Category Archives: Quantum Computer
What Is Quantum Computing? – Data Center Knowledge
In 1965, Intel co-founder Gordon Moore observed that the number of transistors per square inch on a microchip had doubled every year since their invention while the costs were cut in half a phenomenon that became known as Moores Law.
More than 50 years of chip innovation have allowed transistors to get smaller and smaller until the point where its no longer physically possible to reduce the size of transistors any further. As a result, improvements in computing are slowing down and new ways to process information will need to be found if we want to continue to reap the benefits from a rapid growth in computing.
Enter Quantum computing a radical new technology that could have a profound affect all our lives. It has, for example, the potential to transform medicine and revolutionize the fields of Artificial Intelligence and cybersecurity.
But what exactly is quantum computing and how does it vary from the computers we use today? In short, it is fundamentally different. Todays computers operate using bits which are best thought of as tiny switches that can either be in the off position (zero) or in the on position (one). Ultimately all of todays digital data whether thats a website or app you visit or image you download comprise millions of bits made up of ones and zeroes.
However, instead of bits, a quantum computer uses whats known as a qubit. The power of these qubits is their ability to scale exponentially so that a two-qubit machine allows for four calculations simultaneously, a three-qubit machine allows for eight calculations, and a four-qubit machine performs 16 simultaneous calculations.
According to Wired magazine, the difference between a traditional supercomputer and a quantum computer can best be explained by comparing the approaches that they might take in getting out of a maze. For example, a traditional computer will try every route in turn, ruling out each one until it finds the right one, whereas a quantum computer will go down every route at the same time. It can hold uncertainty in its head, claims Wired.
Rather than having a clear position, unmeasured quantum states occur in a mixed 'superposition', similar to a coin spinning through the air before it lands in your hand.
While a single qubit cant do much, quantum mechanics has another phenomenon called entanglement, which allows qubits to be set up in a way so that their individual probabilities are affected by the other qubits in the system. For example, a quantum computer with two entangled qubits is a bit like tossing two coins at the same time and while theyre in the air every possible combination of heads and tails can be represented at once. The more qubits that are entangled together, the more combinations of information that can be simultaneously represented.
Building a quantum computer is not without its problems. Not only does it have to hold an object in a superposition state long enough to carry out various processes on them, but the technology is also extremely sensitive to noise and environmental effects. Quantum chips must be kept colder than outer space to create superpositionsand information only remains quantum for so long before it is lost.
Nevertheless, researchers have predicted that quantum computers could help tackle certain types of problems, especially those involving a daunting number of variables and potential outcomes, like simulations or optimization questions. For example, they could be used to improve the software of self-driving cars, predict financial markets or model chemical reactions. Some scientists even believe quantum simulations could help find a breakthrough in beating diseases like Alzheimers.
Cryptography will be one key application. Currently, encryption systems rely on breaking down large numbers into prime numbers, a process called factoring. Whereas this a slow process for classical computers, for quantum computers it can be carried out very easily. As a result, all of our data could be put at risk if a quantum computer fell into the wrong hands. However, one way data could be protected is with quantum encryption keys which could not be copied or hacked.
Theres no question that quantum computing could be a revolutionary technology. And while the prospect of a quantum notebook or mobile phone look a very long way off, its likely that quantum computers will be widespread in academic and industrial settings at least for certain applications - within the next three to five years.
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What Is Quantum Computing? - Data Center Knowledge
Quantum computing now has an out-of-this-world problem: Cosmic rays – ZDNet
A new academic paper reveals a worrisome tendency for cosmic rays to disrupt quantum computer processors in a way that may be nearly impossible for current error correction techniques to reliably counteract.
One of the biggest obstacles faced by quantum computers is dealing with error correction. Traditionally, this has been most commonly handled by grouping together multiple qubits, the quantum equivalent of traditional computing's bits, into a sort of committee within quantum processing units. Rather than the system relying on a single qubit, which may or may not be correct, it instead relies on the consensus provided by an entire group of qubits. This strips away erroneous outliers and greatly reduces the error rate to a point where it's extremely unlikely that it will interfere with an ongoing processing job.
Unfortunately, in a very sci-fi-sounding turn of events, it appears that an unseen enemy from outer space may be threatening the viability of this error-correcting technology.
Cosmic rays are invisible, microscopic particle beams that constantly bombard the Earth from sources as far away as other galaxies. They typically collide harmlessly with the planet's atmosphere as well as objects within it. In fact, you'll likely be hit by several of them while reading this article. Luckily, for our peace of mind, they generally go completely unnoticed and do absolutely no harm before continuing on their cosmic journey. Unfortunately for quantum computing developers, it appears that quantum processors may be far, far more sensitive to these typically unnoticeable intruders than they realized.
In a paper published in Nature Physics and covered by Ars Technica, it's been revealed that one of these typically harmless rays could cause a major problem when it hits an operating quantum CPU. According to the findings of several researchers working at Google Quantum AI, a cosmic ray strike on an operating quantum computer core can result in the formation of a quasiparticle called a phonon.
These phonons have the capacity to disrupt operations by inverting the quantum state of not only a single qubit, but an entire entangled set of qubitsas they proliferate across the processor. This means a strike could distribute errors across an entire qubit set, essentially nullifying the protection provided by the committee-like error correction mentioned above.
In an experiment detailed within the paper, Google researchers tested a set of 26 qubits that were known to be amongst their most reliable. This set was then left in an idle state for 100 microseconds. While idling, reliable qubits should generally remain in their current state. To use a traditional, binary computing analogy, a 1 should remain a 1, a 0 should remain a 0.
On average, the 26 qubits set in question displayed an error rate of about 4 qubits that erroneously flipped their state within the 100 microsecond test period. This is well within the built-in error correction's ability to compensate by relying on the remaining majority of 22 qubits. However, during confirmed quantum ray strikes, 24 of the 26 qubits were found to have erroneously flipped to the opposite state. This result is well beyond traditional error correction's ability to compensate for. Such an outcome would place the entire group in error and could throw the entire processing job's continuity into question.
Cosmic ray interference is nothing new. As Ars noted, they can also interact with traditional CPUs by messing with the electrical charges they rely on to complete their logic operations. However, the unique and still-developing structure of quantum processors makes them far more prone to such interference, with Google's research indicating that a cosmic ray-induced error happens as often as every 10 seconds. This means the hours-long processing jobs most quantum CPUs are being tasked with could include hundreds, if not thousands of errors littered throughout their results.
Making matters worse is the fact that the processor these researchers used for their testing was rather small. As processing demands increase, so too must the size of the quantum processor. But, the larger the processor, the more surface area there is to potentially suffer a cosmic ray collision. It appears the threat of forced errors is only going to become direr as quantum CPUs continue making their way towards practical applications.
Unfortunately, there is no practical way to reliably block these problematic, intergalactic travelers. They are moving at almost the speed of light, after all. However, as pointed out by Ars Technica, some clever workarounds have already been developed to help devices like astronomical imaging equipment cope with quantum ray interference. While the paper does not specifically explore the viability of these potential solutions, they do seem to indicate the problem of cosmic ray interference is a surmountable one.
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Quantum computing now has an out-of-this-world problem: Cosmic rays - ZDNet
Lecturer in Computer Science, Quantum Computing job with ROYAL HOLLOWAY, UNIVERSITY OF LONDON | 275274 – Times Higher Education (THE)
Department of Computer Science
Location: EghamSalary: 44,283 to 52,430 per annum - including London AllowancePostType: Full TimeClosingDate: 23.59 hours GMT on Sunday 13 February 2022Reference: 1221-502
Permanent, Full Time (Multiple posts)
The Department of Computer Science at Royal Holloway is looking to appoint multiple academic members of staff to support its research and teaching.
We carry out outstanding research and deliver excellent teaching at both undergraduate and postgraduate level: we ranked 11thin the Research Excellence Framework (REF 2014) for the quality of our research output, and in teaching we are typically in the top 10 in the UK for graduate prospects (e.g., Guardian 2022).
Over the past seven years, we have undertaken an ambitious plan of expansion: eighteen new academic members of staff were appointed, new undergraduate and integrated-masters programmes were created, and multiple new postgraduate-taught programmes were launched. We have strong research groups in the broad areas of Intelligent Systems, Machine Learning, Algorithms and Complexity, and Programming Languages and Systems, as well as good connections with the Information Security Group. We are also involved in multiple inter/multidisciplinary activities, from electrical engineering to psychology and social sciences. Our research strength generates significant interest and collaborative opportunity from universities and third stream partners.
Recently, Royal Holloway launched a research catalyst Advanced Quantum Science and Technologies, with multiple connections to Computer Science, Physics, Mathematics, and the Information Security Group, and the Computer Science department is seeking to strengthen its research activities via increased engagement in the catalyst.
We are therefore recruiting academic members of staff with research expertise in Quantum Computing, to complement and extend the departments research profile. We welcome applicants with expertise in any area of quantum computing, including but not limited to quantum algorithms, quantum information theory, quantum simulation, and potential application areas such as quantum linear algebra and quantum machine learning. We also welcome exceptional candidates from all disciplines in Computer Science, who can contribute to the new catalysts.
The successful candidate will help us seek and seize opportunities for research funding and industrial engagement. They will hold a PhD or equivalent, and will have a proven research record with a solid background in the underlying theory. Experience in attracting funding, engaging with industry, or contributing to outreach activities would also be valuable.
The appointee will be expected to contribute across the full range of departmental activities, including undergraduate and postgraduate teaching and the supervision of mainstream projects over a wide range of topics. In particular, duties and responsibilities of this post include: conducting individual or collaborative research projects; producing high-quality outputs for publication in high-profile journals or conference proceedings; applying for research funding; delivering high-quality teaching to all levels of students; supervising research postgraduate students.
This is a full-time and permanent (tenured) post, available from April 2022or as soon as possible thereafter. The post is based in Egham, Surrey, within commuting distance from London, Europes most dynamic technology hub.
In return we offer a highly competitive rewards and benefits package including:
For further details of the Department seeroyalholloway.ac.uk/computerscienceor contact the Head of Department atMagnus.Wahlstrom@rhul.ac.uk. For further details on the Royal Holloway research catalysts seeintranet.royalholloway.ac.uk/staff/research/research-2021/research-catalysts.aspx
To view further details of this post and to apply please visithttps://jobs.royalholloway.ac.uk.For queries on the application process the Human Resources Department can be contacted by email at:recruitment@rhul.ac.uk
Please quote the reference:1221-502
Closing Date: Midnight, 13thFebruary 2022
Interview Date:W/C 7thMarch 2022
Furtherdetails: JobDescription PersonSpecification
Atos announces hybridisation projects at its 8th Quantum Advisory Board – Scientific Computing World
At the meeting of the 8th Atos Quantum Advisory Board, a group of international experts, mathematicians and physicists, authorities in their fields, Atos has announced investments, along with partner start-ups Pasqal and IQM, in two major quantum hybridisation projects in France and Germany.
Held at Atos' R&D centre, dedicated to research in quantum computing and high-performance computing, in Clayes-sous-Bois, in the presence of Atos next CEO, Rodolphe Belmer, this meeting of the Quantum Advisory Board was an opportunity to review Atos recent work and to take stock of future prospects.
Artur Ekert, professor of quantum physics at the Mathematical Institute, University of Oxford, founding director of the Centre for Quantum Technologies in Singapore and member of the Quantum Advisory Board said: We are truly impressed by the work and the progress that Atos has made over the past year. The company takes quantum computing seriously and it gives us great pleasure to see it becoming one of the key players in the field. It is a natural progression for Atos. As a world leader in High Performance Computing (HPC), Atos is in a unique position to combine its existing, extensive, expertise in HPC with quantum technology and take both fields to new heights. We are confident that Atos will shape the quantum landscape in years to come, both with research and applications that have a long lasting impact.
In the field of quantum hybridisation, Atos is enabling several applications - in the areas of chemistry, such as catalysis design for nitrogen fixation, and for the optimisation of smart grids. Atos is also involved in two additional quantum hybridization projects, which are currently being launched:
The European HPC-QS (Quantum Simulation) project, which started in December 2021, aims to build the first European hybrid supercomputer with an integrated quantum accelerator by the end of 2023.
Atos is involved in this project alongside national partners including the CEA, GENCI, Pasqal and the Julich Supercomputing Centre. Pasqal will provide its analog quantum accelerator and Atos, with its quantum simulator, the Quantum Learning Machine (QLM), will ensure the hybridization with the HPCs at the two datacenters at GENCI and Julich.
The Q-EXA project, part of the German governmental quantum plan, will see a consortium of partners, including Atos, work together to integrate a German quantum computer into an HPC supercomputer for the first time. Atos QLM will be instrumental in connecting the quantum computer, from start-up IQM (also part of the Atos Scaler program) to the Leibniz Supercomputing centre.
The European Organization for Nuclear Research (CERN), one of the worlds largest and most respected research centres, based in Geneva, has recently acquired an Atos Quantum Learning Machine (QLM) appliance and joined the Atos User Club. The Atos QLM, delivered to CERN in October, will be made available to the CERN scientific community to support research activities in the framework of the CERN Quantum Technology Initiative (CERN QTI), thus accelerating the investigation of quantum advantage for high-energy physics (HEP) and beyond.
Alberto Di Meglio, coordinator of the CERN Quantum Technology Initiative comments: Building on CERNs unique expertise and strong collaborative culture, co-development efforts are at the core of CERN QTI. As we explore the fast-evolving field of quantum technologies, access to the Atos Quantum Learning Machine and Atos expertise can play an important role in our quantum developments roadmap in support of the high-energy physics community and beyond. A dedicated training workshop is being organized with Atos to investigate the full functionality and potential of the quantum appliance, as well as its future application for some of the CERN QTI activities.
Pierre Barnab, interim co-CEO and head of Big Data and Cybersecurity at Atos added: Atos is the world leader in the convergence of supercomputing and quantum computing, as shown by these two major and strategic projects we are involved in France and Germany. At a time when the French government is expected to announce its plan for quantum computing, the durability of our Quantum Board, the quality of the work carried out and the concrete applications of this research in major projects reinforce this position.
The Quantum Advisory Board is made up of universally recognised quantum physicists and includes:
As a result of Atos programme to anticipate the future of quantum computing and to be prepared for the opportunities and challenges that come with it - Atos Quantum - Atos was the first organization to offer a quantum noisy simulation module that can simulate real Qubits, the Atos QLM and to propose Q-score, the only universal metrics to assess quantum performance and superiority. Atos is also the first European patent holder in quantum computing.
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Atos announces hybridisation projects at its 8th Quantum Advisory Board - Scientific Computing World
IonQ Stock Is an Investment in Cutting Edge, Global Solutions – InvestorPlace
IonQ(NYSE:IONQ) seeks to lead the way in a very specific market: quantum computing. Fortunately, you dont have to be a mathematician or computer scientist to invest in IONQ stock.
Source: Amin Van / Shutterstock.com
It is important to understand what the company does, though. To put it simply, IonQ develops quantum computers designed to solve the worlds most complex problems.
This niche industry has vast moneymaking potential. According to IonQ, experts predict that the total addressable market for quantum computing will reach around $65 billion by 2030.
IonQ got in fairly early and aggressively, as the company has been around since 2015 and produced six generations of quantum computers. Theres a terrific investment opportunity here, yet the share price is down and if you ask me, this just doesnt compute.
Going back to the beginning, IonQoffered its shares for public tradingon theNew York Stock Exchange on Oct. 1, 2021, after reverse-merging with dMY Technology Group III.
The stock started off at around $10 but sank to the low $7s in just a few days time. However, that turned out to be a great time to start a long position.
Amazingly, IONQ stock staged a swift turnaround and soared to nearly $36 in November. In hindsight, however, this rally went too fast and too far.
Inevitably, a retracement ensued and the early investors had to cough up some of their gains. By early December, the share price had declined to $18 and change.
Sure, you could wait and hope that IONQ stock falls further before considering a position. Yet, you might miss out on a buy-the-dip opportunity with an ambitious, future-facing tech business.
I case I didnt make it abundantly clear already, IonQ is serious about advancing quantum-computing technology.
Case in point: in order to cement its leadership position in this niche, IonQ recently revealed its plans to use barium ions as qubits in its systems, thereby bringing about a wave of advantages it believes will enable advanced quantum computing architectures.
A qubit, or quantum bit, is basically a tiny bit of coded information in quantum mechanics.
Its perfectly fine if you dont fully understand the scientific minutiae, as IonQ President and CEO Peter Chapman and his team have the necessary know-how and experience.
We believe the advanced architectures enabled by barium qubits will be even more powerful and more scalable than the systems we have been able to build so far, opening the door to broader applications of quantum computing, Chapman assured.
Apparently, the advantages of using barium ions as qubits include lower error rates, higher gate fidelity, better state detection, more easily networked quantum systems and iterable, more reliable hardware, with more uptime for customers.
Thankfully, now I can leave the science to the scientists, and focus on what I do best: breaking down financial data.After all, Id be hard-pressed to recommend any company if it didnt at least have a decent capital position.
CFO Thomas Kramer was evidently glad to report that, as of Sept. 30 IonQ had cash and cash equivalents of $587 million.The companys strong balance sheet, according to Kramer will allow IonQ to accelerate [the] scaling of all business functions and continue attracting the industrys best and brightest.
Since IonQ is well-capitalized, the company should be well-positioned to benefit from Capitol Hills interest in quantum as shown by the infrastructure bill, the CFO added.
Its also worth noting that IonQ generated $223,000 in revenues during 2021s third quarter, bringing the year-to-date total to $451,000.
Hopefully, the company can parlay its quantum-computing know-how into seven-figure revenues in the near future.
IonQs loyal investors dont need to understand everything about qubits. They only need to envision a robust future for the quantum-computing market.
We cant claim that IonQ is generating massive revenues at this point. Therefore, it requires patience and foresight to invest in this company with confidence.
Yet, an early stake could offer vast rewards in the long run. After all, when it comes to deep-level, next-gen quantum computing, IonQ clearly has it down to a science.
On the date of publication, David Moadeldid not have (either directly or indirectly) any positions in the securities mentioned in this article.The opinions expressed in this article are those of the writer, subject to the InvestorPlace.comPublishing Guidelines.
David Moadel has provided compelling content and crossed the occasional line on behalf of Crush the Street, Market Realist, TalkMarkets, Finom Group, Benzinga, and (of course) InvestorPlace.com. He also serves as the chief analyst and market researcher for Portfolio Wealth Global and hosts the popular financial YouTube channel Looking at the Markets.
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IonQ Stock Is an Investment in Cutting Edge, Global Solutions - InvestorPlace
Another setback for ‘Majorana’ particle as Science paper earns an expression of concern – Retraction Watch
You might say that the third time is not the charm for a paper on some elusive fermions.
For the third time this year, a leading science journal has raised concerns about a paper on the Majorana particle, which, if it exists, would hold promise for building a quantum computer.
In March, Nature retracted a paper on the particle, and in July, Science placed an expression of concern on a different paper that purported to find a relatively easy route to creating and controlling [Majorana zero modes] MZMs in hybrid materials.
Today, Science is slapping an expression of concern on another Majorana paper:
On 21 July, 2017, Science published the Report Chiral Majorana fermion modes in a quantum anomalous Hall insulator-superconductor structure by Q. L. He et al. Since that time, raw data files were offered by the authors in response to queries from readers who had failed to reproduce the findings. Those data files did not clarify the underlying issues, and now their provenance has come into question. While the authors institutions investigate further, Science is alerting readers to these concerns.
The article has been cited 355 times, according to Clarivate Analytics Web of Science, earning it a Highly Cited Paper designation.
None of the authors could be reached for comment, and a few of their emails bounced because they had left their employers since 2017. He Qinglin and Wang Kanglong, two of the authors, defended the findings in a 2020 blog post.
Vincent Mourik, who along with Sergey Frolov had raised concerns about the retracted Nature paper and the other Science paper subjected to an expression of concern, said he and Frolov had not spoken publicly about the newly flagged paper, nor formally reached out to Science about it. Mourik told Retraction Watch:
First, upon reading this expression of concern carefully, it appears there are significant problems with the raw data itself. To me the usage of the word provenance suggests that it is now unclear where they came from, after repeated reader requests.
Second, this paper has been controversial from the start. Already the paper figures raised many questions, simply put, they seem to violate some very basic rules in electrical circuits called Kirchhoff rules.
Third, an extensive reproduction study carried out at Penn State failed at finding the same signatures.
He added:
Frankly speaking, I am happy to see other researchers in our field also take on this challenging and thankless task of investigating suspicious papers if more people would do it, one day it may be tolerable again to do science.
Like Retraction Watch? You can make aone-timetax-deductible contribution by PayPalorby Square, or amonthly tax-deductible donation by Paypalto support our work, follow uson Twitter, like uson Facebook, add us to yourRSS reader, or subscribe to ourdaily digest. If you find a retraction thatsnot in our database, you canlet us know here. For comments or feedback, email us at team@retractionwatch.com.
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Another setback for 'Majorana' particle as Science paper earns an expression of concern - Retraction Watch
US is risking APOCALYPSE with millions lining up for food & water if theres a cyberattack on power grid,… – The Sun
THE US is risking an "apocalypse" with millions lined up for basic needs if there is a cyberattack on the power grid, experts have warned.
Experts have been worried for years that the national power grid is vulnerable to cyberattacks from outside countries should they wish to target the US.
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A study being carried out by researchers at Hudson Institute's Quantum Alliance Initiative is looking into how destructive a hypothetical quantum cyberattack on the US power grid would be, and preliminary results are bleak, to say the least.
The early results suggest that the protection of the country's power grids should be an urgent priority, much more so than it already is.
"The study's preliminary results offer important clues as to the areas on which policymakers should focus, not only to secure our power grid from a large-scale quantum computer attack but also, in the event this were to be unsuccessful, to mitigate such an attack's impact on our infrastructure, both in terms of economic and national security," an introduction to the Hudson Institute's study says.
The study authors gave an example of the disastrous effects when the power grid went down in Texas after a storm earlier this year.
"Millions without power; stores and banks shut down; vital services running on emergency generators, if at all; lines of hapless people awaiting food and water.
"The experience that the state of Texas underwent during February 2021 is only a preview of what we would all face should the United States ever-vulnerable energy grid be subject to a major cyberattack," the study introduction says.
A task force within the US Department of Energy, the North American Energy Resiliency Model (NAERM), is already tasked with considering how to best protect the country's energy grid from both natural disasters and terrorism or cyber assaults.
However, study authors warn that NAERM is focused on known, existing cyber threats and not on the possibility of quantum computer attacks.
"NAERMs purview ... encompasses only existing, conventional cyber threats and does not extend to quantum computer attacks, whose effects would be far more protracted and far worse than those of a conventional cyberattack," the study says.
"Indeed, the 'smarter' a grid is, that is, the greater the extent to which it relies on computer supervision and control, the more vulnerable it would be to such an attack."
The authors warn that a quantum computer attack could cause "catastrophic harm" to both the economy and society as a whole unless steps are taken now to mitigate the risk.
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US is risking APOCALYPSE with millions lining up for food & water if theres a cyberattack on power grid,... - The Sun
ColdQuanta and Strangeworks Announce Addition of Hilbert Quantum Computer to Strangeworks Ecosystem – The Grand Junction Daily Sentinel
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ColdQuanta and Strangeworks Announce Addition of Hilbert Quantum Computer to Strangeworks Ecosystem - The Grand Junction Daily Sentinel
How a quantum computer could break 2048-bit RSA encryption …
But quantum computers change this thinking. These machines are far more powerful than classical computers and should be able to break these codes with ease.
That raises an important questionwhen will quantum computers be powerful enough to do this? After that date, any information protected by this form of encryption becomes insecure.
So computer scientists have attempted to calculate the resources such a quantum computer might need and then work out how long it will be until such a machine can be built. And the answer has always been decades.
Today, that thinking needs to be revised thanks to the work of Craig Gidney at Google in Santa Barbara and Martin Eker at the KTH Royal Institute of Technology in Stockholm, Sweden. These guys have found a more efficient way for quantum computers to perform the code-breaking calculations, reducing the resources they require by orders of magnitude.
Consequently, these machines are significantly closer to reality than anyone suspected. The result will make uncomfortable reading for governments, military and security organizations, banks, and anyone else who needs to secure data for 25 years or longer.
First some background. Back in 1994, the American mathematician Peter Shor discovered a quantum algorithm that outperformed its classical equivalent. Shors algorithm factors large numbers and is the crucial element in the process for cracking trapdoor-based codes.
Trapdoor functions are based on the process of multiplication, which is easy to perform in one direction but much harder to do in reverse. For example, it is trivial to multiply two numbers together: 593 times 829 is 491,597. But it is hard to start with the number 491,597 and work out which two prime numbers must be multiplied to produce it.
And it becomes increasingly difficult as the numbers get larger. Indeed, computer scientists consider it practically impossible for a classical computer to factor numbers that are longer than 2048 bits, which is the basis of the most commonly used form of RSA encryption.
Shor showed that a sufficiently powerful quantum computer could do this with ease, a result that sent shock waves through the security industry.
And since then, quantum computers have been increasing in power. In 2012, physicists used a four-qubit quantum computer to factor 143. Then in 2014 they used a similar device to factor 56,153.
Its easy to imagine that at this rate of progress, quantum computers should soon be able to outperform the best classical ones.
Not so. It turns out that quantum factoring is much harder in practice than might otherwise be expected. The reason is that noise becomes a significant problem for large quantum computers. And the best way currently to tackle noise is to use error-correcting codes that require significant extra qubits themselves.
Taking this into account dramatically increases the resources required to factor 2048-bit numbers. In 2015, researchers estimated that a quantum computer would need a billion qubits to do the job reliably. Thats significantly more than the 70 qubits in todays state-of-the-art quantum computers.
On that basis, security experts might well have been able to justify the idea that it would be decades before messages with 2048-bit RSA encryption could be broken by a quantum computer.
Now Gidney and Eker have shown how a quantum computer could do the calculation with just 20 million qubits. Indeed, they show that such a device would take just eight hours to complete the calculation. [As a result], the worst case estimate of how many qubits will be needed to factor 2048 bit RSA integers has dropped nearly two orders of magnitude, they say.
Their method focuses on a more efficient way to perform a mathematical process called modular exponentiation. This is the process of finding the remainder when a number is raised to a certain power and then divided by another number.
This process is the most computationally expensive operation in Shors algorithm. But Gidney and Eker have found various ways to optimize it, significantly reducing the resources needed to run the algorithm.
Thats interesting work that should have important implications for anyone storing information for the future. A 20-million-qubit quantum computer certainly seems a distant dream today. But the question these experts should be asking themselves is whether such a device could be possible within the 25 years they want to secure the information. If they think it is, then they need a new form of encryption.
Indeed, security experts have developed post-quantum codes that even a quantum computer will not be able to crack. So it is already possible to safeguard data today against future attack by quantum computers. But these codes are not yet used as standard.
For ordinary people, there is little risk. Most people use 2048-bit encryption, or something similar, for tasks like sending credit card details over the internet. If these transactions are recorded today and broken in 25 years, little will be lost.
But for governments, there is more at stake. The messages they send todaybetween embassies or the military, for examplemay well be significant in 20 years and so worth keeping secret. If such messages are still being sent via 2048-bit RSA encryption, or something similar, then these organizations should start worryingquickly.
Ref: arxiv.org/abs/1905.09749 : How To Factor 2048 Bit RSA Integers In 8 Hours Using 20 Million Noisy Qubits
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Atos confirms role as global leader in quantum hybridization technologies at its 8th Quantum Advisory Board – Yahoo Finance
Paris, France - December 3, 2021 - At the meeting of the 8th Atos Quantum Advisory Board, a group of international experts, mathematicians and physicists, authorities in their fields, Atos reaffirms its position as a global leader in quantum computing technologies. The quantum hybridization axis (convergence of high-performance computing (HPC) and quantum computing) in particular positions the company at the forefront of quantum research, converging its expertise. Atos has invested, along with partner start-ups Pasqal and IQM, in two major quantum hybridization projects in France and Germany.
Held at Atos' R&D centre, dedicated to research in quantum computing and high-performance computing, in Clayes-sous-Bois, in the presence of Atos next CEO, Rodolphe Belmer, and under the chairmanship of Pierre Barnab, Chair of the Quantum Advisory Board, Interim co-CEO and Head of Big Data and Cybersecurity, this meeting of the Quantum Advisory Board was an opportunity to review Atos recent work and to take stock of future prospects.
Artur Ekert, Professor of Quantum Physics at the Mathematical Institute, University of Oxford, Founding Director of the Centre for Quantum Technologies in Singapore and member of the Quantum Advisory Board said We are truly impressed by the work and the progress that Atos has made over the past year. The company takes quantum computing seriously and it gives us great pleasure to see it becoming one of the key players in the field. It is a natural progression for Atos. As a world leader in High Performance Computing (HPC), Atos is in a unique position to combine its existing, extensive, expertise in HPC with quantum technology and take both fields to new heights. We are confident that Atos will shape the quantum landscape in years to come, both with research and applications that have long-lasting impact.
In the field of quantum hybridization Atos is the only player and the company is already enabling several applications - in the areas of chemistry, such as catalysis design for nitrogen fixation, and for the optimization of smart grids. Atos is also involved in two additional quantum hybridization projects, which are currently being launched:
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The European HPC-QS (Quantum Simulation) project, which starts this December 2021, aims to build the first European hybrid supercomputer with an integrated quantum accelerator by the end of 2023. It is intended to be a first major brick of the French quantum plan. Atos is involved in this project alongside national partners including the CEA, GENCI, Pasqal and the Julich Supercomputing Centre. Pasqal will provide its analog quantum accelerator and Atos, with its quantum simulator, the Quantum Learning Machine (QLM), will ensure the hybridization with the HPCs at the two datacenters at GENCI and Julich.
The Q-EXA project, part of the German Government quantum plan, will see a consortium of partners, including Atos, work together to integrate a German quantum computer into an HPC supercomputer for the first time. Atos QLM will be instrumental in connecting the quantum computer, from start-up IQM (also part of the Atos Scaler program) to the Leibniz Supercomputing-LRZ centre.
The European Organization for Nuclear Research (CERN), one of the worlds largest and most respected research centres, based in Geneva, has recently acquired an Atos Quantum Learning Machine (QLM) appliance and joined the Atos User Club. The Atos QLM, delivered to CERN in October, will be made available to the CERN scientific community to support research activities in the framework of the CERN Quantum Technology Initiative (CERN QTI), thus accelerating the investigation of quantum advantage for high-energy physics (HEP) and beyond.
Building on CERNs unique expertise and strong collaborative culture, co-development efforts are at the core of CERN QTI. As we explore the fast-evolving field of quantum technologies, access to the Atos Quantum Learning Machine and Atos expertise can play an important role in our quantum developments roadmap in support of the high-energy physics community and beyond, says Alberto Di Meglio, Coordinator of the CERN Quantum Technology Initiative. A dedicated training workshop is being organized with Atos to investigate the full functionality and potential of the quantum appliance, as well as its future application for some of the CERN QTI activities.
"Atos is the world leader in the convergence of supercomputing and quantum computing, as shown by these two major and strategic projects we are involved in in France and Germany. At a time when the French government is expected to announce its plan for quantum computing, the durability of our Quantum Board, the quality of the work carried out and the concrete applications of this research in major projects reinforce this position," comments Pierre Barnab, interim co-CEO and head of Big Data and Cybersecurity at Atos.
The Quantum Advisory Board is made up of universally recognized quantum physicists and includes:
Alain Aspect, Professor at the Institut dOptique Graduate School, Universit Paris-Saclay and at Ecole Polytechnique, Institut Polytechnique de Paris
David DiVincenzo, Alexander von Humboldt Professor, Director of the Institute for Quantum Information at RWTH Aachen University, Director of the Institute for Theoretical Nanoelectronics at the Juelich Research Center;
Artur Ekert, Professor of Quantum Physics at the Mathematical Institute, University of Oxford and Founding Director of the Centre for Quantum Technologies in Singapore;
Daniel Esteve, Research Director, CEA Saclay, Head of Quantronics;
Serge Haroche, Professor emeritus at the Collge de France, Nobel laureate in Physics.
As a result of Atos ambitious program to anticipate the future of quantum computing and to be prepared for the opportunities and challenges that come with it - Atos Quantum - Atos was the first organization to offer a quantum noisy simulation module which can simulate real Qubits, the Atos QLM and to propose Q-score, the only universal metrics to assess quantum performance and superiority. Atos is also the first European patent holder in quantum computing.
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About Atos
Atos is a global leader in digital transformation with 107,000 employees and annual revenue of over 11 billion. European number one in cybersecurity, cloud and high performance computing, the Group provides tailored end-to-end solutions for all industries in 71 countries. A pioneer in decarbonization services and products, Atos is committed to a secure and decarbonized digital for its clients. Atos is a SE (Societas Europaea), listed on Euronext Paris and included in the CAC 40 ESG and Next 20 Paris Stock indexes.
The purpose of Atos is to help design the future of the information space. Its expertise and services support the development of knowledge, education and research in a multicultural approach and contribute to the development of scientific and technological excellence. Across the world, the Group enables its customers and employees, and members of societies at large to live, work and develop sustainably, in a safe and secure information space.
Contact :
Laura Fau | laura.fau@atos.net | +33 6 73 64 04 18 |
@laurajanefau
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Atos confirms role as global leader in quantum hybridization technologies at its 8th Quantum Advisory Board - Yahoo Finance