The least qualified dragon in quantum.
I am not a role model.
The Quantum Dragon saw “Product Commercialization / Licensing Lead” and decided to apply to PQSecure per the instructions. Unfortunately, aside from actually being quantum, he’s about as qualified as I am for the position. Since you are guaranteed to be more qualified than us, we wish you the best of luck if you apply.
This week’s premium content:
- Shanghai Jiao Tong University (SJTU) UnitaryLab
- The History of Qiskit
- Qudora and Anyon Technologies
- Is a quantum marketplace helpful?
In this edition:
- If It Doesn’t Hurt a Little, You Are Not Learning Serious Mathematics
- Non-Portable Quantum Computing
- The “Quantum Integrated Circuit” Moment
- Intro to “Quantum Computing for Software Engineers”
- IQM Kart: Radiance vs Halocene
- 2025 (Another) Quantum Look Back
- “Student Layer”
- Behind-the-Scenes at QuEra
- Drill, baby, drill.
- I discovered more elements!
If It Doesn’t Hurt a Little, You Are Not Learning Serious Mathematics
Quantum Formalism’s title is already enough to earn real estate in this newsletter, but that’s not all! This short article also includes a bodybuilding analogy! Sadly, it’s too late to sign up for the cohorts that are being promoted, but if you subscribe to Quantum Formalism I’m sure there’ll be more coming along down the road.
Non-Portable Quantum Computing
Some quantum computers are rack-mounted, and some are even in desktop or otherwise-portable form factors. This photo from PsiQuantum, however, reminds us that not all of these devices are going to be quite so small. This is just one cabinet, not even the whole datacenter-sized machine. This link may require a Twitter account.
The “Quantum Integrated Circuit” Moment
I always enjoy Russ Fein’s history lessons, and this is no exception. I have come to disagree with the analogy, however. I’m guilty of comparing NISQ devices to ENIAC, but vacuum tube computers actually worked. Therefore, we can’t be waiting for the integrated circuit moment, because we’re still waiting for the vacuum tube moment.
Intro to “Quantum Computing for Software Engineers”
I added the “intro to” to this book by Rakhim Davletkaliyev. With the disclaimer that I’ve only skimmed it, it’s written in plain English by a software engineer for software engineers. That said, I don’t think anyone is going to start “doing” quantum computing based on this book. It’s more of a guide to finding a starting point.
Western PQC Deadlines
I’m including this because “The West” includes the usual suspects — the United States, the United Kingdom, and the European Union — but also some rather unusual suspects — Japan, South Korea, and Australia. I don’t know which hemisphere I’m in anymore! This article is on Medium but does not seem to require a Medium account.
IQM Kart: Radiance vs Halocene
When you’re playing IQM Kart (they’re not calling it that), how should you use Radiance and how should you use Halocene?
2025 (Another) Quantum Look Back
Brian Lenahan offers a business perspective on this year in review, but I’m sharing this (and others) because 2025 ain’t over yet. I’m still receiving embargoed press releases, so I know for a fact more is coming. Heck, I’ve got more stuff scheduled myself! So, rest assured The Quantum Dragon won’t hibernate through the holidays.
“Student Layer”
Dr. Michaela Eichinger shared that the Niels Bohr Institute, University of Copenhagen has added a “Student Layer” onto a hardware stack by Qinu, ConScience, and Quantum Machines. I wonder how much of this is about ease of learning and how much is about “hey, don’t break this.” This link may require a LinkedIn account.
Behind-the-Scenes at QuEra
To help attract a (Senior) Quantum Machine Builder — QuEra is hiring — Dr. Mikhail Shalaginov shared this behind-the-scenes illustration, inspired by The Far Side, of QuEra’s new Quantum Machine Build team in action. This link may require a LinkedIn account.
Drill, baby, drill.
Laurent Prost of Alice & Bob shared a drill analogy, as in drilling holes, to describe the current state of quantum computers and what various people want to do with them. I’m awarding admittedly worthless bonus points for “misshapen potato.” This link may require a LinkedIn account.
I discovered more elements!
Speaking of Alice & Bob, you no doubt recall its roadmap to QPUs named Boson, Helium, Lithium, Beryllium, etc. I just discovered that Horizon Quantum’s “toolchain” includes Helium and Hydrogen, and Beryllium is coming soon. For such a small industry, finding products with identical names is shockingly common.
Filed under: Quantum Computing • Post-Quantum Security • Quantum Hardware
