Study Finds Imaginary Numbers May Not Be Essential to Quantum Mechanics

thequantuminsider.com Jul 13, 2026

Study Finds Imaginary Numbers May Not Be Essential to Quantum Mechanics

Curated by Shubham · TechCapsules · Jul 13, 2026

AI-summarised brief · reviewed before publication

Researchers from Heinrich Heine University Düsseldorf and the German Aerospace Center have demonstrated that quantum mechanics can be reformulated using only real numbers, provided an alternative physical postulate replaces a restrictive assumption in earlier work. Their paper in Physical Review Letters shows that this real‑number framework yields predictions indistinguishable from the standard complex‑number formulation for any conceivable experiment. The team, led by Prof. Dagmar Bruß and doctoral student Pedro Barrios Hita, identified a more physically motivated rule for system composition, overturning a 2021 study that claimed complex numbers were indispensable. The findings were highlighted in the American Physical Society’s Physics Magazine, underscoring a fundamental shift in how the mathematical foundations of quantum theory can be expressed.

💡 Why It Matters

· It proves that the imaginary component of quantum theory is a matter of convenience, not necessity, opening new avenues for alternative theoretical models.

Capsules Quantum Computing

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The Aspirations Of HPE And Dell In The Quantum-Classical HPC Datacenter

At their 2026 user conferences, HPE and Dell highlighted expanding efforts to embed quantum processors alongside classical CPUs, GPUs, and accelerators in high‑performance computing (HPC) datacenters. HPE announced collaborations with Intel, IQM, Quantinuum, QuEra and Rigetti to create testbeds that integrate multiple quantum modalities with its Cray supercomputer line, emphasizing a unified control plane and networking fabric. Dell, while less detailed, echoed the push for hybrid quantum‑classical racks that can be managed like traditional infrastructure. Both firms view quantum units as another accelerator rather than standalone computers, aiming to bring cloud‑based quantum capabilities in‑house for security, data‑sovereignty and tighter workflow integration. The initiative mirrors the early supercomputing era, suggesting a transition from experimental cloud access to on‑premise quantum resources.

💡 By moving quantum hardware into secure, on‑premise HPC environments, enterprises can run proprietary algorithms without exposing sensitive data to external clouds, accelerating real‑world quantum adoption.

semiconductor-digest.com · Jul 13

Imec and Diraq Demonstrate First Coherent Operation of Eight Silicon MOS Spin…

Imec and Diraq have demonstrated coherent operation and readout of an eight‑qubit silicon MOS spin‑qubit array fabricated on imec’s 300 mm CMOS‑compatible foundry platform. The linear array maintains qubit coherence and controllability comparable to earlier single‑ and two‑qubit results published in Nature, confirming that the industrial process can scale without increasing sensor count, wiring density, or thermal load. The devices were produced using a decade‑long, optimized semiconductor manufacturing flow, bridging laboratory prototypes and mass‑production techniques. The work, detailed in a Nature Communications paper, shows that silicon spin qubits can be integrated into larger, compact arrays while preserving the fidelity needed for quantum error correction, marking a step toward manufacturable, large‑scale quantum processors.

💡 It proves that standard semiconductor fabs can reliably produce multi‑qubit quantum chips, unlocking a production pathway that matches the scale of today’s silicon industry.

thequantuminsider.com · Jul 13

Imec and Diraq Demonstrate Eight-Qubit Silicon Spin Array on CMOS-Compatible Platform

Imec and Diraq have demonstrated coherent operation and readout of an eight‑qubit silicon MOS spin‑qubit array fabricated on a 300 mm CMOS‑compatible platform, as reported in Nature Communications. The linear array maintains qubit coherence and controllability comparable to earlier single‑ and two‑qubit demonstrations, confirming that the same industrial process can scale without increasing sensor count, wiring density, or thermal load. The devices were produced using imec’s decade‑long optimized spin‑qubit technology, bridging laboratory prototypes and manufacturable quantum hardware. Researchers highlighted that the favorable scaling ratio keeps the array compact, a prerequisite for large‑scale quantum processors. The work builds on a 2025 Nature paper that showed error‑correctable fidelity in silicon spin qubits, marking a step toward industrial‑scale quantum computing.

💡 It proves that semiconductor‑grade manufacturing can reliably produce multi‑qubit quantum circuits, paving a realistic path to mass‑produced quantum processors.

thequantuminsider.com · Jul 13

Q-PLANET Begins Development of European Pilot Line for Neutral Atom Quantum Chips

Q-PLANET, a €50 million European Quantum Chip Stability Pilot Line coordinated by neutral‑atom specialist Pasqal, has launched its three‑year initial phase to develop industrial‑grade components for neutral‑atom quantum technologies. The consortium unites 28 research, industry and academic organisations across 11 EU Member States to create scalable manufacturing processes for lasers, atom chips and micro‑fabricated vapor cells, and to define standards such as Process Design Kits and Assembly Design Kits. Over the first phase the project aims to raise the technology readiness level of these components from TRL 4 to TRL 6 through iterative design, fabrication and testing cycles. Q-PLANET forms one of six pilot lines funded by the European Chips Joint Undertaking, targeting the broader EU goal of quantum‑technology industrialisation by 2030 overall.

💡 Establishing repeatable production for neutral‑atom hardware gives Europe a ready supply chain that can speed quantum sensor and computer deployment ahead of competing regions.

thequantuminsider.com · Jul 13

Israeli Quantum Startups Eye Wall Street as SPAC Interest Accelerates

Israeli quantum computing firms Quantum Art and Classiq are in advanced negotiations to merge with special‑purpose acquisition companies, a move that could value each startup between $2 billion and $5 billion. Quantum Art, a trapped‑ion hardware developer founded in 2022, has raised roughly $200 million and employs about 60 staff, while Classiq, a quantum‑software platform founded in 2020, has secured about $200 million and counts Nvidia, Microsoft, AWS, BMW, Rolls‑Royce and Citi among its customers. Both companies declined comment. The deals reflect a surge of investor appetite for quantum technology despite its pre‑revenue status, with an estimated 30 SPACs actively seeking quantum targets. If completed, Quantum Art could become Israel’s first publicly listed quantum firm, potentially before the end of 2026, while Classiq may pursue an additional private round to boost its valuation.

💡 A successful SPAC listing would give Israeli quantum innovators unprecedented access to public‑market capital, accelerating development timelines and positioning the nation as a leading hub in a technology poised for commercial breakthroughs later this decade.

thequantuminsider.com · Jul 13

JIC Venture Growth Investments And Toyota Invention Partners Join Yaqumo Seed Extension…

Japanese neutral-atom quantum computing startup Yaqumo announced a seed extension round led by JIC Venture Growth Investments and Toyota Invention Partners. This funding supports the company’s commercialization efforts and long-term growth strategy. Notably, this marks JIC Venture Growth Investments’ first investment in quantum computing hardware and Toyota Invention Partners’ inaugural investment in a quantum startup. Yaqumo previously secured backing from Quantonation and Alumni Ventures. The new investors aim to strengthen collaborations across Japan’s government, industrial sectors, and the global quantum ecosystem. JIC Venture Growth Investments, part of the Japan Investment Corporation group, seeks to promote domestic innovation through substantial capital funds. Toyota Invention Partners, established by Toyota Motor Corporation, focuses on strategic synergies and long-term business collaboration. Together, these investors help Yaqumo connect the global quantum ecosystem with Japan’s industrial foundation. The financing accelerates research, development, and social implementation of neutral-atom quantum computers. Yaqumo stated that support from both international specialists and Japanese public-private foundations holds significant strategic importance for bringing quantum computers into real-world use.

💡 Toyota’s entry into quantum hardware signals a strategic pivot toward integrating advanced computing with automotive manufacturing and mobility solutions. This partnership bridges the gap between abstract quantum research and tangible industrial application within Japan’s tech sector.