Latest news with #Xanadu
Yahoo
5 days ago
- Science
- Yahoo
Small, room-temperature quantum computers that use light on the horizon after breakthrough, scientists say
When you buy through links on our articles, Future and its syndication partners may earn a commission. Scientists have demonstrated that a photonic qubit — a quantum bit powered by a particle of light — can detect and correct its own errors while running at room temperature. They say it is a foundational step toward scalable quantum processors. In a new study published June 4 in the journal Nature, researchers at Canadian quantum computing startup Xanadu created a so-called "Gottesman–Kitaev–Preskill" (GKP) state directly on a silicon chip. GKP states are a type of quantum state that spreads information across multiple photons in a pattern that enables small errors to be spotted and corrected. This means that each qubit is capable of correcting itself, without needing to be bundled into large arrays of redundant qubits — a common requirement in today's error-correction methods. It marks the first time this type of error-resistant quantum state has been generated using a process compatible with conventional chip manufacturing, the scientists said. The breakthrough suggests that error-correcting quantum states could be produced with the same tools used to manufacture conventional computer chips — bringing reliable, room-temperature quantum hardware a step closer to reality. The qubit-cooling conundrum Quantum computers work very differently from the classical machines we use today. Classical computers store information in binary bits, represented as either 1s or 0s. Quantum systems, meanwhile, use qubits that can exist in a "superposition" of both states. This enables them to solve complex calculations in parallel, and they can one day perform far beyond the reach of conventional systems. But qubits are notoriously fragile. Even the smallest fluctuations in temperature, electromagnetic radiation or environmental noise can disrupt a qubit's state and corrupt its data. To guard against this, many quantum systems operate at temperatures close to absolute zero (minus 459.67 degrees Fahrenheit or minus 273.15 degrees Celsius) using complex cooling systems to maintain "coherence" — the fragile quantum connection through which qubits perform calculations. Related: Coldest-ever qubits could lead to faster quantum computers While this cooling helps preserve quantum information, it also makes quantum computers bulky, expensive and impractical to scale. Xanadu's solution seeks to address this by using photons — particles of light that don't require deep cooling — to build qubits that run on silicon chips at room temperature. The team's GKP demonstration tackles another key challenge: quantum error correction. Most quantum systems today rely on groupings of multiple physical qubits that work together to detect and fix errors, known as a "logical qubit." Xanadu's photonic qubit sidesteps this by handling correction within each individual qubit, simplifying the hardware and paving the way for more scalable designs. "GKP states are, in a sense, the optimal photonic qubit, since they enable logic gates and error correction at room temperature and using relatively straightforward, deterministic operations," Zachary Vernon, CTO of hardware at Xanadu, said in a statement. RELATED STORIES —'Reliable quantum computing is here': Novel approach to error-correction can reduce errors in future systems up to 1,000 times, Microsoft scientists say —'Quantum hard drives' closer to reality after scientists resolve 10-year-old problem —World's 1st mechanical qubit uses no light or electronics. It could lead to ultra-precise gravity-sensing tech. "This demonstration is an important empirical milestone showing our recent successes in loss reduction and performance improvement across chip fabrication, component design and detector efficiency." The result builds on Xanadu's earlier development of Aurora, a modular quantum computing platform that connects multiple photonic chips using optical fiber. While Aurora addressed the challenge of scaling across a network, this new chip focuses on making each qubit more robust — a critical requirement for building fault-tolerant systems. Xanadu representatives said the next challenge was reducing optical loss, which happens when photons are scattered or absorbed as they travel through the chip's components.
Cision Canada
02-07-2025
- Business
- Cision Canada
Xanadu and Mitsubishi Chemical to Collaborate on Developing Quantum Algorithms for EUV Lithography
TORONTO, July 2, 2025 /CNW/ - Xanadu ( a world leader in photonic quantum computing, and Mitsubishi Chemical, have launched a joint project to use quantum computing for the advancement of new semiconductor chip fabrication technologies. This collaboration aims to discover novel quantum algorithms for simulating quantum processes in extreme ultraviolet (EUV) lithography–a wafer patterning technique utilizing extremely short wavelength light–which is critical for developing ever-smaller and more complex microchips. EUV lithography has emerged as a promising wafer patterning technique for facilitating the continued miniaturization of integrated circuits, which enables advanced technologies such as smartphones, supercomputers, and artificial intelligence. However, as feature sizes become smaller, quantum effects such as Auger decay become more important, which makes the lithographic process difficult to simulate due to complicated electron interactions. Quantum computing offers a pathway beyond this limitation due to its ability to directly simulate dynamics of quantum systems and light-matter interactions. In this partnership, researchers from Mitsubishi Chemical's Materials Design Laboratory will provide deep expertise on EUV photoresist materials, including their molecular structures, compositions, and reactivity. They will offer a fundamental understanding and quantitative analysis of key physical processes such as EUV absorption, Auger decay, and secondary electron effects. The Quantum Algorithms team at Xanadu will provide quantum algorithms expertise in designing the simulation algorithms that model light-matter interactions and secondary electron effects. "Continued progress in chip miniaturization hinges on breakthroughs in EUV lithography and the design of superior photoresist materials. Precisely modeling how these materials interact with EUV light remains a formidable challenge. Using quantum computers to simulate these interactions represents an exciting frontier in tackling this problem, offering a path to uncover material properties for future semiconductor generations." said Torin Stetina, Senior Quantum Scientist at Xanadu. "Canada is recognized as a global leader in quantum science and technology, as the result of decades of strategic investment and innovation. In this context, Global Affairs Canada's Trade Commissioner Service (TCS) in Tokyo is pleased to see the partnership between Xanadu and Mitsubishi Chemical come to fruition." said Mr. Louis-Pierre Émond, Minister (Commercial), Embassy of Canada to Japan. This partnership aims to establish the first concrete use case of quantum computing in the field of semiconductor materials. Discovering quantum algorithms that can simulate light-matter interactions relevant to semiconductor lithography represents a valuable step forward in Xanadu's mission to build quantum computers that are useful and available to people everywhere. About Xanadu: Xanadu is a Canadian quantum computing company with the mission to build quantum computers that are useful and available to people everywhere. Founded in 2016, Xanadu has become one of the world's leading quantum hardware and software companies. The company also leads the development of PennyLane, an open-source software library for quantum computing and application development. Visit or follow us on X (formerly Twitter) @XanaduAI.
Time Out
25-06-2025
- Entertainment
- Time Out
Heathers The Musical
Before Mean Girls there was Heathers, a pitch-black comedy about how high-school popularity can be murder. Kevin Murphy and Laurence O'Keefe'S 2014 musical based on that film now returns Off Broadway in a revised version, directed by the U.K.'s Andy Fickman, that is likely to appeal to newcomers as well as to the show's loyal fans (known as Corn Nuts, after one character's dying words). Heathers tells the story of a nice girl named Veronica who falls into the bad company of three cruel student dictators and a sociopathic newcomer who wants to rid the school of their ilk. The impressive cast includes Lorna Courtney (& Juliet), Casey Likes (Back to the Future), McKenzie Kurtz (Frozen), Olivia Hardy, Elizabeth Teeter and Broadway comic treasure Kerry Butler (Xanadu).
West Australian
24-06-2025
- Business
- West Australian
Singapore-based Bastion Mining wins Xanadu copper-gold treasure
Singapore mining entity Bastion Mining has declared victory in its battle for control of ASX-listed Xanadu Mines, announcing its off-market takeover bid is now unconditional after it secured a 55.65 per cent stake in the Mongolian-focused copper and gold explorer. Bastion committed to declaring the bid unconditional when it hit the 50.1 per cent shareholding threshold to secure majority control. The company quickly accumulated the required shares after tabling its bid for Xanadu in mid-May, with an 8 cents per share offer. After revealing last week that Chinese mining giant Zijin Mining - a 15.7 per cent shareholder in Xanadu – had accepted Bastion's offer for its Xanadu holdings, it was a lay down misère that the takeover would succeed. Zijin, happy to seize the cash on offer, is also Xanadu's 50:50 joint venture partner in the company's flagship Kharmagtai copper-gold project in Mongolia – a stake it plans to retain. Bastion is controlled by 75 per cent owner, Singapore-based investment outfit Boroo Pte Ltd and 25 per cent stakeholder Ganbayar Lkhagvasuren, a current Xanadu director. Bastion pounced on Xanadu after a planned control deal with Zijin Mining petered out on an exclusivity period the two companies had been using to hammer out terms. Following Zijin's acceptance, Xanadu's independent takeover board committee quickly reaffirmed its recommendation that shareholders accept the Bastion offer without delay, if no superior bid emerged. The flagship Kharmagtai copper-gold project in Mongolia's South Gobi region no doubt caught Bastion's eyes. The eyebrow-raising resource clocks in at a sensational 730 million tonnes of ore containing 1.6Mt of copper and 4 million ounces of gold. A recent feasibility study slapped a lofty US$ 930 million (A$1.43 billion) net present value on Kharmagtai, based on a capital investment of US$890 million (A$1.36 billion). The project is tipped to churn out a mouthwatering 80,000t of copper and 170,000 ounces of gold a year, with an impressive operating cost of just 70 cents per pound copper. The numbers get the thumbs up, with Kharmagtai expected to pay for itself in four years and continue raining cash for almost three decades. It has a projected EBITDA of US$293 million (A$450 million) a year, a nice earn for any companies lucky enough to possess an in-demand project. With the ownership issue now resolved, it's time to 'let the games begin' to develop Kharmagtai's copper and gold riches. Is your ASX-listed company doing something interesting? Contact:
Malaysian Reserve
24-06-2025
- Business
- Malaysian Reserve
Xanadu Opens $10M Advanced Photonic Packaging Facility in Ontario
TORONTO, June 23, 2025 /PRNewswire/ – Xanadu, a world leader in photonic quantum computing, has opened a $10M world-leading advanced photonic packaging facility in Toronto. This facility represents a significant leap in Canada's quantum supply chain resilience and technical capacity. As the only end-to-end, ultra-low loss photonic packaging facility of its kind in the country, it enables secure, domestic production of high-performance quantum components essential for building fault-tolerant quantum computers. In addition to supporting Xanadu's internal hardware roadmap, the facility will also serve as a national resource for advanced manufacturing, now open to external customers including academic institutions, startups, and industry leaders developing next-generation photonic and quantum devices. The Honourable Evan Solomon, Minister of Artificial Intelligence and Digital Innovation and Minister responsible for the Federal Economic Development Agency for Southern Ontario, officially opened the new facility at the company's Toronto headquarters. 'Xanadu's advanced photonic packaging facility represents the kind of world-class innovation Canada is known for,' said Minister Solomon. 'It strengthens our domestic quantum supply chain, accelerates commercial readiness, and reinforces our position as a global leader in quantum technologies. This is a proud moment for Canada as we scale our quantum ambitions into industrial capability and global impact.' Xanadu's advanced packaging line integrates custom tooling and proprietary processes developed in-house, with capabilities including ultra-low loss coupling for photonic integrated circuits (PICs), high-precision alignment and hybrid bonding for quantum-grade performance and tailored workflows for R&D, prototyping, and pre-production volumes. 'This facility isn't just a big technical achievement—it's also a strategic one,' said Christian Weedbrook, CEO of Xanadu. 'By building domestic capacity for high-performance photonic packaging, we're strengthening Canada's position as a global hub for quantum technology innovation.' This milestone adds critical manufacturing capacity to Canada's quantum ecosystem, reducing reliance on international packaging providers and enabling secure, domestic production of quantum hardware components. It also contributes to the growth of a sovereign quantum supply chain, spanning chips, cryogenics, electronics, and control systems. The facility was supported in part by federal investment from the Strategic Innovation Fund aligned with national priorities to secure Canada's leadership in quantum technologies. About Xanadu: Xanadu is a Canadian quantum computing company with the mission to build quantum computers that are useful and available to people everywhere. Founded in 2016, Xanadu has become one of the world's leading quantum hardware and software companies. The company also leads the development of PennyLane, an open-source software library for quantum computing and application development. Visit or follow us on X (formerly Twitter) @XanaduAI.
