Dutch based quantum transduction startup QphoX and Finnish quantum computer manufacturer IQM Quantum Computers have announced a new collaboration agreement to develop a next generation interface for scaling quantum computers. IQM is the European leader in building quantum computers and provides on-premises quantum computers for supercomputing data centres and research labs and offers full access to its hardware.
What does the partnership mean for both companies?
IQM Quantum Computers delivers these machines as a full-stack system integrator with its own quantum processors using superconducting qubits. Whereas QphoX specializes in photon wavelength conversion for quantum technolgies and is currently working to create the first quantum modem which will allow quantum processors to be networked together.
This will unlock applications like distributed quantum computing between remotely entangled quantum processors, solving one of the biggest scaling challenges facing the industry. The firms will combine their respective expertise in quantum information processing to create a new, scalable interface for communicating with quantum processors via optical interconnects.
Today’s quantum processors will need to substantially grow in size in order to tackle real-world applications. One of the main obstacles is that microwave quantum processors must operate in a demanding cryogenic environment while being controlled via microwave lines and cryogenic amplifiers that generate substantial heat, thus limiting the size of the processor.
As manufacturers push towards larger chips it is now more than ever critical to find scalable approaches that will ultimately allow for computers with hundreds of thousands of qubits.
What were the executives’ thoughts on the partnership?
“By leveraging our microwave to optical conversion technology, signals can instead be routed through the cryostat via optical fibers” said Frederick Hijazi, COO and Co-Founder, QphoX.
“Both the spatial and heat load constraints placed on the cryostat will be reduced, allowing larger processors to be built in a single cryostat. We are very excited about embarking on this new partnership. Over the past several months we have already been working with IQM’s processors and have been very impressed with the quality and performance,” Hijazi added.
“The future large scale quantum computers require technologies for optical communication or cryogenic signal generation, or both,” said Dr. Juha Vartiainen, COO and Co-founder, IQM.
“We found QphoX’s expertise and technology plans as a promising alternative to communicate the control and readout signal of quantum computer to the qubit chip using optical fiber. This collaboration will become an enabler for systems beyond 1000 qubits through simplifying the cabling and new product innovation” said Dr. Juha Vartiainen.
