The Africa Quantum Consortium Memo
Monthly Updates on Quantum Progress in Africa, July 25, 2024
In this newsletter:
1. Scientists and engineers are developing a plan for an underground laboratory in Africa.
2. Special call to the African community to contribute: XPRIZE Quantum Applications.
3. Quantum Leadership in Africa: A Spotlight on Moungi Bawendi, Nobel Prize Winner - Quantum Dots.
4. E-Learning African Quantum Science and Technology School starts in August and is open and free to all
And more...1 Big Highlight:
Deep underground laboratory will be a first for Africa
The Paarl Africa Underground Laboratory (PAUL) initiative is set to establish the first underground laboratory in Africa, potentially located in the Huguenot Tunnel in the Du Toits Kloof Mountains of the Western Cape, South Africa. This unique facility would shield experiments from cosmic rays, enabling research on neutrinos, dark matter, and possibly quantum technologies.
What we are thinking: PAUL's anticipated low muon flux combined with cryogenics would make it an ideal environment for studying quantum phenomena and developing next-generation dark matter experiments, fostering collaboration between African and international researchers.
Credit: Rob Adam (SKAO)
Let’s dive in!
What: South African scientists and engineers are developing a plan for an underground laboratory in the Huguenot Tunnel by 2028. This lab would be the first of its kind in Africa and would provide a unique environment for research on dark matter and neutrinos and possibly quantum technologies.
The project has moved into the project stage, with scientists and engineers actively working on the design and planning of the lab. This involves collaboration between various institutions and experts to ensure the successful development of the facility.
Why It Matters: The underground lab would offer a controlled environment shielded from cosmic rays, making it ideal for sensitive experiments. The research conducted here could lead to groundbreaking discoveries in particle physics and astrophysics. Furthermore, it could contribute to advancements in other fields like material science, medical physics, geology, and climate change.
The planned underground lab in South Africa's Huguenot Tunnel is not just for neutrino and dark matter research. It's crucial for quantum technologies too. Researchers globally aim to study how cosmic rays impact qubits, the building blocks of quantum computers. These high-energy particles cause errors in qubits, a problem called decoherence, which limits quantum calculations. By understanding this process in the shielded environment of the underground lab, scientists hope to develop better error correction methods for quantum computers, paving the way for advancements in this transformative technology. This presents a unique opportunity for African and international researchers to collaborate.
Go Deeper: The development of this lab is a significant step for the scientific community in Africa. It would not only provide valuable research opportunities but also foster collaboration and knowledge exchange between African scientists and international researchers.
But the concept of an underground laboratory in South Africa is not new, with investigations starting in 2011. Notably, South Africa has already played a pivotal role in neutrino research, as it was the site of the first-ever observation of a naturally occurring neutrino in 1965 by South African physicist Friedel Sellschop and American physicist Frederick Reines. This historic event took place in a temporary lab established 3,000 meters below the surface in a gold mine on the East Rand. More here
Worth to highlight: The idea of conducting quantum experiments in underground laboratories is gaining interest, as evidenced by research at SNOLAB in Canada. Scientists are investigating the impact of cosmic rays on qubits, the building blocks of quantum computers, in the unique shielded environment of SNOLAB. This research could lead to advancements in error correction methods for quantum computers, highlighting the growing importance of underground facilities in the development of quantum technologies. Zoom in here
Final word: The project team is currently focused on securing funding and refining the design of the underground lab. The successful completion of this project would establish South Africa as a leading center for underground science research in Africa and globally.
A good read: To learn more about how ionizing radiation can directly lead to superconducting qubit decoherence take a deeper dive here
What they're saying:
“Of course we are looking forward to doing some interesting underground physics, but this initiative is also going to create so many additional opportunities for young physicists, engineers, and technicians." Prof. Faïrouz Malek, Director of Research, National Institute for Nuclear and Particle Physics, France
“There is a great range of science now taking place in underground laboratories, which also makes these special places ideal for science outreach and education initiatives. I have no doubt about the significant societal value that would be gained from the establishment of an underground laboratory in South Africa." Prof. Sean Paling, Director of the Boulby Underground Laboratory, United Kingdom
“From a scientific perspective, for example, we would be interested in how an experiment …………… in the Southern hemisphere will compare to a similar experiment in the Northern hemisphere," Prof. Richard Newman, Nuclear Physicist, Stellenbosch University's (SU) Department of Physics
“…………we are excited about the possibilities of collaborating with another laboratory in the Southern hemisphere." Dr Jodi Cooley, Executive Director of SNOLAB, Canada
Call to Action
XPRIZE Quantum Applications. Apply by July 31st. Act Fast!
Our team is dedicated to ensuring Africa is well-represented in the global quantum ecosystem. With the help of well-connected veterans in the field, we continuously seek opportunities for the continent's talent. Representation matters, and Africa has immense potential to contribute to quantum science. Often, we second-guess ourselves due to historical underrepresentation. This needs to change.
We recently spoke with the XPRIZE team and learned they would appreciate more submissions from Africa. You don't need a fully formed idea at this stage—just gather your colleagues, read the attached guide and apply by the July 31 deadline. You can refine the details later.
Congratulations to the teams from Nigeria, Uganda, Kenya, and Ghana who have already submitted applications. We encourage more teams to take advantage of this opportunity.
Here is a how to apply guide we put together just for you
Let's showcase Africa's talent and leadership.
Event Highlights
E-Learning African Quantum Science and Technology School starts in August.
The E-Learning African International School on Quantum Science and Technology (ELAIS-QST) is an exciting educational event focusing on quantum science and technology.
The event open to all across Africa will take place from November 11, 2024, to May 24, 2025.
Organized by the Kwame Nkrumah University of Science and Technology (KNUST), this program is open to students, researchers, and professionals interested in advancing their knowledge in quantum science.
ELAIS-QST aims to provide participants with comprehensive education in quantum science and technology, fostering growth and innovation in the field across Africa.
SIGN UP for a seminar on Applications of topological algebras to quantum computing and information by Dr Martin Weigt (Nelson Mandela University) on Friday, 26 July 2024 @ 14h00-15h00 SAST
Abstract excerpt
“…. The role of locally convex algebras specifically in quantum computing and information appears not be well known in the literature. On of the aims of this talk to show how locally convex algebras can add to the existing mathematical techniques from operator space theory in quantum computing. Some results of the speaker will also be presented, especially results having to do with quantum entanglement. A brief recap on the role of quantum entanglement in quantum information will also be discussed.”
Register to host an event at Qiskit Fall Fest 2024!
Since 2021, the Qiskit Fall Fest has brought together quantum enthusiasts of all backgrounds and experience levels for a worldwide celebration of quantum technology, research, and collaboration. It is an exciting opportunity for student leaders on university campuses all around the globe to gather their local community, lead and engage with the global Qiskit community and even get hands-on experience with real quantum computers.
Sign up for one of the informational sessions taking place on August 15 and August 16 to get a chance at hosting your very own Qiskit Fall Fest event.
Quantum Leadership in Africa: A Spotlight
Tunisia Celebrating Professor Moungi Bawendi: A Leading Scientist in Quantum Dots
Credit: tap.info.tn/en/Portal-Society/17487435-president-saied
Tunisia’s President Kais Saied, in May 2024, honored the 2023 Nobel Prize laureate in Chemistry, Moungi Bawendi, with the Grand Cordon of the Order of the Republic.
Professor Moungi Bawendi, an MIT chemist and Nobel Prize winner, exemplifies Africa's potential in the quantum field. His pioneering work in the development of quantum dots has enabled applications in biomedical imaging, computer and television displays, and holds potential in fields such as photocatalysis and quantum computing.
Our take: The Africa Quantum Consortium is committed to highlighting leaders like Professor Bawendi and ensuring Africa's story in quantum science is told. Of course, we envision a future where people succeed regardless of whether they stay in the continent or go abroad. Prof. Bawendi’s visit to Tunisia to accept the award is crucial as we believe it inspires many in Tunisia and across Africa. Individuals of African origin need to seize the quantum opportunity, work hard, and explore solutions to our problems.
Our youth need role models like Prof. Bawendi to look up to. We want them to know that we are not bluffing when we say Africa has a wealth of quantum talent, and we must produce more of these achievements to impact the world.
Read more about Moungi Bawendi's Nobel Prize and watch the video
Team Picks: 5 Essential Links
Topological quantum computing leverages exotic particles called anyons to create robust, error-resistant qubits. This cutting-edge field, relying on complex mathematics and physics, promises to revolutionize information processing by allowing qubits to exist in multiple states simultaneously, unlike classical bits.
Insightful Presentation on HHL by Ilya Sinayskiy, University of KwaZulu-Natal
Ilya Sinayskiy presents on solving linear systems using NISQ quantum computers in the IBMQ and WitsQ Quantum Computing webinar series. The tutorial covers popular approaches like VQLS, AA VQLS, CQS, and LA VQLS, with open-source code examples in Qiskit and Pennylane.
Quantum error correction for kids, Richard A. Wolf, Irish Center for High-End Computing
No one should wait until college to get acquainted with core concepts of quantum information. Given the human bias of favoring the familiar over the unknown, early exposure to concepts of quantum information helps learners build stronger appetence for the field, as well as allowing them to develop an intuitive approach to it.
Quantum in Context: Study of Quantum Computing Energy Efficiency
EDF, Quandela, Alice & Bob, and CNRS are collaborating on the "Energetic Optimisation of Quantum Circuits" (OECQ) project. The first phase compares energy consumption between high-performance computing systems and quantum computers, providing the first full-stack energy measurement for quantum computers based on industry use cases. This analyst's perspective brings everything into focus.
2024 Boeing Quantum Creators Prize, due August 28, 2024.
The prize promotes early-career researchers from across the globe whose work moves quantum science in new directions and aims to increase diversity in the field.
If you know any stellar graduate students and postdoctoral fellows - from any institution - encourage them to apply!
Awardees receive $3,500, a trophy, and reimbursed travel to the 2024 Chicago Quantum Summit, where they will be awarded the prize.
Picture Of The Month
Credit: AAS
Far right: Prof. Mohamed Taha Rouabah, CQTech Founder & Principal Investigator and Africa Quantum Consortium Senior Advisor, at the ARISE High-Level Scientific Convening in Hammamet, Tunisia, June 4-6, 2024.
Share your quantum moments with our team at admin@africaquantum.org.
Made with the essence of Ubuntu by the AQC Team.
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