Abstract Quantum computers and simulators can have an extraordinary impact on our society. Despite the extraordinary progress they have made in recent years, there are still great challenges to be met and new opportunities to be discovered.
Abstract Despite rapid progress in the field, it is still challenging to discover new ways to leverage quantum computation: all quantum algorithms must be designed by hand, and quantum mechanics is notoriously counterintuitive. In this paper, we study how artificial intelligence, in the form of program synthesis, may help overcome some of these difficulties, by showing how a computer can incrementally learn concepts relevant to quantum circuit synthesis with experience, and reuse them in unseen tasks. In particular, we focus on the decomposition of unitary matrices into quantum circuits, and show how, starting from a set of elementary gates, we can automatically discover a library of useful new composite gates and use them to decompose increasingly complicated unitaries.
Abstract Quantum computers have made extraordinary progress over the past decade, and significant milestones have been achieved along the path of pursuing universal fault-tolerant quantum computers. Quantum advantage, the tipping point heralding the quantum era, has been accomplished along with several waves of breakthroughs. Quantum hardware has become more integrated and architectural compared to its toddler days. The controlling precision of various physical systems is pushed beyond the fault-tolerant threshold. Meanwhile, quantum computation research has established a new norm by embracing industrialization and commercialization. The joint power of governments, private investors, and tech companies has significantly shaped a new vibrant environment that accelerates the development of this field, now at the beginning of the noisy intermediate-scale quantum era. Here, we first discuss the progress achieved in the field of quantum computation by reviewing the most important algorithms and advances in the most promising technical routes, and then summarizing the next-stage challenges. Furthermore, we illustrate our confidence that solid foundations have been built for the fault-tolerant quantum computer and our optimism that the emergence of quantum killer applications essential for human society shall happen in the future.
In the modern world, the financial sector faces a wide range of extraordinary events, from market shocks and geopolitical tensions to pandemics and cyberattacks. These diverse challenges significantly impact banks. Recently, particular attention has been drawn to the influence of artificial intelligence (AI) and quantum computing (QC) technologies on the stability of the financial system. This article analyzes the potential areas of impact of quantum technologies on the financial sphere in general and the resilience of financial institutions in particular.It's determined that quantum technologies can simultaneously pose both threats and new opportunities. Specifically, the article analyzes the potential of quantum technologies to break existing cryptographic algorithms that protect the confidential data of financial institutions' clients. This threat is exacerbated by the possibility of "harvest now, decrypt later" attacks, where malicious actors intercept data today with the intention of decrypting it in the future. This presents challenges and threats for online/mobile banking, payment operations, and corporate communications. Among the positive impacts of quantum technologies on banking, the article highlights improved financial risk assessment, particularly enhanced accuracy in stress testing, portfolio management, and derivatives pricing, by solving problems inaccessible to classical computing. The potential of quantum machine learning for fraud detection is also noted. Attention is given to the financial sector's response to these challenges. Initiatives for developing quantum-resistant (post-quantum) cryptography are considered as the primary method for mitigating the risks associated with the proliferation of quantum computing, along with new cryptographic protocols and quantum key distribution as a new opportunity to enhance security. The article emphasizes the responsibility of central banks in forming quantum-readiness strategies, including investments in post-quantum cryptography, expertise development, and the adaptation of regulatory frameworks. The conclusion drawn is that although the immediate benefits of quantum technologies may be modest, their long-term transformative potential for the financial sector is immense.