In a milestone that brings quantum computing tangibly closer to large-scale practical use, scientists at Oxford University Physics have demonstrated the first instance of distributed quantum computing. Using a photonic network interface, they successfully linked two separate quantum processors to form a single, fully connected quantum computer, paving the way to tackling computational challenges previously out of reach. The results have been published today (5 Feb) in Nature. 

Recently, a joint research team developed a novel quantum-classical computing scheme for designing photochromic materials — light-sensitive compounds — providing a powerful tool to accelerate the discovery of new materials. This research was published Dec. 20, 2024 in Intelligent Computing, a Science Partner Journal, in an open access article titled “A Quantum-Classical Method Applied to Material Design: Photochromic Materials Optimization for Photopharmacology Applications.”

In a step to advancing the lithium-ion battery technology, a research team led by Prof. Dongwook Han from Seoul National University of Science and Technology (South Korea) developed an innovative technique to enhance the high-voltage LNMO cathodes. By engineering a Li-vacant topotactic subsurface with a protective K₂CO₃ surface layer on cathode particles, they enhanced the stability, longevity and performance of Li-ion batteries. This breakthrough holds a transformative potential for electric vehicles, offering efficient energy solutions.