WACQT - Wallenberg Centre for Quantum Technology Newsletter #15, 2024 |
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Dear Reader WACQT has recently published its midterm report which describes the activities and achievements of WACQT during the period 2018-2023. During the summer and fall, WACQT has recruited three new WACQT Fellows, Adam Kinos and David Busto, both at Lund University and Mizanur Rahaman at Chalmers. Adam and David have already started, and Mizanur will do so in March next year. We wish them very welcome to WACQT. An important development, that you can read more about in this newsletter, is that the Swedish Research Council (VR) has developed a suggestion for a National Swedish strategy on Quantum Technology. This document was handed over to the government on October 7, and we eagerly look forward to hearing what the government will decide on this matter. | | | | | Per Delsing, director of WACQT
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WACQT Mid-Term Report Highlights
| We are excited to share the progress made by the WACQT over the past six years.
| | | Some key achievements: - Team Growth: Over 200 members from 48 countries, with 2/3 salaried via WACQT.
- PhD Recruitment: 57 PhD students (10 industry PhDs) and 24 affiliated
- PhD students: totaling 81 (27% women).
- Guest Researchers: Hosted over 40 senior guest researchers globally.
- Quantum Computing: Developed a 25-qubit quantum computer in-house.
- Swedish Infrastructure for Quantum Communication is being deployed
- Spin-Offs: Five companies and an IP holding company launched.
- Publications: Published over 150 peer-reviewed articles.
- Education: Introduced new courses and Masters’ level profiles in quantum technology.
- Nobel Prize: WACQT PI Anne L’Huillier awarded the 2023 Nobel Prize in Physics.
- Swedish Quantum Agenda: WACQT researchers Contributed to its development.
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Claudia Olsson, CEO of Stellar Capacity, and Per Delsing from Chalmers. | Nordic leaders convene at Chalmers
| On October 17-18, 2024, Chalmers hosted the Nordic Perspectives on Quantum Technology conference, bringing together leading researchers, politicians, and business representatives from Denmark, Finland, Norway, and Sweden to discuss the future of quantum technology and how the Nordic region can strengthen its position in this transformative field. The event was organized by the Wallenberg Office in cooperation with the WACQT and Chalmers. Among the speakers; - Anne L’Huillier: Nobel Laureate in Physics 2023
- Peter Wallenberg Jr.: Chair, Knut and Alice Wallenberg Foundation
- Sara Mazur: Executive Director, Knut and Alice Wallenberg Foundation
- Oddmund Hoel: Minister of Research and Higher Education, Norway
- Kristiina Kokko: State Secretary, Ministry of Education and Culture, Finland
- Maria Nilsson: State Secretary, Ministry of Education, Sweden
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This autumn, two new assistant professors join WACQT, both at Lund University. Welcome David and Adam! |
David Busto is specialized in experimental attosecond physics, focusing on the study of electronic dynamics in atoms and molecules using photoelectron interferometry. At Lund University, he aims to develop novel quantum metrology techniques to study the quantum state of photoelectrons with application to ultrafast spectroscopy, and to use the photoelectrons for quantum information experiments.
"WACQT’s support will allow us to explore a new and exciting research direction at the interface of attosecond physics and quantum information science", says David Busto, Lund University.
| | | Adam Kinos's research leverages the unique properties of rare-earth crystals, including long coherence times and strong dipole-dipole interactions, to advance quantum computing, communication, and biophotonics applications. In his position at Lund University, he aims to establish an experimental setup to promote rare-earth crystals as a promising quantum technology platform. "With the support of WACQT, we are now poised to fully explore the potential of rare-earth quantum applications", says Adam Kino, Lund University.
| | | Mini-symposium where they present their research: | | | | | | | | |
Open-Source Software for Quantum Computing
| The WACQT Quantum Technology Testbed proudly announces the release of Tergite, the open-source software stack designed for the WACQT quantum computer. Tergite is a custom middleware that allows end-users to send their circuits
to send their sequence of operations to the 25-qubit chip. Although it is primarily designed to run with real hardware, it is possible to test the stack on a pulse-level simulator on your own computer. This makes it easy to use, for example, in workshop and classes even when the hardware is undergoing maintenance. | | | | |
40 quantum information theorists in church. |
Quantum Redemption: A Unique Intersection of Science and History in Mehedeby’s Free Church
| A unique workshop “Quantum Confessions” took place in the Church of Entangled Light, also known as the Free Church of Mehedeby, and brought together around 40 quantum information theorists to discuss various topics in quantum correlations and their applications. The workshop was part of a broader effort to blend scientific discussions with cultural and historical preservation. WACQT Guest Research Programme supported the workshop. | | | | |
Group photo of WACQT PhD students on the 2024 Helsinki tour.
| The WACQT graduate school recently organized a visit to InstituteQ in Espoo, where 60 PhD students explored Finnish advancements in quantum technology. The program included presentations from research groups at Aalto University and the University of Helsinki, insights from quantum technology companies, and tours of Aalto University and VTT’s (Micronova) Low Temperature Lab (Kide).
| | | | | On August 19th, Nordita and KTH hosted a one-day meeting where newly recruited young faculty from the Wallenberg Initiative on Networks and Quantum Information (WINQ) and the Wallenberg Centre for Quantum Technology (WACQT) introduced themselves and their research. This event provided an excellent opportunity for these talented researchers to connect with each other and the broader research community. The following new faculty members presented their work: - Vaishali Adya (WACQT Fellow, KTH)
- Sofia Qvarfort (WINQ, Nordita/Stockholm University)
- Anton Frisk Kockum (WACQT Fellow, Chalmers)
- Roope Kristian Uola (WINQ, Nordita/Uppsala University)
- Armin Tavakoli (WACQT Fellow, Lund University)
This meeting highlighted the exciting advancements and collaborative spirit within the Swedish quantum research community. | | | | |
50 participants gathered for five days in July at Säröhus. |
Nobel Symposium in Physics 2024: on quantum control of mechanical systems
| Around 50 participants gathered for five days in July at Säröhus on the Swedish west coast for the Nobel Symposium entitled "Quantum control of mechanical systems: from basic research to technological applications.
WACQT Guest Research Programme supported the workshop.
| | | | | WACQT periodically publishes in-depth articles to provide detailed insights into the latest advancements and research in quantum technology. | | | | | National quantum strategy
| The Government has tasked the Swedish Research Council (VR) with formulating a proposal for a national strategy for quantum technology. On October 7, VR handed over the proposal, which is now a public document, to the Government. The proposed strategy focuses on research, innovation, education and international cooperation to strengthen Sweden's capacity in the field. This strategy aims to position Sweden as a global leader in quantum technology through coordinated efforts in these areas.
The vision states that quantum technology should become an integral part of Swedish research and society. The goals for 2034 include Sweden being a leader in research, innovation and application of quantum technology, as well as attracting and retaining top talent. The proposal outlines initiative for the period 2025-2030 with a total budget of 1250 MSEK, with a ramp up during the first two years.
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Nordic Quantum's first White Paper
| A first White Paper is published with vision, purpose and strategic actions for Nordic Quantum, a network for quantum technology activities in Denmark, Finland, Norway, Sweden and Iceland. It is based on four meetings of mainly academic quantum community in these countries, and compilation of data and background material during 2022-2023 The Nordic academic community within quantum technology has recently identified the need and opportunity to build an umbrella, to reach higher visibility and facilitate collaboration in this growingly competitive field. The purpose of forming the Nordic Quantum network is to strengthen the Nordic region as a global hot spot for quantum technology. | | | | |
Quantum Error Correction Breakthroughs
| In a remarkable month for quantum computing, several major advancements in quantum error correction have been achieved. - Google demonstrated a significant milestone showcasing error correction that extends the life of qubits beyond the best physical qubit in their system. This was achieved in real-time, over multiple rounds, and showed reduced error rates as code distance increased. Read the article
- Microsoft and Quantinuum followed with a preprint demonstrating up to a 24x reduction in error rate for encoded state preparation using a color code. Read the article
- Amazon Web Services (AWS) presented new results using the repetition code applied to cat qubits for error correction. Read the article
- Yale Quantum Institute revealed advancements in error correction beyond breakeven for three- and four-level systems using the GKP code. Read the article
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"The progress across groups and approaches that we have seen in quantum error correction in the past few months is remarkable and encouraging. Error correction is crucial for unlocking the full potential of quantum computers." Anton Frisk Kockum
Chalmers University of Technology
WACQT Fellow |
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Figure from Googles paper: Surface code on 105-qubit processor: distance-7 code with leakage removal via neighboring qubits. | | | | | | | |
Hierarchy of GME-dimension states. States with 𝒟GME = 1 are biseparable. Any state with 𝒟GME > 1 is GME. States with 𝒟GME = d cannot be simulated by any lower-dimensional entanglement. Cobucci, G., & Tavakoli, A, Science Advances. | New method reveals hidden dimensions in multi-particle quantum entanglement
| In a new study published in Science Advances, researchers Gabriele Cobucci and Armin Tavakoli, Lund University, present a new method to analyze a complex form of quantum entanglement involving multiple particles. The new method opens the door to a deeper understanding of quantum mechanics, a field known for its strange and often counterintuitive phenomena. The new method has significant implications for the future of quantum technology. High-dimensional GME states are particularly valuable for quantum computers and quantum communications, as they provide benefits such as increased stability and the ability to transmit more information safely.
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The image shows a nanoscale heat engine connecting hot and cold sides. The temperature difference generates power, but noise affects performance. Chalmers researchers found a trade-off between noise and power, advancing precise nanoscale thermoelectric devices.
| New understanding of the limits on nano-noise
| Thanks to nanoscale devices as small as human cells, researchers can create groundbreaking material properties, leading to smaller, faster, and more energy efficient electronics. However, to fully unlock the potential of nanotechnology, addressing noise is crucial. A research team at Chalmers University of Technology has taken a significant step toward unraveling fundamental constraints
on noise, paving the way for future nanoelectronics. | | | | |
Quantum Technology Events
| Dec 28,12:00-13:00
QSIP Event
Webinar - Christin Wendel at UU Innovation
How to balance between internationalization and safeguarding Swedish assets
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