Inside Quantum Technology

Quantum News Briefs October 28: QED-C® Report Addresses the Use of Quantum Sensors to Mitigate Shortcomings of GPS and other PNT Devices • QuEra and AIST Partner on Quantum-HPC Integration for Research and Industry • NIST Advances 14 Digital Signatures to Guard Against Quantum Cyber Threats • National Quantum Computing Centre Opens in the UK

IQT News — Quantum News Briefs

Quantum News Briefs takes a look at the latest news and announcements throughout the quantum R&D industry.

QED-C® Report Addresses the Use of Quantum Sensors to Mitigate Shortcomings of GPS and other PNT Devices

 A new report announced October 28 from the Quantum Economic Development Consortium (QED-C) found that using quantum sensors could improve the accuracy and reliability of position, navigation, and timing (PNT) devices which offer critical insights on location, orientation, altitude, tilt, directional movement, acceleration, and timing for nearly every industry. PNT tools are especially prevalent in defense, transportation, communications, energy, finance, and healthcare.
The report found that quantum sensors, such as clocks, magnetometers, gravimeters, and inertial sensors, will improve PNT capabilities by offering levels of precision not possible with traditional methods. Such capabilities enable navigation when GPS is unavailable and/or unreliable due to poor signal, natural events such as space weather affecting satellites, and man-made events such as jamming and spoofing attacks.
Use cases include:
  • Magnetic navigation for resilient, unjammable PNT
  • Precision timing for space-based networks
  • Small satellite orientation and alignment
  • Battery optimization
  • Biomarker detection
  • Earthquake detection and prediction
  • Undersea maintenance and protection
  • Climate monitoring
  • Tracking trains in tunnels
The report presents four recommendations for accelerating development of quantum sensors and increasing adoption for PNT applications.
The full report is available here.

QuEra and AIST Partner on Quantum-HPC Integration for Research and Industry

QuEra Computing, a leader in neutral-atom quantum computing, announced on October 25 that on September 6th, it signed a Memorandum of Understanding (MOU) with the National Institute of Advanced Industrial Science and Technology (AIST) to strengthen their collaboration towards the advancement and industrialization of quantum technology. This agreement builds on an April 2024 contract, under which QuEra will deliver a state-of-the-art quantum computer to Japan, installed on-premises alongside AIST’s NVIDIA-powered ABCI-Q supercomputer.
As part of this new collaboration, QuEra will create a cloud-based platform, providing remote access to the quantum computer for researchers, collaborators, and external users. This platform will seamlessly integrate with AIST’s high-performance computing (HPC) infrastructure, including the ABCI-Q supercomputer.
The collaboration will promote the development of a hybrid environment between ABCI-Q, a function of Global Research and Development Center for Business by Quantum-AI Technology (G-QuAT) and QuEra Computing’s neutral atom quantum computer. Additionally, the applicability of optical materials and components necessary for the hardware development of next generation neutral atom quantum computers will be tested. This effort aims not only to scale up and enhance the performance of quantum computers but also to standardize processes to strengthen future supply chains.

In Other News: Meritalk Reports “NIST Advances 14 Digital Signatures to Guard Against Quantum Cyber Threats”

The National Institute of Science and Technology (NIST) has selected 14 post-quantum cryptographic (PQC) signatures which will begin to make their way toward the public, as reported by Meritalk’s Weslan Hansen on October 25.
Bill Newhouse, the cybersecurity engineer and project lead for the National Cybersecurity Center of Excellence at NIST, explained that after receiving 40 offers for digital signatures – an encryption tool using digital codes that are difficult to duplicate – NIST will begin evaluating 14 of them for public release.

NIST unveiled three out of four encryption algorithms for immediate use in August – CRYSTALS-Kyber, CRYSTALS-Dilithium, and Sphincs+ – to provide general encryption and protect digital signatures, The fourth algorithm, FALCON, will be released as a draft by the end of this year. NIST has now been looking for more diversity in digital signatures, Newhouse said.
It was also reported that Phil Stupak, assistant national cyber director of the Office of the National Cyber Director,  that in
addition to digital signatures and encryption algorithms,  the Federal government is looking for industry to adopt PQC standards into products and services. 
“Everyone here knows this is probably the first year that we can begin experimenting with buying some of these products,” said Stupak. “That’s because they will become available, they’ll move through FedRAMP, they’ll move through all the certification processes.

In Other News Intelligent Living Reports: “National Quantum Computing Centre Opens in the UK”

The National Quantum Computing Centre (NQCC), a pioneering facility in Harwell Campus, Oxfordshire,  is at the forefront of quantum computing innovation as reported by Gary Davis October 27 in , a pioneering facility in Harwell Campus, Oxfordshire. Supported by the UK government and backed by initiatives like the UK National Quantum Technologies Programme (NQTP), the NQCC aims to make quantum technology more accessible to businesses and academic institutions. With over £1 billion invested across national programs and partnerships, the UK is dedicated to bringing quantum technology from research labs into practical applications that address societal challenges in areas such as AI, climate change, and secure communications.
Collaborations with private firms, including Infleqtion and Nu Quantum, demonstrate the UK’s focus on building a practical quantum infrastructure. Projects like Project IDRA and the Qubit-Photon Interface contribute to developing a secure quantum network, which could revolutionize data security and enable breakthroughs in healthcare diagnostics, energy optimization, and defence. Through these efforts, the UK fosters an ecosystem for quantum innovation and establishes itself as a global leader in this transformative technology. This article delves into the UK’s quantum journey, exploring the socioeconomic impact, ongoing innovations, and future directions shaping the quantum computing landscape.
On October 26, 26 October 2024 the NQCC was formally opened by Minister of Science, Research and Innovation, Lord Vallance.The centre’s mission aligns with the UK government’s vision of establishing a robust national framework for quantum computing. With an impressive investment of over £143 million, the NQCC is building resources and programs to support both industry professionals and academic researchers. One of the highlights of its offerings is a unique apprenticeship program in quantum technology.

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