Qunnect, a quantum tech company, uses rubidium vapor to produce and store qubits, the basic units of quantum information. This technology forms the foundation of their product suite. Atomic vapors like rubidium and cesium are also used in atomic clocks, which provide precise timing references for GPS and internet timestamps. Another company, Infleqtion, commercializes Tiqker, which uses atomic vapors for high-precision navigation in challenging environments. Qunnect has been selling quantum memories since 2021 and launched its GothamQ network in NYC in 2023.
The Evolution of Vaporware: From Empty Promises to Quantum Breakthroughs
The term “vaporware” was first used in 1982 by a Microsoft engineer to describe the company’s Xenix operating system, which, despite its announcement, never reached the market. This term has since been used to describe software or hardware technologies that are heavily promoted but never actually materialize. However, the term has taken on a new meaning in the quantum tech industry, which refers to technologies still in the development stage but holding significant potential.
At Qunnect, a company specializing in quantum technology, the term “vaporware” has a literal meaning. The company uses rubidium vapor to produce and store qubits, the basic units of quantum information. This vapor also provides a high-precision reference for their instruments across quantum networks. While the term “vaporware” often carries a negative connotation, Qunnect is working to change this perception by delivering tangible results with their quantum technology.
The Role of Vapor in Quantum Technology and Everyday Life
Rubidium vapor, the key component of Qunnect’s technology, is not only used in quantum tech but also in everyday technologies like GPS. Atomic vapors like rubidium and cesium form the basis for atomic clocks, which provide position, navigation, and timing references. These atomic clocks are essential for everything from navigating unfamiliar places to timestamping internet activities, including financial transactions and social media posts.
In addition to atomic clocks, rubidium vapor is also at the heart of quantum sensors. Unlike traditional sensors, quantum sensors leverage the inherent instability of quantum states to detect minute changes. This allows for improved accuracy in data collection at the atomic level, enhancing our ability to measure and interact with the world around us.
Quantum Sensors: The Next Generation of Precision Measurement
Quantum sensors represent a significant advancement in measurement technology. By leveraging the inherent instability of quantum states, these sensors can detect minute changes that traditional sensors cannot. This has vast implications for a range of applications, from navigation to financial transactions.
One example of this technology in action is Infleqtion’s Tiqker, an atomic frequency reference that uses vapors to provide high-precision, resilient navigation in challenging environments where GPS is unavailable or susceptible to spoofing/denial attacks. This technology was successfully tested by SandboxAQ, an investor in Infleqtion, in a quantum sensor-based magnetic anomaly navigation system with the U.S. Air Force.
Qunnect: Pioneering Quantum Networking with Rubidium Vapor
Qunnect is at the forefront of using rubidium vapor in quantum technology. The company’s “vaporware” is making quantum entanglement-based networking a reality. Since 2021, Qunnect has been selling quantum memories to researchers and launched the GothamQ network in New York City in 2023. These developments are part of a broader trend in the field, with more customers shifting from being “quantum curious” to “quantum committed.”
Reclaiming the Term “Vaporware” in Quantum Tech
In the context of quantum tech, the term “vaporware” is being reclaimed. Rather than referring to non-existent technologies, it now refers to tangible, cutting-edge technologies pushing the boundaries of what is possible. For example, Qunnect’s quantum networking hardware is already being shipped to customers. The company’s new mantra, “hardware, not hype,” reflects this shift in perception. As the quantum tech industry continues to evolve, the term “vaporware” may come to symbolize the promise and potential of this exciting field.
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