4th SSS Promotion Forum focuses on quantum science

Tokyo Tech and other members of the Super Smart Society (SSS) Promotion Consortium held the 4th SSS Promotion Forum on September 29, 2021 to introduce the latest quantum science that will contribute to the realization of a super smart society. Insights were shared through various lectures and a panel discussion on "Quantum Science and Technology towards Super Smart Society." Attended by 445 participants from inside and outside the Institute, the talks and discussions during the event focused on the application and utilization of quantum annealing, quantum sensors, and quantum cryptography communication technologies.

After greetings by the coordinator of the consortium, Kei Sakaguchi, director of the Tokyo Tech Academy for Super Smart Society and professor at the School of Engineering, five speakers gave lectures on the utilization of technology in their respective fields of expertise.

Hidetoshi Nishimori
Professor, Quantum Computing Unit, Institute of Innovative Research, Tokyo Institute of Technology

Professor Hidetoshi Nishimori, the inventor of quantum annealing, one of the methods of quantum computation, explained the principles and characteristics of quantum computation. He also spoke about the status of research and development of quantum computers worldwide.

Masayuki Shirane
Senior Manager, System Platform Research Laboratories, NEC Corporation

Masayuki Shirane gave a bird's-eye view of quantum technology, and then described the history, status, and prospects of NEC's research and development of quantum computers. During the question and answer session, he also explained how integrated circuit technology for realizing quantum bits has been developed.

Mikio Kozuma
Professor, Quantum Navigation Unit, Institute of Innovative Research, Tokyo Institute of Technology

Professor Mikio Kozuma introduced a method of improving the performance of inertial navigation, which is the ability to determine one's own position and posture by using a gyroscope that utilizes the quantum effect, and its application to autonomous underwater vehicles (AUVs).

Mamiko Kujiraoka
Research Scientist, Computer and Network Systems Laboratory, Corporate Research & Development Center, Toshiba Corporation

Mamiko Kujiraoka spoke about quantum cryptography, and more specifically quantum key delivery (QKD), in which information security is guaranteed based on the principles of quantum mechanics. She explained that Toshiba has successfully developed a quantum cryptosystem that enables high-speed key delivery and long-distance transmission, and that the company aims to realize a quantum cryptosystem network for a wider area and on a larger scale.

Mutsuko Hatano
Professor, School of Engineering, Tokyo Institute of Technology

Professor Mutsuko Hatano introduced the process of promoting the development of quantum sensors using the properties of pink diamonds in practical devices. She highlighted their potential application not only in electronic devices, but also in fields such as medicine, and provided examples of practical experiments. In terms of research and development, all of these technologies are aiming to achieve Society 5.0, and human resource development will be very important in terms of long-term progress, Hatano mentioned.

Following the lectures, a panel discussion moderated by Associate Professor Jun Yoneda from Tokyo Tech Academy for Super Smart Society focused on the future of quantum science. Joining the four speakers as panelists were Associate Professor Tetsuo Kodera from the School of Engineering and Associate Professor Toru Hirahara from the School of Science. The panelists discussed a wide range of topics, including the status and challenges regarding the practical application of quantum science, and related human resource development. The participants reaffirmed the important role of the SSS Promotion Consortium to bring academia together with the private sector to address these issues, and to bring students at various levels of study closer to quantum science.

After the panel discussion, Professor Nobuyuki Iwatsuki, who chairs the Consortium Steering Committee, gave a briefing on the consortium's progress. His message was followed by some closing words from Tokyo Tech's Executive Vice President for Education Tetsuya Mizumoto.

Feedback regarding the event from participants was positive. Some said that they greatly appreciated the detailed yet easy-to-understand explanations on quantum science from their colleagues. Others stated that the content of the forum would be very useful for the progress of their own R&D work, and look forward to future developments.