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Quantum Materials: The Key to Unlocking Quantum Computing

Quantum computing, a revolutionary technology that promises to dramatically increase computing power, has been a subject of intense research and development for several years. At the heart of this technological revolution lies the development of quantum materials, which are the key to unlocking the full potential of quantum computing. These materials exhibit unique properties that enable the creation of quantum bits, or qubits, which are the fundamental building blocks of quantum computers.

Traditional computers use bits to represent information in binary form, either as a 0 or a 1. Quantum computers, on the other hand, use qubits, which can represent both 0 and 1 simultaneously, thanks to a phenomenon known as superposition. This allows quantum computers to perform complex calculations at a much faster rate than their classical counterparts. However, the development of stable and scalable qubits has proven to be a significant challenge, as they are highly sensitive to their environment and prone to errors.

This is where quantum materials come into play. These materials possess unique properties that can be harnessed to create qubits with improved stability and performance. For instance, some quantum materials exhibit a property called topological protection, which can help shield qubits from external noise and disturbances, thereby reducing errors. Moreover, certain quantum materials can also enable the creation of qubits that are more resilient to decoherence, a phenomenon that causes the fragile quantum states to collapse and lose their quantum advantage.

One such quantum material that has garnered significant attention is graphene, a single layer of carbon atoms arranged in a hexagonal lattice. Graphene is known for its remarkable electronic properties, such as high electron mobility and ballistic transport, which make it an ideal candidate for creating qubits. Researchers have been exploring various methods to harness the unique properties of graphene, such as creating hybrid structures that combine graphene with other materials or inducing superconductivity in graphene by placing it in close proximity to a superconductor.

Another promising quantum material is topological insulators, which are materials that behave as insulators in their bulk but possess conducting states on their surface. These surface states are topologically protected, meaning they are immune to certain types of disturbances, making them an attractive option for creating stable qubits. Researchers have been investigating ways to exploit the unique properties of topological insulators to create robust qubits that can withstand environmental noise and maintain their quantum states for longer periods.

Majorana fermions, which are exotic particles that act as their own antiparticles, have also been proposed as a potential building block for qubits. These particles can be realized in certain quantum materials, such as topological superconductors, and are predicted to exhibit non-Abelian statistics, a property that could be harnessed to create fault-tolerant qubits that are resistant to errors. The experimental realization of Majorana fermions in quantum materials has been a subject of intense research, with several recent breakthroughs providing promising evidence for their existence.

The development of quantum materials is a crucial step towards realizing the full potential of quantum computing. As researchers continue to explore and discover new materials with unique properties, the prospects for creating stable and scalable qubits become increasingly promising. These advancements in quantum materials research will not only pave the way for more powerful quantum computers but also have far-reaching implications for other emerging technologies, such as quantum communication and quantum sensing.

In conclusion, quantum materials hold the key to unlocking the true potential of quantum computing. By harnessing their unique properties, researchers can overcome the challenges associated with creating stable and scalable qubits, thereby bringing us one step closer to realizing the quantum revolution. As our understanding of these materials continues to grow, so too does the promise of a future powered by quantum technology.

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Quantum Materials: The Key to Unlocking Quantum Computing - CityLife

Emerging computing technologies continue to push the boundaries of speed, efficiency, and problem-solving abilities. Among these advancements, laser-based processing units (LPUs) have emerged as promising candidates for accelerating computation in optimization and simulation tasks. By harnessing the unique properties of light, LPUs offer an alternative to traditional processors, paving the way for innovations in various industries.

With their optical architecture, LPUs tap intocoherence, interference, and parallelism to perform computations, allowing them to process various computational elements simultaneously. As a result, LPUs have the potential for remarkable acceleration and efficiency.

In this article, we delveinto the development of the so-called firstpure laser-based processing unit (LPU) by Israeli startupLightSolver. We also share insights from our interview with Chene Tradonsky, CTO and co-founder at LightSolver. The company believes its processors hold immense potential for tackling complex optimization problems across diverse domains, from logistics and finance to energy and manufacturing.

Tradonsky says that his doctoral on coupled laser arrays inspired the LightSolvers optical system, which uses similar physical principles. But theres more to it than that. LightSolver also draws on other paradigms of optical computing and advanced mathematical abstractions, he says. This enables us to apply our optical device to real world problems and solve them."

At the core of LPUs is their optical architecture, consisting of components such as lasers, beam splitters, modulators, and photodetectors. Together, these componentsmanipulateand control laser beams for computational purposes. They also rely on optical interconnects (high-speed optical channels) to facilitate efficient communication and data transfer within the processing unit.

LPUs leverage various properties of lasers for efficiency and high performance. One of those properties is coherence, the property of light waves in synchronization. The lasers used in LPUs demonstrate coherence, which enables them to perform multiple operations simultaneously. Another crucial property is interference, which occurs when lights interact. By carefully controlling the interference patterns, LPUs can perform computations efficiently.

Photonic memory is another essential part of the LPU. It provides high-speed access to information. With their fast and reliable data retrieval,LPUs can quickly access and manipulate large datasets.

In most cases, LPUs draw inspiration from quantum computing techniques, such as quantum annealing and the Ising model. Quantum annealing involves gradually transitioning a physical system, represented by qubits, to a low-energy state that corresponds to the optimal solution of aproblem. LPUs conductthe same process with optical components to efficiently search for near-optimal results among a vast set of possibilities.

LightSolver recently introduced a pure LPUclaimed to outperform classical computers as well as quantum and supercomputers. The company's quantum-inspired solution uses all-optical coupled lasers and does not require any electronics for computation. This solution is specificallydesigned forbusinesses that require solutions for complex multivariable challenges.

Solving complex optimization problems is quite challenging and requires significant computational power. Although supercomputers and quantum computers have historically beenthe preferred choice for these types of applications, supercomputers are reaching performance limits, and quantum computers are not scalable and practical.

LightSolver's LPU works by first converting a problem into a physical logic, which is then mapped as obstacles within the optical path. Due to the properties of lasers, like coherence and interference, the beams converge in a desired solution. After finding and measuring the optimized solution, it is translated into a suitable language for the user.

Interestingly, Tradonsky says that how he positions the working principles of the LPU depends on who the expert is using the technology. For complex systems experts, we can generate an array of coupled oscillators with any type of connectivity to simulate the behavior of any other complex systems and find optimal configurations, he says.

For lasers and optics experts, LightSolver uses what we call laser bits, turning optimization problem constraints into the lasers' relative phases, which interact by diffracting light from each laser to all others in a controllable manner, says Tradonsky. This means we can generate a programmable large array of coupled lasers fully connected via integrated electro optical elements.

Beyond all those "secret sauce" working principles of the LPU, he says that LightSolver makes use of off-the-shelf Spatial Light Modulators (SLMs). Theseenable the manipulation of light waves and control the spatial properties of light such as wavelength, light intensity, and so on.

In three recent trials testing the performance and accuracy of the new LPU, the device showed promise against its supercomputing and quantum computing counterparts in the following ways:

According to Tradonsky,the Tel-Aviv-based company's technology can solve optimization problems by converting business challenges into mathematical formulations, such as Ising models. However, it is not limited to binary models and can implement other models. He adds that,unlike quantum technology, LightSolver's device is portable, operates at room temperature, and is not affected by environmental factors or error correction protocols. Scaling is also a big differentiator.

The scaling ability of the LPU is far superior to alternatives. Unlike in quantum computers, where each logical qubit is typically represented by several physical qubits, the LPU represents each variable with a single laser spin."

This characteristic of the LPU facilitates scalability, as the number of variables can be increased without the need for a proportional increase in physical resources, saysTradonsky. When it comes to supercomputers, solutions are poor in quality, and the time-to-solution increases exponentially with the problem size. In contrast, thanks to LightSolvers use of continuous laser technology, optimization problems can be solved orders of magnitude faster than other current techniques.

On the question of whether his LPU technolgy is a direct competitor to classical and quantum computing, Tradonsky's answer is nuanced. "We consider LightSolvers LPU mainly as a direct competitor in certain computing tasks," he says.

"The LPU is highly specialized and can perform significantly better on a specific class of problems known as QUBO (Quadratic Unconstrained Binary Optimization) problems. The LPU can also operate as a complementary solution to classical and quantum computers positioned before (pre-processing) or after (post-processing) these computers to enhance their performance and maximize efficiency."

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A Closer Look at LightSolver's Laser-based Processing Unit (LPU ... - All About Circuits

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THE NEW BIG 5: A Global Photography Project for Endangered Species, by Graeme Green. (Earth Aware Editions, $75.) Appropriating the term for the animals prized as trophies by hunters, this book features dazzling photos of elephants, gorillas, tigers, lions and polar bears along with essays from conservationists.

QUIETLY HOSTILE: Essays, by Samantha Irby. (Vintage, paperback, $17.) Irby brings humor and compassion to this wide-ranging essay collection, covering her love for the Dave Matthews Band, providing end-of-life care for her ailing mother and more.

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Newly Published Visual Books, From Asylum Seekers to Ruth E ... - The New York Times

Voters in Tucson will choose a new mayor and three councilmembers this year.

As we did with the 2022 elections, our goal is to help voters get to know the candidates and where they stand on the main issues.

Starting today, we are running a series on the Opinion pages with candidates' responses to a questionnaire from the Star, along with basic biographical information to help you get to know the candidates.

Three candidates are running for mayor in the Aug. 1 primary election: Incumbent Mayor Regina Romero, a Democrat; Republican Janet "JL" Wittenbraker, and Libertarian Arthur Kerschen.

Another candidate, Ed Ackerley, is running as an independent and will be on the ballot for the Nov. 7 general election.

In Ward 1, three candidates are running: Incumbent Lane Santa Cruz, a Democrat; Republican Victoria Lem, and Democrat Miguel Ortega.

In Ward 2, four candidates are running: Incumbent Paul Cunningham, a Democrat; Democrat Lisa Nutt, Republican Ernie Shack, and Libertarian Pendleton Spicer.

In Ward 4, two candidates are running:Incumbent Nikki Lee, a Democrat, and Republican Ross Kaplowitch.

What you read is what they wrote and how they submitted their answers to us.

We want to help voters see how candidates compare with each other on specific issues.

In today's edition, the candidates discuss their top priority.

We kept our questions general so voters could see how they approach each issue.

We also compiled a list of resources voters will need as they navigate this election season, such as links to make sure you are registered to vote and key dates.

If you have any questions, contact us at staropinions@tucson.com.

We also want to hear from you, submit a letter to the editor or write an opinion piece at tucson.com/opinion.

Get opinion pieces, letters and editorials sent directly to your inbox weekly!

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Hear from City of Tucson candidates - Arizona Daily Star

The creation of zones has not always meant gleaming towers and crowded ports. In South Africa, market radicals seized on apartheid policies to put the zone offense into action. Ciskei was one of several territories that the apartheid government designated a homeland for the Black population. Under this policy, Black South Africans were stripped of their citizenship and told they were citizens of these new pseudo-states instead; over 3.5 million people were forcibly relocated as a result. Seeing these developments, libertarians hoped that the homeland could work as a kind of zone, Slobodian explains; with the help of economists who believe in the power of markets, prices and incentives, it could become, depending which paper you consulted, the African Hong Kong or Africas Switzerland.

They got their chance to weigh in directly in 1984 when Ciskeis leader, Chief Lennox Sebe, put together a commission on economic policy. The head of the commission was Leon Louw, a South African inspired by Hong Kong, Friedman, and Friedrich Hayek. The model he proposed was the Export Processing Zone, which essentially created an internal offshore space with few regulations or rules to turn off investors. The strategy was to undercut countries like Taiwan by paying even lower wages. This is like Taiwan 30 or 40 years ago: no competition, cheap labor, one investor enthused. Rapid industrialization followed, as did violent state coercion: the would-be libertarian utopia operated hand in glove with the South African security forces, cracking down on dissent and any attempt at labor organizing.

In a similar instance of opportunism, market radicals also took an interest in war-torn Somalia in the 1990s. In that story, Michael van Notten, a prominent Dutch libertarian thinker and attorney whose claim to fame was the idea of the tax-free T-zone, would take the lead. Van Nottens signature scheme called for ending taxes in certain strategic locales to arouse what one economist called a stimulating jealousy in the surrounding area. In this way, lower taxation might spread by osmosis as communities raced to the bottom in order to remain competitive. In the Horn of Africa, he called for the creation of a society with no central government, ruled instead by judges rooted in the legitimacy of traditional Somali law. Individual Somali clans, as van Nottens Somali wife explained, would be able to profit from their statelessness by opening areas within their tribal lands for development, inviting businessmen and professionals the world over to come to take advantage of the absence of a central government or other coercive authority.

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The Plan to Split Democracies Into Tiny Pieces - The New Republic