Trapped Ion Quantum Computing News: IonQ & Quantinuum Breakthroughs
Trapped ion quantum computing updates: IonQ Forte, Quantinuum H2, high-fidelity gates. Long coherence times & commercial progress coverage.
Trapped ion quantum computing utilizes individual atomic ions—typically ytterbium, calcium, or strontium—confined in electromagnetic fields (Paul traps) and manipulated with laser pulses. This approach delivers the highest gate fidelities in the industry, with one-qubit and two-qubit operations exceeding 99.9% accuracy.
IonQ and Quantinuum (the Honeywell-Cambridge Quantum Computing merger) lead commercial trapped-ion development. The technology's inherent all-to-all connectivity—where any qubit can interact with any other without physical movement—enables efficient implementation of complex quantum algorithms that would require extensive SWAP operations on superconducting architectures.
India's Trapped Ion Research
India's quantum computing research includes trapped-ion systems at the Raman Research Institute (RRI) in Bengaluru and IISER Pune. The Centre for Excellence in Quantum Technology (CEQT) at IISc Bengaluru, supported by the Ministry of Electronics and Information Technology (MeitY), includes quantum computing development among its activities, with trapped-ion research as one component. The National Quantum Mission's Quantum Computing Thematic Hub at IISc Bengaluru coordinates research across multiple platforms including trapped-ion systems.
Key Advantages
Key advantages include exceptional coherence times (seconds to minutes, millions of times longer than superconducting qubits), identical qubits eliminating calibration variability, natural connectivity reducing algorithm overhead, and room-temperature operation of control electronics simplifying infrastructure. Current challenges include slower gate speeds (microseconds vs. nanoseconds for superconducting) limiting algorithm execution rates, laser control systems adding engineering complexity, and scaling beyond 50-100 qubits requiring innovative architectures.
Recent Breakthroughs
Recent global breakthroughs include Quantinuum's H2 system demonstrating 56-qubit quantum error correction experiments with logical qubit fidelities surpassing physical qubits, and IonQ's Forte processor introducing acousto-optic deflectors for flexible qubit addressing supporting up to 36 algorithmic qubits. Trapped-ion systems dominate applications requiring high precision—quantum chemistry simulation, financial optimization, and cryptographic analysis—where gate fidelity outweighs speed considerations.
quantum-computingItalian Court Halts IBM’s €61 Million Quantum Contract in Campania
Insider Brief An Italian administrative court has suspended Campania’s €61 million euro contract to install a quantum computing system at the University of Salerno, delaying the region’s planned “quantum valley.” The court accepted an appeal from Tea Tek challenging the procurement process, including deadline extensions granted during the bidding, rather than the technical merits of IBM’s proposal. The ruling adds to a history of canceled and reissued high-value regional tenders in Campania due to procedural errors, leaving the project’s timeline uncertain. Photo by jorono on Pixabay An Italian court has halted a €61 million — or about $72 million U.S. — contract to install a quantum computing system at the University of Salerno, stalling the Campania region’s plan to build a “quantum valley” in southern Italy. The Regional Administrative Court of Naples accepted an appeal challenging the award of the contract to IBM, according to reporting by La Città. The project called for the purchase, delivery, installation and specialized support of a quantum system to be housed in the former Ruggiero library on the Fisciano campus. The initiative was championed by the Campania regional government under former Gov. Vincenzo De Luca, which had promoted the site as a future hub for advanced computing research and economic development. Regional officials framed the effort as a step toward placing the area as a leader of quantum technology, a field that uses the physics of subatomic particles to perform certain calculations more efficiently than conventional computers. Procurement Dispute The appeal was filed by Tea Tek, one of the companies that lost the tender. According to La Città, the challenge focused not on the technical merits of IBM’s proposal but on the procedures used in the bidding process. Tea Tek objected to deadline extensions granted by the region, arguing that the additional time effectively favored economic operators that had hesitated to submit a proposal. The c
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quantum-computingCould Investing $10,000 in IonQ Make You a Millionaire?
IonQ is one of the most popular quantum computing stocks.Quantum computing is the next big technology that's expected to follow AI. While the AI build-out is in full swing, so is the quantum computing arms race. Every company competing in the quantum computing realm is racing toward one goal: accuracy. That's the one hold-up with quantum technology right now, as its solutions aren't accurate enough to be deployed in a commercial setting. If that's the primary issue that every company is trying to solve, then a logical investment idea is to pick the current leader. Right now, that's IonQ (IONQ 4.58%). IonQ has made some structural decisions that optimize its technology for accuracy, which is why it's a leader in the space. But will those decisions be enough to transform $10,000 into $1 million? Image source: Getty Images. IonQ holds a commanding lead IonQ's latest measure of accuracy was in October 2025, when it delivered 99.99% two-qubit gate fidelity. This metric has become the industry standard in quantum computing and can be utilized when comparing systems from different providers. It measures if a calculation is still correct after passing through two processing "gates," and a 99.99% score indicates one error out of every 10,000 operations. While you and I would be incredibly happy only making one error in every 10,000 decisions we make, that's not good enough for a computer. Basic processes require thousands of operations, and if one error happens, it can propagate to ruin the entire system. That's why accuracy is so important, and with the rest of the quantum computing competition not yet reaching the 99.99% accuracy threshold, IonQ has a decent lead. ExpandNYSE: IONQIonQToday's Change(-4.58%) $-1.53Current Price$31.90Key Data PointsMarket Cap$11BDay's Range$31.38 - $33.8852wk Range$17.88 - $84.64Volume16MAvg Vol20MGross Margin-747.41% But will this be enough to fend off competitors? That's an impossible question to answer. There are several other viable quant
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quantum-computingCould Investing $10,000 in IonQ Make You a Millionaire? - The Motley Fool
Could Investing $10,000 in IonQ Make You a Millionaire? The Motley Fool
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quantum-computing2 Quantum Computing Stocks That Could Make a Millionaire
Quantum computing is still a high-risk frontier, but for patient investors, these two tickers could be tomorrow's generational wealth creators.Quantum computing is still early, messy, and wildly speculative, which is exactly why the upside for patient, risk‑tolerant investors is so intriguing. If this technology can cross the chasm from lab curiosity to everyday infrastructure over the next 10–20 years, today's niche players could look like buying early cloud or GPU leaders before the world catches on. Here are two quantum names with very different approaches that could, in a bullish scenario, move the needle on lifetime wealth and eventually produce some millionaire investors. Image source: Getty Images. 1. IonQ IonQ (IONQ 4.52%) remains the poster child for pure‑play, gate‑based quantum hardware. This month, the company reiterated that its systems are already accessible via major public clouds and are being used by customers in pharmaceuticals, materials, finance, logistics, cybersecurity, and government work. What makes IonQ interesting from a millionaire‑maker perspective is the combination of three things: A credible technical roadmap (including industry‑leading error rates on key two‑qubit gates). Distribution through hyperscale clouds that can switch on demand when the economics make sense. Early‑stage real workloads and partnerships rather than purely academic demos. In other words, IonQ looks like a potential millionaire maker because it has a real technical edge, major cloud distribution, and early partnerships, proving it's moving beyond lab demos into real-world use. ExpandNYSE: IONQIonQToday's Change(-4.52%) $-1.51Current Price$31.92Key Data PointsMarket Cap$11BDay's Range$31.37 - $33.8852wk Range$17.88 - $84.64Volume679KAvg Vol20MGross Margin-747.41% 2. Rigetti Computing Where IonQ leans into trapped ions, Rigetti (RGTI 4.07%) is the scrappy superconducting challenger aiming to sell both cloud access and physical systems. In January, the company updat
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quantum-computingGoogle Gave Amazing News to Nvidia and Broadcom Stock Investors
By Jose Najarro – Feb 21, 2026 at 8:15PM ESTNASDAQ: GOOGLAlphabetMarket Cap$3.8TToday's Changeangle-down(3.95%) $11.96Current Price$314.81Price as of February 20, 2026 at 3:58 PM ETAlphabet reported massive Capex growth driven by AI demand.In today's video, I discuss recent updates affecting Alphabet (GOOGL +3.95%) (GOOG +3.66%) and other AI stocks. To learn more, check out the short video, consider subscribing, and click the special offer link below. *Stock prices used were the after-market prices of Feb. 4, 2026. The video was published on Feb. 4, 2026. Read NextFeb 20, 2026 •By Eric TrieStock Market Today, Feb. 20: Alphabet Jumps as Gemini Rollout Bolsters $185B AI BuildoutFeb 20, 2026 •By Patrick SandersBetter Artificial Intelligence Stock: Alphabet vs. AmazonFeb 20, 2026 •By Anders BylundPrediction: 2 Stocks That Should Be Worth More Than Nvidia 10 Years From NowFeb 20, 2026 •By Sean WilliamsBillionaire Stanley Druckenmiller Dumped 4 of the Hottest AI Stocks and Nearly Quadrupled His Fund's Stake in Another Trillion-Dollar CompanyFeb 19, 2026 •By Johnny RiceHere's the Quantum Computing Stock Wall Street Loves the Most (Hint: It's Not IonQ or Rigetti)Feb 18, 2026 •By Daniel SparksAmazon vs. Alphabet: Which Is the Better AI Stock to Buy Now?About the AuthorJose Najarro enjoys investing in the tech market, more importantly, the semiconductor sector. Before partnering with the Fool, Jose worked as a Senior Electrical Engineer for General Dynamics, where he had first-hand experience seeing how emerging technology can change the world. Jose Najarro went to NJIT, receiving his Bachelor's and Master's degree in Electrical Engineering.TMFJoseNajarroX@_JoseNajarroStocks MentionedAlphabetNASDAQ: GOOGL$314.81 (+3.95%) $+11.96BroadcomNASDAQ: AVGO$332.44 (0.46%) $1.55NvidiaNASDAQ: NVDA$189.82 (+1.02%) $+1.92AlphabetNASDAQ: GOOG$314.67 (+3.66%) $+11.11*Average returns of all recommendations since inception. Cost basis and return based on previous market day close.
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quantum-computingThe Stock Market Just Did This for the First Time in Nearly a Year. History is Strikingly Clear About What Happens Next.
Market gains have left some stocks trading at expensive levels.The S&P 500 entered the third year of a bull market back in October and finished the year with a bang: a double-digit gain that brought the index's three-year increase to 78%. Over that time period, investors have been particularly optimistic about stocks in high-growth areas, from artificial intelligence and quantum computing to companies leading in the weight loss drug market. In this context, stocks including AI leader Nvidia, quantum innovator IonQ, and weight loss drug giant Eli Lilly each have skyrocketed. Investors also felt optimistic as the Federal Reserve pursued interest rate cuts -- lower rates relieve pressure on the consumer's wallet and make it easier for companies to borrow -- and they bet on an improving economy. All of this not only boosted the price of stocks, but it also increased their valuations. In fact, stocks reached levels only attained once before throughout history, as we can see through the Shiller CAPE ratio, an inflation-adjusted look at stock price in relation to earnings per share. The Shiller CAPE ratio reached beyond 40 earlier this year. The last -- and only -- time it did that was during the dot-com boom back in 2000. Now, in the early months of 2026, investors may be wondering what might happen next. Well, the stock market just did something that it hasn't done for almost a year. And history offers us a strikingly clear idea about what may lie ahead. Image source: Getty Images. The S&P 500 in 2026 Before we dig in, let's consider what's unfolded so far in the first few weeks of the year. Concerns about the valuations of AI stocks actually started late in 2025, and many of these companies saw their stock prices dip for this reason in November. Investors worried that high valuations weren't sustainable -- and any dip in AI spending or demand could set off significant declines. In recent weeks, other concerns joined this potential problem. Uncertainty regarding
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quantum-computingIonQ vs. D-Wave: Which Quantum Stock Has the Clearer Path to Growth in 2026? - Nasdaq
IonQ vs. D-Wave: Which Quantum Stock Has the Clearer Path to Growth in 2026? Nasdaq
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quantum-computingIonQ vs. D-Wave: Which Quantum Stock Has the Clearer Path to Growth in 2026? - The Motley Fool
IonQ vs. D-Wave: Which Quantum Stock Has the Clearer Path to Growth in 2026? The Motley Fool
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quantum-computingRigetti & Algorithmiq Partner to Tackle Financial Fraud with Quantum Machine Learning
Rigetti and Algorithmiq are partnering to combat financial fraud using quantum machine learning, announced today, February 20, 2026. The collaboration focuses on anomaly detection, a critical technique for preventing fraudulent transactions, and aims to improve the performance of hybrid quantum-classical methods for digital payment systems. A key component of this project involves implementing a novel adaptation of Algorithmiq’s Tensor-network Error Mitigation on Rigetti’s 36-qubit quantum computer hosted at the UK’s National Quantum Computing Centre (NQCC). “We look forward to pushing the boundaries of what’s possible with today’s current quantum hardware as we deepen our understanding of integrating advanced error mitigation solutions with our quantum computers,” Rigetti stated. This work is supported by a newly awarded proof-of-concept project from the 2025 STFC Cross Cluster Proof of Concept: SparQ Quantum Computing Call. Rigetti and Algorithmiq Advance Hybrid Quantum Anomaly Detection Quantum machine learning is now being directly applied to financial data by Rigetti, with a specific focus on bolstering fraud prevention techniques. The company is collaborating with Algorithmiq to refine hybrid quantum-classical anomaly detection methods, aiming to enhance digital payment systems and accelerate their adoption within the broader digital economy. The collaboration represents a significant step toward realizing practical applications of quantum computing in the financial sector. Tensor-Network Error Mitigation on 36-Qubit NQCC Computer Rigetti is currently concentrating research efforts on applying quantum machine learning techniques to analyze genuine financial datasets. A key component of this work involves a collaboration with Algorithmiq to refine hybrid quantum-classical methods for anomaly detection, a crucial tool in preventing financial fraud. The companies are specifically targeting improvements to a fraud detection system and aiming to speed up the introd
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quantum-computingScaleway & AQT Launch European Quantum Computing Partnership, February 2026
Alpine Quantum Technologies (AQT) and Scaleway announced today, February 20, 2026, a partnership to deliver European quantum computing through cloud access. AQT is integrating its trapped-ion quantum computer, IBEX Q1, directly into Scaleway’s cloud platform, creating a new sovereign quantum infrastructure designed to bolster digital resilience and technological independence. The collaboration will provide access to quantum processing units via Scaleway’s Quantum as a Service (QaaS) platform, available Tuesdays and Wednesdays from 10:00 to 17:00 CET. “Together with Scaleway, AQT offers our customers hands-on access to the best quantum computers in Europe,” said Felix Rohde, Director of Cloud Partnerships and Business Development at AQT. This move significantly expands Europe’s capacity for secure, independent quantum computing and opens new avenues for innovation in fields ranging from logistics to financial modeling. AQT IBEX Q1 Integrates with Scaleway’s European Quantum as a Service The arrival of the IBEX Q1 trapped-ion quantum computer within Scaleway’s cloud infrastructure marks a significant step toward a fully sovereign quantum ecosystem in Europe, offering unprecedented access to advanced quantum processing capabilities. Crucially, the IBEX Q1 can be accessed and programmed using familiar quantum software packages like Qiskit, Cirq, and Pennylane, lowering the barrier to entry for those eager to explore quantum computation. Availability is specifically scheduled for Tuesdays and Wednesdays between 10:00 and 17:00 CET, accommodating the working hours of European-based customers. This strategic timing reflects a commitment to practical usability and seamless integration into existing workflows. Valentin Macheret, Engineering Manager, Quantum Technologies at Scaleway, highlights the technical advantages of the collaboration, noting that AQT’s approach “offers remarkable fidelity and unique all-to-all connectivity, which are critical for running complex and dee
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quantum-computingQuantum Computing Companies In 2026
Quantum Computing Companies | The Complete Guide [2026] | Quantum Zeitgeist Last updated: February 2026 The quantum computing industry has entered what many observers now describe as its commercial inflection point. Record-breaking equity funding rounds and rapidly growing government commitments have reshaped the industry. With new companies listing on public markets, billion-dollar private fundraising rounds closing at unprecedented speed, and the first genuine enterprise deployments taking shape, the landscape of quantum computing companies has never been more dynamic or more consequential for investors, technologists and policymakers. This is a continuously evolving space where company valuations, technical milestones and competitive positions shift rapidly, and what follows is a snapshot of the landscape as it stands today. This guide covers pure-play quantum firms, the large technology companies running major quantum R&D programmes, and the wider ecosystem of software, cybersecurity and sensing businesses that complete the quantum technology stack. For those looking to explore over 940 companies across 47 countries, the Quantum Navigator offers the most comprehensive directory of quantum technology firms anywhere in the world. Context Why the Landscape Matters Now The quantum computing sector is no longer dominated by a handful of research labs. A full ecosystem has emerged, and 2026 is significant because of three converging trends. Public markets have opened dramatically. Infleqtion completed its SPAC in February 2026, trading as INFQ on NYSE. Xanadu’s SPAC with Crane Harbor is expected to close in H1 2026. Quantinuum filed a confidential S-1 in January 2026 and is expected to achieve the largest quantum IPO valuation to date. The era of quantum as a purely private endeavour is ending. The technology has matured to where modalities can be meaningfully compared. Superconducting, trapped-ion, neutral-atom, photonic and topological approaches have all demons
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quantum-computingHere's the Quantum Computing Stock Wall Street Loves the Most (Hint: It's Not IonQ or Rigetti) - Yahoo Finance
Here's the Quantum Computing Stock Wall Street Loves the Most (Hint: It's Not IonQ or Rigetti) Yahoo Finance
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quantum-computingHere's the Quantum Computing Stock Wall Street Loves the Most (Hint: It's Not IonQ or Rigetti)
By Johnny Rice – Feb 19, 2026 at 9:00PM ESTKey PointsMost institutional investment in quantum pure plays comes from passive index funds, not active conviction buying.IonQ, Rigetti, and D-Wave face survival risk if quantum timelines stretch longer than bulls expect.Alphabet offers quantum exposure backed by $73 billion in annual free cash flow and a dominant core business.We’re bullish on these 10 stocks ›NASDAQ: GOOGLAlphabetMarket Cap$3.7TToday's Changeangle-down(-0.16%) $0.48Current Price$302.85Price as of February 19, 2026 at 4:00 PM ETQuantum stocks soared in 2025, but the "smart money" isn't buying the hype.Quantum computing stocks had an incredible 2025. IonQ, Rigetti Computing, and D-Wave Quantum delivered the kind of returns that make investors who missed out feel queasy. But for all the hype, there's something quantum bulls don't love to admit: The "smart money" isn't convinced. Wall Street's exposure to the pure-play quantum computing stocks that dominate Reddit threads and YouTube thumbnails is limited. Most institutional buying in quantum pure plays isn't what it looks like Yes, institutional investment in the sector rose dramatically last year, but most of that capital flowed in from passive exchange-traded fund (ETF) and index fund managers, not active hedge funds. When you see that BlackRock "owns" 30 million shares of IonQ, it's easy to misunderstand this as implying BlackRock likes the stock. It doesn't. Instead, it reflects mechanical buying driven by IonQ's inclusion in an index like the Russell 2000. This passive buying is responsible for the vast majority of Wall Street activity in quantum pure plays, but even the active side of things is misleading. Most of these are hedge funds that trade on momentum, looking to take advantage of short-term trends. They're not buying with conviction and holding for the long term. It's easy to see why. Image source: Getty Images. The numbers don't lie Rigetti posted $1.95 million in revenue last quart
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quantum-computingHere's the Quantum Computing Stock Wall Street Loves the Most (Hint: It's Not IonQ or Rigetti) - The Motley Fool
Here's the Quantum Computing Stock Wall Street Loves the Most (Hint: It's Not IonQ or Rigetti) The Motley Fool
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quantum-computingAQT Integrates IBEX Q1 Trapped-Ion QPU into Scaleway Sovereign Cloud
AQT Integrates IBEX Q1 Trapped-Ion QPU into Scaleway Sovereign Cloud Alpine Quantum Technologies (AQT) and Scaleway have established a partnership to integrate the IBEX Q1 trapped-ion quantum processing unit (QPU) into Scaleway’s Quantum-as-a-Service (QaaS) platform. This deployment provides industrial and research organizations with access to universal quantum hardware hosted on European sovereign cloud infrastructure. The integration is designed to support high-performance computing (HPC) and quantum computing hybrid workflows, utilizing AQT’s hardware in coordination with Scaleway’s classical computing resources. The IBEX Q1 system utilizes trapped-ion technology characterized by all-to-all qubit connectivity and high gate fidelity. The hardware is accessible through standard open-source frameworks, including Qiskit, Cirq, and Pennylane, requiring no prior reservations for execution during specified operational windows. Currently, the device is available for cloud-based processing on Tuesdays and Wednesdays between 10:00 and 17:00 CET, targeting users within European time zones to minimize latency in development cycles. This infrastructure is positioned to address computational requirements in optimization, materials simulation, and financial modeling. By concentrating both hardware and cloud management within European jurisdictions, the partnership meets specific regulatory and data residency standards for public and private sector entities. The platform remains open for further integration with third-party solution developers focusing on the development of market-ready quantum applications within a secure, independent ecosystem. For additional technical information, consult the official partnership announcement here, the AQT cloud partner directory here, the Scaleway QaaS platform details here, or the IBEX Q1 system specifications here. February 19, 2026 Mohamed Abdel-Kareem2026-02-19T16:34:45-08:00 Leave A Comment Cancel replyComment Type in the text displayed
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quantum-computingWhere Will IonQ Stock Be in 5 Years? - The Motley Fool
Where Will IonQ Stock Be in 5 Years? The Motley Fool
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quantum-computing2 Top Quantum Computing Stocks to Buy in 2026
By Robert Izquierdo – Feb 19, 2026 at 4:15PM ESTKey PointsQuantum computer stocks are down in 2026, creating buying opportunities.Two compelling quantum stocks are IonQ and IBM.Both are making advances in the field, such as IBM's goal to achieve quantum advantage this year.These 10 Stocks Could Mint the Next Wave of Millionaires ›NYSE: IONQIonQMarket Cap$12BToday's Changeangle-down(0.24%) $0.08Current Price$33.42Price as of February 19, 2026 at 3:58 PM ETThese companies are poised for years of revenue growth ahead.Investor excitement over quantum computing companies reached a fever pitch last October with rumors the Trump administration was contemplating an investment in some of them, including IonQ (IONQ +0.24%). The rumors proved false, and in 2026, the fervor had cooled off, with shares in these businesses dropping substantially. For example, IonQ saw its stock skyrocket to a 52-week high of $84.64 in October. But in 2026, shares are down 24% through the week ending Feb. 13. IonQ's rival in the space, IBM (IBM 1.98%), also saw its stock price fall in 2026, dropping 11% through Feb. 13. As a result, these two quantum computing companies have become compelling investment choices for the year. Here's why investing in them makes sense. Image source: Getty Images. IonQ's robust quantum platform What makes IonQ an attractive quantum computing investment is its comprehensive technology. The company is acquiring SkyWater Technology, a semiconductor foundry that will give IonQ end-to-end ownership over the quantum computer chip production process. SkyWater is one of the latest in an acquisition spree, as IonQ collected quantum companies to round out its platform. These include Capella Space, a business focused on satellite quantum tech, as well as Skyloom and Qubitekk, which are working on quantum computer networks. IonQ has applied its technology in projects such as last year's deployment of the first dedicated citywide quantum network in Geneva, Switzerland. I
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quantum-computingQuantum Gates Built Using New Physics Principles
Scientists are continually seeking methods to improve the functionality and efficiency of continuous-variable quantum processing, and nonlinear phase gates represent a crucial component in achieving universality. Akram Kasri, Kimin Park, and Radim Filip, all from Palacký University, demonstrate a deterministic protocol for generating these gates using simultaneous two-tone sideband drives, operating beyond the conventional Lamb-Dicke regime. Their research harnesses typically neglected higher-order interaction terms to construct nonlinear phase gates, representing a significant advancement as it enables high-fidelity gate engineering with a near three-fold reduction in required control pulses compared to current theoretical proposals. Scientists are edging closer to fully-fledged quantum computers with a technique for manipulating quantum information more efficiently. This advance tackles a key challenge in building practical quantum technology by simplifying the control mechanisms needed to operate it. Scientists have devised a new method for creating nonlinear phase gates, essential components in continuous-variable quantum processing, by operating beyond the conventional Lamb-Dicke regime. This breakthrough addresses a long-standing challenge in manipulating quantum information encoded in the motion of trapped ions, a leading platform for quantum computation. Rather than suppressing higher-order interactions typically considered detrimental, this work actively harnesses them to construct these crucial gates. The approach allows for high-fidelity gate engineering with a near three-fold reduction in the number of control pulses needed compared to existing theoretical designs, promising more efficient and complex quantum circuits. Trapped-ion systems offer excellent qubit coherence and precise control over motional modes, making them ideal for bosonic quantum information processing. Historically, gate operations have relied on laser-driven sideband transitions, ofte
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quantum-computingQuantum Caging Achieved with Novel Synthetic Fields
Scientists are now reporting the first experimental realisation of non-Abelian Aharonov-Bohm (AB) caging, a complete localisation phenomenon, within a quantum system. Wanchao Yao, Sai Li, and Zhiyuan Liu, working at the Laboratory of Spin Magnetic Resonance, School of Physical Sciences, Anhui Province Key Laboratory of Scientific Instrument Development and Application, University of Science and Technology of China, led a collaborative effort with Zheng-Yuan Xue from the Key Laboratory of Atomic and Subatomic Structure and Quantum Control (Ministry of Education), Guangdong Basic Research Center of Excellence for Structure and Fundamental Interactions of Matter, and School of Physics, South China Normal University, and colleagues. Their research details the creation of tunable synthetic non-Abelian SU(2) gauge fields in a rhombic lattice using a trapped ion, extending previous AB caging investigations which were largely limited to Abelian gauge fields. This breakthrough allows systematic investigation of transport properties under non-Abelian conditions, revealing unique quantum dynamics such as initial-state-dependent behaviour and asymmetric caging, and establishes a promising platform for simulating complex phenomena in high-dimensional quantum systems with exotic synthetic gauge fields. This achievement unlocks access to complex quantum dynamics previously hidden within high-dimensional systems and offers a new platform for simulating exotic phenomena and advancing our understanding of quantum materials. This work details the experimental realisation of tunable, non-Abelian SU gauge fields within a rhombic lattice, a structure engineered using the internal states of a single trapped ion. The ability to simulate these exotic gauge fields opens avenues for exploring high-dimensional quantum systems and understanding emergent behaviours in quantum matter. Aharonov-Bohm caging, a complete localisation phenomenon arising from destructive interference in lattices, has t
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quantum-computingQuantum States Transferred with Improved Accuracy and Speed
Scientists are continually seeking methods to optimise control over complex quantum systems, and Christian Ventura-Meinersen, Edmondo Valvo, Stefano Bosco, and Maximilian Rimbach-Russ, all from QuTech and the Kavli Institute of Nanoscience at Delft University of Technology, have developed a novel geometric framework for achieving high-fidelity state transfer in multi-level quantum systems. Their research introduces a technique that smoothly interpolates between adiabatic and diabatic dynamics, minimising unwanted excitations and maximising desired transitions, even within intricate multi-level structures. Significantly, this optimisation simplifies to solving a first-order ordinary differential equation for single-parameter pulse control, offering a computationally efficient pathway to advance quantum information processing, as demonstrated through examples of state initialisation and transfer. Scientists have devised a new technique for manipulating quantum systems with greater precision and speed. The method allows for reliable transfer of information between quantum states, even when operating beyond previously established limits, promising to simplify the complex task of building practical quantum technologies. Researchers have developed a new geometric framework for controlling multi-level quantum systems, achieving high-fidelity state transfer even beyond the limitations of adiabatic processes. This work addresses a longstanding challenge in quantum information processing, efficiently navigating complex quantum states through dense energy spectra common in platforms like superconducting circuits and trapped ions. The research introduces a method that smoothly blends adiabatic and diabatic dynamics, minimising unwanted transitions and maximising the probability of reaching a desired quantum state. Optimising the control pulse for a single parameter simplifies to solving a first-order ordinary differential equation, greatly easing experimental implementation. Th
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