol: Quantum Key Distribution for Unbreakable Communication
D-Wave Quantum Inc., a company in quantum computing, has commended U.S. policymakers for incorporating a quantum pilot program into the National Defense Authorization Act (NDAA). This landmark legislation, signed into law by President Biden on December 22, 2023, establishes a program focused on near-term quantum computing applications to address challenges faced by the Department of Defense (DOD) and the Armed Forces. D-Wave, known for its quantum computing systems, software, and services, applauds the bipartisan effort, emphasizing the importance of leveraging quantum technologies to enhance national security.
The quantum pilot program outlined in the NDAA aims to test, evaluate, and implement quantum and quantum-hybrid applications to address pressing issues in defense, military, and national security operations. Notably, the program encourages the use of annealing quantum computing and quantum-hybrid technologies. It also emphasizes the need to build and strengthen collaborations between the DOD, academic institutions, small businesses, and non-traditional defense contractors.
D-Wave, as the world’s first commercial supplier of quantum computers, is well-positioned to contribute to the program. The company has already developed demonstrations, proof of concepts (POCs), and applications for various governments and businesses globally. Examples include optimizing cargo pier operations at the Port of Los Angeles, last-mile resupply applications for the Australian Army, and initiatives for carbon emission reduction and tsunami evacuation route optimization in Japan.
Dr. Alan Baratz, CEO of D-Wave, expressed appreciation for Congress and the Administration, stating that the quantum pilot program accelerates the use of quantum solutions for critical challenges faced by the DOD and the military. He highlighted the bipartisan nature of this action and emphasized D-Wave’s readiness to collaborate with the government to advance the program.
The inclusion of a quantum pilot program in the NDAA marks a pivotal moment in the integration of quantum computing into U.S. national security efforts. D-Wave Quantum Inc.’s commendation reflects the commitment of the quantum industry to collaborate with government agencies in addressing complex challenges. As the program unfolds, it is anticipated to usher in a new era of technological innovation and strategic solutions for the defense and security landscape.
Is optical computing the future?
To directly answer the question of what optical computing is? Optical computing refers to the use of light or photons to perform computation instead of traditional electronic means. It holds promise for faster and more efficient processing. How can one build logic gates and complex circuits using light? To achieve any logic gate, such as… Continue reading Is optical computing the future?
Is a quantum era even possible?
In times when the gaps between nodes from TSMC or Samsung are growing larger and the performance or efficiency gains are becoming increasingly marginal, many are not asking whether quantum computers will replace the dying Moore’s Law but only when. But is this technically possible to entangle enough qubits to satisfy our constant hunger for… Continue reading Is a quantum era even possible?
Quantum science and technology: highlights of 2023
It’s been another banner year for quantum science and technology, with academic research groups and tech firms celebrating significant achievements in quantum computing, quantum communications and quantum metrology as well as fundamental quantum science. Three of these advances – a quantum repeater that transmits quantum information over a distance of 50 km; a double-slit experiment… Continue reading Quantum science and technology: highlights of 2023
Medical physics and biotechnology: highlights of 2023
This year, the Physics World team selected a medical innovation as the Breakthrough of the Year: the development of a digital bridge that restores communication between the brain and spinal cord, enabling a man with paralysis to stand and walk naturally. We also reported on several other neural engineering advances, including a neuroprosthesis that restores… Continue reading Medical physics and biotechnology: highlights of 2023
QUANT-NET’s testbed innovations: reimagining the quantum network
Today’s internet distributes classical bits and bytes of information over global, even interstellar, distances. The quantum internet of tomorrow, on the other hand, will enable the remote connection, manipulation and storage of quantum information – through distribution of quantum entanglement using photons – across physically distant quantum nodes within metropolitan, regional and long-haul optical networks.… Continue reading QUANT-NET’s testbed innovations: reimagining the quantum network
In case you missed it: the 10 most popular physics stories of 2023
Physics isn’t a popularity contest, but the 10 most read articles published on the Physics World website in 2023 nevertheless make an interesting collection of highlights, lowlights and every kind of light in between. If you didn’t spot these stories when they first appeared, here’s your chance to find out what the fuss was about.… Continue reading In case you missed it: the 10 most popular physics stories of 2023
Superconducting electrode controls spin waves in a magnet
Placing a superconducting electrode on top of a thin magnet makes it possible to manipulate and control so-called “spin waves” within the magnet simply by changing the electrode’s temperature. This result, from quantum physicists at Delft University of Technology in the Netherlands, could advance the development of spintronics devices, which exploit the spin of an… Continue reading Superconducting electrode controls spin waves in a magnet