How Scary is Quantum Computing?

Hardly a day goes by when a major article about quantum computing does not appear prominently in the media, often in conjunction with artificial intelligence.  Many of those articles describe – with wonder – the fantastic possibilities that are expected to result from this technology.  But many articles quiver in fear about quantum computing and […]

Canadian Researchers Join Effort to Establish Satellite-Based Quantum Communications Link

The Three-Year Hyperspace Collaboration Aims to Demonstrate the Feasibility of Using Satellites to Facilitate Long-Distance Quantum-Secured Communications Earlier this year, Professor Li Qian of the University of Toronto and Professor Thomas Jennewein  of the University of Waterloo announced that they would be collaborating with researchers and partners from five countries to establish a quantum satellite […]

Bosons, Proof of Work and Finding a Quantum Solution to Blockchain’s Carbon Footprint

Quantum researchers have proposed an innovative alternative to existing Proof-of-Work methods in blockchain technologies.  Based in boson sampling, the proposed solution promises to drastically cut the significant carbon footprint of blockchain technologies. Whether it is in the form of cryptocurrencies (such as bitcoin), smart contracts, or non-fungible tokens, a blockchain provides an alternative means to […]

Europe Looking to the Future with Quantum Standards

Technical standards are fundamental to commercialisation of many high-tech industries.  Our previous article (linked here) provided a primer to technical standards and how standard essential patents are used and likely to play a role in the quantum commercial landscape. In Europe, CEN (European Committee for Standardization) and CENELEC (European Electrotechnical Committee for Standardization) have formed […]

HRL Laboratories Makes a Major Breakthrough in Practical Quantum Computing

A major breakthrough in quantum computing hardware was achieved this year when HRL Laboratories demonstrated universal control of encoded spin qubits. To explain what this breakthrough means, it’s helpful to review how classical computers work, and the different ways in which quantum computers work. A classical computer uses bits of information coded as 1 or […]