September 2012 Vol. 10 No. 9

View from the Top

• Ettienne Reinecke, Chief Technology Officer, Dimension Data

  

  Abstract
  Founded in 1983 in South Africa, Dimension Data is expanding worldwide as a comprehensive information technology (IT) solutions and services provider in the field of information and communications technology (ICT). Since joining forces with NTT in 2010, the company has been working to achieve an even higher level of performance. We sat down with Ettienne Reinecke, Chief Technology Officer, to learn about the growth strategy and future aspirations of Dimension Data in a volatile, changing market.

Front-line Researchers

• Shin'ya Nishida, Senior Distinguished Scientist, NTT Communication Science Laboratories

  

  Abstract
  Shin'ya Nishida, an NTT Senior Distinguished Scientist, has used detailed psychophysical methods to clarify that human visual perception is achieved through the mutual interaction of processing modules in the brain and the integration of information about an object's movement, shape, color, and other attributes. We asked him about the implication of research, and, with the hope that he will continue to be involved in international activities, about his future objectives.

Feature Articles: Quantum Computing

• Research Frontier of Quantum Computers

  

  Abstract
  This article introduces quantum computing, the topic of the Feature Articles in this issue. More than ten years have already passed since the study of devices for quantum computers began. During this time, the technology for manipulating the quantum state of the basic element, the qubit, has greatly improved, but fundamental problems have also been revealed. The Feature Articles in this issue review new attempts underway in our laboratories to overcome such problems.

• Coherent Coupling between a Superconducting Qubit and a Spin Ensemble

  

  Abstract
  This article reviews an experiment that demonstrated the principle of quantum memory operation in a superconductor-diamond hybrid system. Superconducting qubits have excellent controllability and scalability but short memory (coherence) time because they are artificial structures; on the other hand, electron spins in diamond are natural structures and have the opposite characteristics: they show extremely long memory times (seconds or greater) but are hard to control and manipulate. A superconductor-diamond hybrid system could offer the best properties of these systems without the associated disadvantages.

• Theoretical and Experimental Study of Quantum Nondemolition Measurement Using an Electric Circuit

  

  Abstract
  We are investigating, from both the theoretical and experimental standpoints, how to perform measurements on quantum systems by using an electric circuit that has quantum characteristics. A superconducting flux qubit, which is constructed with a superconducting loop circuit, has discrete energy, so it can be regarded as an artificial atom.

• Electron Spin Rotation and Quantitative Determination of Spin-Orbit Coefficients

  

  Abstract
  In recent research, there have been proposals to realize quantum bits (qubits) with electron spins, where these qubits compose a quantum computer. In this article, we explain the mechanism of electron spin precession that is caused by the Rashba spin-orbit interaction and introduce the latest research results on quantitative determination of the Rashba and Dresselhaus spin-orbit coefficients. These findings represent a step toward the utilization of electron spins as qubits of a quantum computer.

• Quantum Simulation with Ultracold Atomic Gases in an Optical Lattice

  

  Abstract
  In this article, we review quantum simulation for exploring various properties of matter via ultracold atomic gases at nanokelvin temperatures confined in an optical lattice, which is an artificial crystal created by laser lights. We also explain our recent research conducted in collaboration with Kyoto University. Novel quantum states of matter have been successfully achieved for the first time by using ultracold ytterbium atoms in optical lattices.

Regular Article

• Method of Handling Hard Disk Drive Failures in Cloud Computing Environment

  

  Abstract
  In this article, we present a method of handling failures of hard disk drives (HDDs) in a cloud computing environment deployed for research and development purposes. We identified two problems associated with HDD failures: (1) how to ascertain the failure frequency of each HDD and (2) how to ascertain the lifetime of a specific HDD. For the first problem, we devised a method for estimating the necessary number of replacement HDDs by using an HDD lifetime distribution. For the second problem, we devised a method for estimating the remaining life of an HDD by using HDD failure physics and replacing all HDDs on a preventative basis during regular maintenance.

Global Standardization Activities

• Establishment of New ITU-T Focus Group Related to Disaster Relief

  

  Abstract
  At the last meeting of the Telecommunication Standardization Advisory Group (TSAG) of ITU-T (International Telecommunication Union, Telecommunication Standardization Sector) in January 2012, it was agreed that three focus groups studying new standardization areas for a limited period would be newly established in January 2012. This article provides a little background information about their establishment and touches on their study directions, especially for the focus group dealing with disaster relief. In addition, this article also introduces the main results of the TSAG meeting.

External Awards/Papers Published in Technical Journals and Conference Proceedings

• External Awards/Papers Published in Technical Journals and Conference Proceedings