Latest news with #Aquila
Yahoo
13-06-2025
- Science
- Yahoo
Quantum Computers Simulate Particle 'String Breaking' in a Physics Breakthrough
Subatomic particles such as quarks can pair up when linked by 'strings' of force fields — and release energy when the strings are pulled to the point of breaking. Two teams of physicists have now used quantum computers to mimic this phenomenon and watch it unfold in real time. The results, described in two Nature papers on June 4, are the latest in a series of breakthroughs towards using quantum computers for simulations that are beyond the ability of any ordinary computers. 'String breaking is a very important process that is not yet fully understood from first principles,' says Christian Bauer, a physicist at the Lawrence Berkeley National Laboratory (LBNL) in Berkeley, California. Physicists can calculate the final results of particle collisions that form or break strings using classical computers, but cannot fully simulate what happens in between. The success of the quantum simulations is 'incredibly encouraging,' Bauer says. [Sign up for Today in Science, a free daily newsletter] Each experiment was conducted by an international collaboration involving academic and industry researchers — one team at QuEra Computing, a start-up company in Cambridge, Massachusetts, and another at the Google Quantum AI Lab in Santa Barbara, California. The researchers using QuEra's Aquila machine encoded information in atoms that were arranged in a 2D honeycomb pattern, each suspended in place by an optical 'tweezer'. The quantum state of each atom — a qubit that could be excited or relaxed — represented the electric field at a point in space, explains co-author Daniel González-Cuadra, a theoretical physicist now at the Institute for Theoretical Physics in Madrid. In the other experiment, researchers encoded the 2D quantum field in the states of superconducting loops on Google's Sycamore chip. The teams used diametrically opposite quantum-simulation philosophies. The atoms in Aquila were arranged so that the electrostatic forces between them mimicked the behaviour of the electric field, and continuously evolved towards their own states of lower energy — an approach called analogue quantum simulation. The Google machine was instead used as a 'digital' quantum simulator: the superconducting loops were made to follow the evolution of the quantum field 'by hand', through a discrete sequence of manipulations. In both cases, the teams set up strings in the field that effectively acted like rubber bands connecting two particles. Depending on how the researchers tuned the parameters, the strings could be stiff or wobbly, or could break up. 'In some cases, the whole string just dissolves: the particles become deconfined,' says Frank Pollmann, a physicist at the Technical University of Munich (TUM) in Garching, Germany, who helped to lead the Google experiment. Although simulating strings in a 2D electric field could have applications for studying the physics of materials, it is still a long way from fully simulating high-energy interactions, such as those that occur in particle colliders, which are in 3D and involve the much more complex strong nuclear force. 'We do not have a clear path at this point how to get there,' says Monika Aidelsburger, a physicist at the Max Planck Institute of Quantum Optics in Munich, Germany. Still, the latest results are exciting, and progress in quantum simulation in general has been 'really amazing and very fast,' Aidelsburger says. Last year, Bauer and his LBNL colleague Anthony Ciavarella were among the first teams to simulate the strong nuclear force on a quantum computer. Approaches that replace qubits with qudits — which can have more than two quantum states and can be more realistic representations of a quantum field — could also make simulations more powerful, researchers say. This article is reproduced with permission and was first published on June 5, 2025.
Scientific American
13-06-2025
- Science
- Scientific American
Quantum Computers Simulate Particle 'String Breaking' in a Physics Breakthrough
Subatomic particles such as quarks can pair up when linked by 'strings' of force fields — and release energy when the strings are pulled to the point of breaking. Two teams of physicists have now used quantum computers to mimic this phenomenon and watch it unfold in real time. The results, described in two Nature papers on June 4, are the latest in a series of breakthroughs towards using quantum computers for simulations that are beyond the ability of any ordinary computers. 'String breaking is a very important process that is not yet fully understood from first principles,' says Christian Bauer, a physicist at the Lawrence Berkeley National Laboratory (LBNL) in Berkeley, California. Physicists can calculate the final results of particle collisions that form or break strings using classical computers, but cannot fully simulate what happens in between. The success of the quantum simulations is 'incredibly encouraging,' Bauer says. On supporting science journalism If you're enjoying this article, consider supporting our award-winning journalism by subscribing. By purchasing a subscription you are helping to ensure the future of impactful stories about the discoveries and ideas shaping our world today. String simulations Each experiment was conducted by an international collaboration involving academic and industry researchers — one team at QuEra Computing, a start-up company in Cambridge, Massachusetts, and another at the Google Quantum AI Lab in Santa Barbara, California. The researchers using QuEra's Aquila machine encoded information in atoms that were arranged in a 2D honeycomb pattern, each suspended in place by an optical 'tweezer'. The quantum state of each atom — a qubit that could be excited or relaxed — represented the electric field at a point in space, explains co-author Daniel González-Cuadra, a theoretical physicist now at the Institute for Theoretical Physics in Madrid. In the other experiment, researchers encoded the 2D quantum field in the states of superconducting loops on Google's Sycamore chip. The teams used diametrically opposite quantum-simulation philosophies. The atoms in Aquila were arranged so that the electrostatic forces between them mimicked the behaviour of the electric field, and continuously evolved towards their own states of lower energy — an approach called analogue quantum simulation. The Google machine was instead used as a 'digital' quantum simulator: the superconducting loops were made to follow the evolution of the quantum field 'by hand', through a discrete sequence of manipulations. In both cases, the teams set up strings in the field that effectively acted like rubber bands connecting two particles. Depending on how the researchers tuned the parameters, the strings could be stiff or wobbly, or could break up. 'In some cases, the whole string just dissolves: the particles become deconfined,' says Frank Pollmann, a physicist at the Technical University of Munich (TUM) in Garching, Germany, who helped to lead the Google experiment. Fast progress Although simulating strings in a 2D electric field could have applications for studying the physics of materials, it is still a long way from fully simulating high-energy interactions, such as those that occur in particle colliders, which are in 3D and involve the much more complex strong nuclear force. 'We do not have a clear path at this point how to get there,' says Monika Aidelsburger, a physicist at the Max Planck Institute of Quantum Optics in Munich, Germany. Still, the latest results are exciting, and progress in quantum simulation in general has been 'really amazing and very fast,' Aidelsburger says. Last year, Bauer and his LBNL colleague Anthony Ciavarella were among the first teams to simulate the strong nuclear force on a quantum computer. Approaches that replace qubits with qudits — which can have more than two quantum states and can be more realistic representations of a quantum field — could also make simulations more powerful, researchers say.
Yahoo
11-06-2025
- Entertainment
- Yahoo
CBS Studios' EVP Casting Deborah Aquila Departs Amid Paramount Layoffs; CBS' SVP Late Night Nick Bernstein Exits As ‘After Midnight' Ends
EXCLUSIVE: Veteran casting director and executive Deborah Aquila, most recently EVP and head of casting for streaming series at CBS Studios, is leaving as part of the companywide layoffs at parent Paramount Global. According to sources, Aquila and four other members of the studio's casting team, ranging from coordinator to VP, were impacted by the Tuesday cuts that are reducing the overall Paramount workforce by 3.5%. Also leaving this week is Nick Bernstein, CBS' SVP of late night programming, West Coast. His departure is tied to the wrap of the network's After Midnight whose last show is airing on June 12. It is not directly related to the layoffs though any eliminated positions help divisions meet headcount targets. More from Deadline 'Boston Blue': Gloria Reuben Joins 'Blue Bloods' Offshoot For CBS Paramount Cutting Another 3.5% Of Its Domestic Workforce, Citing Linear TV Declines And Broader Economy 2025 Premiere Dates For New & Returning Series On Broadcast, Cable & Streaming Aquila joined Paramount TV Studios as EVP and head of casting in 2020. In early 2023, she took oversight of casting for both CBS Studios and Paramount TV Studios, the latter of which shut down last August. In a restructuring well over a year ago, Aquila focused on casting for streaming series, including the Star Trek franchise, Happy Face and most recently, the Little House On the Prairie reboot for Netflix, while CBS head of Casting, EVP Claudia Lyon, took over casting for broadcast. That is a setup that mirrors CBS and CBS Studios' integration of current programming under Eric Kim, while CBS Studios' Stephanie Groves oversees current for streaming. In another move toward streamlining and centralizing shared functions, Lyon will add casting for streaming series to her purview to oversee all casting for CBS Studios and CBS. She will continue to report to CBS Studios President David Stapf and CBS Entertainment President Amy Reisenbach. CBS Studios casting is among many areas across Paramount impacted by today's layoffs. They are believed to also include Comedy Central, MTV, kids and adult animation, business development operations, franchises and consumer products. Among those exiting is Lauren Ruggiero, SVP Scripted Series at MTV Entertainment Studios. 'As we navigate the continued industry-wide linear declines and dynamic macro-economic environment, while prioritizing investments in our growing streaming business, we are taking the hard, but necessary steps to further streamline our organization starting this week,' Paramount co-CEOs George Cheeks, Chris McCarthy and Brian Robbins wrote in a staff memo this morning about the latest staff cuts. Aquila's career, which spans more than four decades, includes stints as a casting director, by herself and in partnership with Tricia Wood, as well as a run as SVP Casting for Paramount Pictures. She won Artios awards for her work on CODA and La La joined CBS at the end of 2014 as VP Late Night Programming, West Coast, to shepherd the final stages of development and subsequently oversee The Late Late Show with James Corden. Promoted to SVP, Bernstein became a fixture on the show and frequent target of Corden's, appearing in various gags. After the 2023 end of The Late Late Show, Bernstein took oversight of After Midnight, hosted by Taylor Tomlinson, which, like its predecessor, also is based in Los Angeles. Following that show's end this week, CBS will no longer air originals in the post-Late Show slot, instead running Comics Unleashed with Byron Allen. During his 11-year tenure at CBS, Bernstein also oversaw the Los Angeles-based daytime talk show The Talk, which ended its run in December. Prior to joining CBS, Bernstein spent more than a decade as late-night executive at NBC, working with Saturday Night Live and with hosts Conan O'Brien, Jimmy Fallon, Jay Leno and Carson Daly. Best of Deadline List Of Hollywood & Media Layoffs From Paramount To Warner Bros Discovery To CNN & More Sean 'Diddy' Combs Sex-Trafficking Trial Updates: Cassie Ventura's Testimony, $10M Hotel Settlement, Drugs, Violence, & The Feds A Full Timeline Of Blake Lively & Justin Baldoni's 'It Ends With Us' Feud In Court, Online & In The Media
IOL News
05-06-2025
- Sport
- IOL News
Kevin Lerena Promotes Fistic Havoc: A New Era for African Boxing
BOYD Allen will be headlining the bill of the Aquilla Boxing Promotions hosted Fistic Havoc at the Sandton Convention Centre. | Supplied It is a fight that excites Lerena: 'This fight speaks to everything we're trying to do at Aquila. It's about opportunity, it's about quality matchups, and it's about putting African talent on a bigger stage. We don't want to just put on fights, we want to raise the standard. If you're fighting under the Aquila banner, it means you're part of something bigger.' Allen, a former Mixed Martial Arts (MMA) superstar takes on Botswana's undefeated Kagiso Bagwasi with the IBO All Africa Super Welterweight title at stake. To be headlined by the fast-improving Boyd Allen, whose switch from Extreme Fighting Championship (EFC) to boxing has been phenomenal, the eight-fight bill promises to be a thrilling affair. The fledgling promotions company has been steadily carving out a new lane for local boxing, one that respects tradition but demands excellence. And this latest offering on June 21 speaks to exactly that. FRESH FROM successfully defending his WBC Bridgerweight title, Kevin Lerena trades the gloves for a suit this month in his role as promoter when his Aquilla Boxing Promotions hosts Fistic Havoc at the Sandton Convention Centre. It is what Allen wanted when he made the switch of sport – he took a rare move for a competitor, he abandoned the world of success and started anew. "I wanted it to be consistent. I wasn't looking for the sporadic flashy matchup. I wanted to construct something again.' And he has done exactly that alright, the man who had built up a 16-6-1 MMA record in featherweight and lightweight fights chalking up eight victories with a draw and a defeat in the sweet science of boxing. 'He's not a crossover guy, he's a total pro," Lerena says. "What Boyd's accomplished is a one-off. He did not just show up- he evolved. This is his new normal.' On paper, Allen is ring-wise. He's been tested. He's been around the block a few times. He's fought under adversity. But facing him in the ring will be a real headache – Bagwasi is a rising star from across the border with an impressive unbeaten record in his six fights – three of which he won by stoppages. His explosive first-round knockout of Almighty Moyo in March raised eyebrows across the region and made him a serious title contender. For Allen, the mission is clear: win the belt, silence any lingering doubts, and continue building toward a legacy not just as an MMA standout, but as a legitimate boxing force. He's not chasing hype — he's chasing greatness. 'This fight is important,' Allen has said. 'Not just for the title, but for everything I've put into this sport since stepping away from MMA. I'm all in.' Also all in are the backers of Lerena and Aquila Boxing Promotions, a fact the man they call Two Guns is quick to acknowledge. "We're beyond grateful to have powerhouse partners in our corner, the kind who don't just support the vision, they supercharge it. Massive thanks to my sponsors: World Sports Betting, Tigris Wealth, Supersport, JCP Steel, and HP. Without your backing, this event wouldn't be the premier, high-calibre showcase it is today. You don't just elevate the event — you define it." Boyd will be out to define his already blossoming career on fight night.
Business Wire
21-05-2025
- Business
- Business Wire
Aquila Air Capital Names Gary Lew Chief Financial Officer
NEW YORK--(BUSINESS WIRE)--Aquila Air Capital ('Aquila'), a leading engine lessor backed by funds managed by New York-based global alternative asset manager Wafra, announced the appointment of Gary Lew as Chief Financial Officer. With his proven expertise in finance and capital markets, coupled with an extensive industry background, Gary will significantly enhance our leadership team. Bringing over twenty-five years of industry experience focused on investment strategy, capital markets, corporate finance, and asset management to his new role, Lew will lead the establishment of Aquila's financial organization and oversee all aspects of the company's corporate development, partnerships, strategic financing initiatives, and capital markets activity. 'With his proven expertise in finance and capital markets, coupled with an extensive industry background, Gary will significantly enhance our leadership team. This positions Aquila to lead confidently through our next chapter as a trusted and strategic provider of thrust for the industry,' says Al Wood, Chief Executive Officer of Aquila Air Capital. Lew joins Aquila after founding Capitola Partners, which executed major multi-year engagements with a global lessor, an asset trading and management company, two major U.S.-based family offices, and an Ireland-based corporate services provider. Lew brings decades of experience, perspective, and deep industry relationships solidified at Capitola Partners and Vx Capital Partners as an investor, lessor, asset manager, and strategic advisor. Lew also serves as an Independent Director for two major ABS issuances and was an adjunct lecturer at St. Mary's College and UC Davis Graduate School of Management. 'I am excited and energized to join the proven Aquila platform to help Al and a very strong team to drive the next stage of growth. The investment thesis of Aquila, together with the momentum and support of a strategically-aligned capital partner in Wafra, provides a timely opportunity to scale and execute our financial initiatives to support our core investment objectives,' says Gary Lew, Chief Financial Officer of Aquila Air Capital. Prior to Capitola Partners, Lew was part of the founding team at Vx Capital Partners, sourcing and structuring equity and debt capital to support portfolio transactions, the VXF investment fund, and the CARGO 2018-1 ABS, while leading all finance, treasury, administration and portfolio management functions. Prior to that, he held positions at GATX Capital, Merrill Lynch, and the California Public Employees Retirement System, and appointments in both the Governor's Office and U.S. Senate. Gary holds a B.A. degree from the University of California Los Angeles and an M.B.A. degree from the University of California Davis. About Aquila Air Capital Founded in 2021, Aquila Air Capital ('Aquila') is a specialty finance platform focused on providing aviation asset financing, as well as purchasing and leasing aircraft and engines. Backed by funds managed by Wafra Inc., a New York-based, global alternative asset manager, and led by a management team with decades of experience in the aerospace and aviation industries, Aquila is a trusted partner to all players in the value chain, from buyers and sellers of assets to operators in need of creative and timely solutions for their critical business needs.
