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Atom Computing's 1,225-Qubit Quantum Leap and Job openings at the NSA 👀
Quantum Intelligence 🤖
Bell State
October 31, 2023
Welcome to The Bell State.
Your weekly roundup of the biggest breakthroughs in Quantum Computing.
Atom Computing Unveils Groundbreaking 1,225-Qubit Quantum Computer for 2024
Atom Computing recently announced its second-gen quantum computer, set to launch in 2024, featuring a record-breaking 1,225 qubits. This development signifies the debut of the first universal, gate-based quantum computer with over a thousand qubits. The company, which originated from the vision of founders Benjamin Bloom and Jonathan King, has previously introduced a 100-qubit prototype named Phoenix. With technical advancements like transitioning to ytterbium-171 atoms for superior manageability and error reduction, Atom Computing hopes to make substantial progress towards fault-tolerant quantum computing suitable for real-world applications.
Mastercard Prepares for Post-Quantum Future
Mastercard is actively preparing for the potential cybersecurity threats posed by powerful quantum computers, which are expected to eventually undermine existing public-key encryption methods. To counter this looming threat, Mastercard has initiated the Quantum Security and Communications project, which has garnered recognition with the 2023 US CIO 100 Award. The project revolves around quantum key distribution (QKD) - a method that relies on the principles of quantum physics to enhance encryption.
FINRA: Quantum Computing to Revolutionize Securities Industry!
The Financial Industry Regulatory Authority (FINRA) unveiled a report today about how quantum computing, an advanced technology leveraging quantum mechanics for complex calculations, might profoundly transform the securities sector in upcoming years. The report identifies three primary areas where quantum computing can revolutionize the securities industry. (1) Quantum computers can analyze countless financial outcomes in real-time, refining systems for trade execution, settlement, and portfolio management. (2) Simulation Systems: Firms can better grasp and account for market uncertainties by running advanced simulations. Tasks taking days for risk assessments might be reduced to hours or even real-time. (3) Enhancing AI: Quantum computing can amplify artificial intelligence (AI) capabilities, enabling improved data processing and analysis.
Queensland Researchers Create Miniaturized Components for QC
Two researchers from Queensland are making significant strides in the development of quantum computers. The duo has successfully miniaturized a vital computing component, known as a microwave circulator, from the size of a matchbox to just a tenth of the width of a human hair, aligning with the requirements for quantum computing. Furthermore, these components, which previously cost thousands of dollars each, can now be manufactured at a considerably reduced cost, even though quantum computers necessitate millions of them. The microwave circulator, described as a "roundabout for microwave signals", directs the signal to a different direction. This innovation has been commercialized under the name Analogue Quantum Circuits (AQC). A distinguishing aspect of their production process is the use of a special freezer that cools 100 times colder than outer space, necessary to mitigate noise and minuscule vibrations during manufacture.
Halloween, Quantum Edition:
