Quantum News Briefs November 3: ParityQC awarded contract by DLR to develop new methods of molecular simulation on quantum computers; Japanese researchers develop optical-fiber based single-photon light source at room temperature for next-generation quantum processing; Quantum Corridor ™ formed to drive tech infrastructure in Indiana + MORE - Inside Quantum Technology

Quantum News Briefs November 3: ParityQC awarded contract by DLR to develop new methods of molecular simulation on quantum computers; Japanese researchers develop optical-fiber based single-photon light source at room temperature for next-generation quantum processing; Quantum Corridor ™ formed to drive tech infrastructure in Indiana + MORE – Inside Quantum Technology

Time Stamp: November 3, 2023 6:55 AM
Source Node: 2366594

Japanese researchers develop optical-fiber based single-photon light source at room temperature for next-generation quantum processing

Single-photon emitters quantum mechanically connect quantum bits (or qubits) between nodes in quantum networks. They are typically made by embedding rare-earth elements in optical fibers at extremely low temperatures. Now, researchers from Japan, led by Associate Professor Kaoru Sanaka from Tokyo University of Science, have developed an ytterbium-doped optical fiber at room temperature. Quantum News Briefs summarizes announcement.

By avoiding the need for expensive cooling solutions, the proposed method offers a cost-effective platform for photonic quantum applications.

Quantum-based systems promise faster computing and stronger encryption for computation and communication systems. These systems can be built on fiber networks involving interconnected nodes which consist of qubits and single-photon generators that create entangled photon pairs.

In this regard, rare-earth (RE) atoms and ions in solid-state materials are highly promising as single-photon generators. These materials are compatible with fiber networks and emit photons across a broad range of wavelengths. Due to their wide spectral range, optical fibers doped with these RE elements could find use in various applications, such as free-space telecommunication, fiber-based telecommunications, quantum random number generation, and high-resolution image analysis. However, so far, single-photon light sources have been developed using RE-doped crystalline materials at cryogenic temperatures, which limits the practical applications of quantum networks based on them.

In a study published in Volume 20, Issue 4 of the journal Physical Review Applied on 16 October 2023, a team of researchers from Japan, led by Associate Professor Kaoru Sanaka from Tokyo University of Science (TUS) has successfully developed a single-photon light source consisting of doped ytterbium ions (Yb3+) in an amorphous silica optical fiber at room temperature. Associate Professor Mark Sadgrove and Mr. Kaito Shimizu from TUS and Professor Kae Nemoto from the Okinawa Institute of Science and Technology Graduate University were also a part of this study. This newly developed single-photon light source eliminates the need for expensive cooling systems and has the potential to make quantum networks more cost-effective and accessible.

Quantum Corridor ™ formed to drive tech infrastructure in Indiana

Quantum Corridor ™ was formed by Chicago-area technology innovators to drive tech infrastructure to Indiana and create an information-sharing platform for institutions such as Chicago Quantum Exchange, defense contractors and universities. Quantum Corridor ™ is generally restricted to the largest research and education centers and to entities that can use this level of bandwidth.
“There are applications we can’t even fathom yet in quantum research and development, quantum computing, quantum networking and quantum commercialization,” Quantum Corridor CEO Tom Dakich said. “We’re already fielding questions from space exploration ventures, AI entrepreneurs and e-commerce hyperscalers who are eager to use our network to support their work.”
Quantum Corridor will begin near the Purdue University Northwest Campus in Westville, IN and traverse Lake, Porter, and La Porte Counties, extending to the internet exchange superhub located  in Chicago, approximately 50 miles.
Funds will be used to purchase equipment that will be used to enhance a publicly-owned asset.
The project has a 9-month construction period and will utilize private investment (20+%) and READI Grant proceeds (<80%). The project is expected to complete November of 2023.
The project will combine the existing backbone fiber network with the most advanced Ciena optical gear in existence, and it has interest from space exploration ventures, AI entrepreneurs and e-commerce hyperscalers.
Quantum Corridor will draw interest from innovative technology companies, create tech job opportunities, and provide the mechanism for opportunity in technology within the rural areas of Porter and LaPorte counties.  Click here for Quantum Corridor website.

Alice & Bob expands to North America with new Boston office

New research from Alice & Bob uses cat qubits to boost error correction within a quantum computing system.

Alice & Bob, a leading hardware developer in the race to fault-tolerant quantum computing, today announced the opening of a new office in Boston to lead the company’s North American business development and accelerate its technology advancements for the quantum-ready market. Quantum News Briefs summarizes.
The Boston headquarters will be led by Blaise Vignon, Chief Product Officer of Alice & Bob, who will assume the role of President of Alice & Bob USA. Alice & Bob recognized the need to establish a strong executive presence encouraged by the solid market demand for quantum services from various U.S. industries. Blaise’s depth of technical and business expertise will be essential for the company to capitalize on Boston’s large talent pool from top universities and flourishing R&D ecosystem.
Alice & Bob is solely focused on the race to logical qubits that can create major impacts for businesses in the fault tolerant quantum computing era. Their logical cat qubit architecture could be available as soon as 2024.
Blaise has previously held leadership positions in product management at Microsoft and Criteo. At Microsoft France, he led the Business Development effort from Microsoft towards the local startup ecosystem. Blaise also served in an engineering capacity designing GPUs at NVIDIA. Blaise will lead the office alongside a product team poised to execute Alice & Bob’s full commercial and technological vision in North America.
The Boston headquarters will be opened at the heart of Cambridge academic and commercial landscape at 1 Broadway Building, Cambridge, Mass. The area is renowned for its academic prowess, booming health tech scene, and rich history in finance and biotechnology, leading to its establishment as a burgeoning quantum hub. Click here to read the announcement in-entirety.

Sandra K. Helsel, Ph.D. has been researching and reporting on frontier technologies since 1990.  She has her Ph.D. from the University of Arizona.

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