The Aerith Quantum Report (AQR) is about all things quantum, and how it is impacting our digital future, including visual effects, encryption, communications and more. AQR delivers weekly news on the latest developments in quantum computing. We translate it to make it accessible and relevant to everyone.
In this issue: I3322 quantum value is attained spatially - Plaquette platform integrates with Nvidia Cuda-Q - IonQ, Rigetti et al issue $895m warning - sub-Doppler atomic spectroscopy enabled - VFX Market expansion - Aerith Avé on Slayer & Avé Beta program approaches.
PART 1: QUANTUM NEWS / VFX NEWS
A. Quantum Physics
1. Headline: The I3322 quantum value is attained spatially but not in finite dimension (September 11, 2026)
Summary: This highly mathematical foundational preprint presents an exact, certified proof demonstrating that the maximum spatial quantum value of the I3322 Bell inequality cannot be reached by any finite-dimensional quantum strategy. The researchers utilized the Lean 4 proof assistant to produce machine-checked certificates proving that the bounds max out strictly below the true spatial supremum in finite dimensions, forcing physics theory deeper into infinite-dimensional frameworks.
What Does This Mean? Researchers published a foundational mathematical proof about quantum physics. They used the Lean 4 software to create verified mathematical certificates. The proof demonstrates that maximum quantum values strictly require infinite-dimensional capabilities. This forces physics theory to explore deeper infinite-dimensional frameworks.
This Matters To Physicists. This foundational proof expands your theoretical boundaries into infinite-dimensional frameworks.
URL: https://arxiv.org/abs/2609.05555
B. Quantum Computing
1. Headline: QC Design Integrates Plaquette Platform with NVIDIA CUDA-Q for Hardware-Realistic FTQC Simulation (September 14, 2026)
Summary: Announced on September 14, 2026, QC Design has successfully integrated its Plaquette platform with NVIDIA’s CUDA-Q. This partnership connects high-level quantum error correction (QEC) circuit compilation directly to device-specific, physics-based noise models. The update allows hardware engineering teams to simulate lattice surgery protocols and logical gate performance with unparalleled realism.
What Does This Mean? QC Design successfully connected its Plaquette platform directly to NVIDIA’s CUDA-Q system. This integration links quantum error correction directly to realistic physics-based noise models. Hardware engineering teams can now simulate lattice surgery protocols using this tool. Teams gain the ability to test logical gate performance with unparalleled realism.
This Matters To Quantum Hardware Engineers. They gain the vital ability to simulate quantum performance and protocols with unparalleled realism.
2. Headline: IonQ, Rigetti Computing, D-Wave Quantum, and Quantum Computing Inc. Are Sending Shockwaves Through Wall Street With This $895 Million Warning” (September 22, 2026)
Summary: While AI remains the hottest market trend, the financial sector is seeing an explosive buildup of capital around pure-play quantum computing stocks. The article reports that over the trailing two years, stocks for companies like IonQ, Rigetti, and D-Wave have skyrocketed by up to 1,820%. However, financial analysts are cautioning investors; these companies’ price-to-sales ratios have entered “bubble territory,” and insiders have sold nearly $895 million in stock recently, serving as a warning about the sector’s current volatility despite its technological promise.
What Does This Mean? The financial sector exhibits an explosive capital buildup around pure-play quantum computing stocks. Stock prices for IonQ, Rigetti, and D-Wave skyrocketed by up to 1,820% over two years. Financial analysts caution that these valuations have entered bubble territory. Insider stock sales of nearly $895 million serve as a warning about the sector’s current volatility.
This Matters To Stock Investors & Analysts. They receive a clear warning about current market volatility and bubble territory for quantum stocks like IonQ, Rigetti, and D-Wave.
C. Quantum Applications
1. Headline:Chip-scale sub-Doppler atomic spectroscopy enabled by a metasurface (September 19.2024, updated)
Summary: Published mid-September by NIST researchers, this paper highlights an important scaling milestone for practical quantum sensing, outlining the creation of a chip-scale sub-Doppler spectroscopy instrument. Utilizing an integrated photonic-metasurface device that couples straight into a microfabricated atomic vapor cell, the system requires no physical optical alignments, paving the way for hyper-miniaturized atomic clocks and portable quantum RF sensors.
What Does This Mean? NIST researchers achieved a significant scaling milestone for practical quantum sensing. They created a miniature sub-Doppler spectroscopy instrument on a tiny chip. A photonic-metasurface device connects directly into a vapor cell to bypass physical optical alignments. This system enables hyper-miniaturized atomic clocks and portable quantum RF sensors.
This Matters To Quantum Hardware Developers. Developers can create highly miniaturized atomic clocks and portable quantum sensors using this new instrument.
URL: https://tf.nist.gov/general/pdf/3363.pdf
D. Visual Effects (VFX)
1.Headline: Visual Effects Market Insights Highlight Segment Expansion” (September 21, 2026)
Summary: A newly released industry report highlights that the visual effects (VFX) market is undergoing a massive expansion, projected to reach $13.94 billion by the end of 2026 (an 11.7% CAGR). The growth is largely fueled by the heavy demands of OTT streaming platforms, immersive gaming experiences, and investments in virtual production studios. A significant trend transforming the industry is the integration of AI-assisted animation technologies into traditional pipelines—exemplified by Autodesk’s recent acquisition of the AI-powered VFX cloud platform Wonder Dynamics, aimed at streamlining complex CGI production.
What Does This Mean? The visual effects market anticipates a massive expansion to reach $13.94 billion by late 2026. Streaming platforms, immersive gaming, and virtual production studios drive this rapid growth. The industry actively integrates AI-assisted animation technologies into traditional production pipelines. Autodesk’s acquisition of the AI-powered Wonder Dynamics platform exemplifies this trend to streamline complex CGI production.
This Matters To Visual Effects Producers. They can streamline complex CGI production by integrating AI-assisted tools like Wonder Dynamics.
URL: https://www.openpr.com/news/4638108/visual-effects-market-insights-highlight-segment-expansion
PART 2 : VISIONARIES OF LIGHT
Aerith’s work deals with light and image. It crosses the boundaries of matter, particle physics, and art, specifically visual effects in film and imaging in other media. People who work in these fields, which are often considered far afield from each other, often bring together science, technology and artistic expression. Their contributions to our world are important, maybe even fundamental to the expression of human ideas. That is why we recognize them here as Visionaries of Light. In this edition of VOL, we recognize:
Achievements at the Intersection of Art & Physics
VISIONARY: Dr. Merritt Moore, Quantum Physicist and Ballerina
Artistic Accomplishments: Dr. Moore performs internationally as a professional ballerina, dancing with premier companies such as the English National Ballet, the Boston Ballet, the Zurich Ballet, and the Norwegian National Ballet. She pioneers interactive human-robot choreography, programming industrial robotic arms to perform duets on stage. Her performances include appearances at the Barbican Centre, the Victoria and Albert Museum, and national television stages.
Quantum Physics Accomplishments: Dr. Merritt Moore earned her Ph.D. in Atomic and Laser Physics at the University of Oxford. Her doctoral research investigated quantum optics, multipartite entanglement, and integrated photonics for quantum computing implementations. She co-authored multiple research papers examining photonic quantum states and quantum logic gates.
Personal Website: https://www.merrittmoore.com/
Biographical Entry: https://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Merritt_Moore
PART 3: AERITH NEWS
Aerith: The Convergence of Physics and Imagination!
Aerith continues designing our Avé technology. We are prepping our work for the feature film Slayer. Avé’s quantum VFX processes will enhance VFX in the film. Our team is laying the groundwork for the Avé Beta program following Slayer.
PART 4: YOUR QUESTIONS ANSWERED
In this section, Aerith’s team will try to answer your questions about ideas and events we posed in the previous AQR.
PART 5: WHAT ARE YOUR THOUGHTS?
How do you think AI and quantum will interact?
Let us know your thoughts, and pose your questions to us in the comments on our Substack!