That broad charter has ended up putting Microsoft on the path to building the first topological qubit, a robust type of quantum bit that Microsoft believes will serve as the basis for a scalable, general purpose quantum computer system – and mark a profound breakthrough in the field of quantum physics.
CS Digest Section: Quantum Computing
We’re About to Cross The ‘Quantum Supremacy’ Limit in Computing
The 4th International Conference on Quantum Technologies held in Moscow last month was supposed to put the spotlight on Google, who were preparing to give a lecture on a 49-qubit quantum computer they have in the works. A morning talk presented by Harvard University's Mikhail Lukin, however, upstaged that evening's event with a small announcement of his
https://www.sciencealert.com/google-s-quantum-announcement-overshadowed-by-something-even-bigger
Blind Quantum Computing for Everyone
For the first time, physicists have demonstrated that clients who possess only classical computers-and no quantum devices-can outsource computing tasks to quantum servers that perform blind quantum computing. "Blind" means the quantum servers do not have full information about the tasks they are computing, which ensures that the clients' computing tasks are
USC to Lead IARPA Quantum Computing Project
Intelligence Advanced Research Projects Activity (IARPA) has selected the University of Southern California to lead a consortium of universities and private companies to build quantum computers that are at least 10,000 times faster than the best state-of-the-art classical computers.
Quantum Computers Compete for “Supremacy”
Scientists have long dreamed of developing quantum computers, machines that rely on arcane laws of physics to perform tasks far beyond the capability of today’s strongest supercomputers. In theory such a machine could create mathematical models too complex for standard computers, vastly extending the range and accuracy of weather forecasts and financial
https://www.scientificamerican.com/article/quantum-computers-compete-for-supremacy/
Qudits: The Real Future of Quantum Computing?
Instead of creating quantum computers based on qubits that can each adopt only two possible options, scientists have now developed a microchip that can generate "qudits" that can each assume 10 or more states, potentially opening up a new way to creating incredibly powerful quantum computers, a new study finds.
http://spectrum.ieee.org/tech-talk/computing/hardware/qudits-the-real-future-of-quantum-computing
Quantum Computing’s Threat to Public-Key Cryptosystems
Fittingly, while we do know a little about 'what', we actually know little about 'where' (in time) we will get commercially viable quantum computers. The 'what' includes massively increased computational power. The 'when' is thought to be some time within the next 15 to 30 years.
http://www.securityweek.com/quantum-computings-threat-public-key-cryptosystems
Scientists Claim to Have Invented The World’s First Quantum-Proof Blockchain
Researchers in Russia say they've developed and tested the world's first blockchain that won't be vulnerable to encryption-breaking attacks from future quantum computers.
Quantum Computing Demands a Whole New Kind of Programmer
Quantum computers finally seem to be coming of age with promises of "quantum supremacy" by the end of the year. But there’s a problem-very few people know how to work them.
https://singularityhub.com/2017/05/09/quantum-computing-demands-a-whole-new-kind-of-programmer/
Scientists Achieve Direct Counterfactual Quantum Communication For The First Time
Quantum communication is a strange beast, but one of the weirdest proposed forms of it is called counterfactual communication - a type of quantum communication where no particles travel between two recipients.
