A major breakthrough in quantum computing has been announced by Nu Quantum, a UK-based company, with the development of the Qubit-Photon Interface (QPI), a technology that enables the connection of qubits to a quantum network. This innovation paves the way for commercial-scale quantum computers, capable of simulating complex systems at the atomic level. The efficient transfer of quantum information between light and matter is a significant challenge in scaling quantum computers, and the QPI addresses this issue.
Dr. Claire Le Gall, VP of Technology at Nu Quantum, said that an efficient interface between qubits and photons is critical to scaling quantum computing. The QPI has been integrated into Infleqtion’s trapped atom vacuum system and successfully tested under ultra-high vacuum conditions. This technology has the potential to enable industrial-scale deployment of distributed quantum computers, with Dr. Marco Palumbo, Director of Business Development UK at Infleqtion, highlighting the importance of collaboration in advancing the field.
Unlocking Modular and Scalable Distributed Quantum Computing with Qubit-Photon Interface (QPI)
The efficient transfer of quantum information between light and matter at the quantum level is a significant challenge to scaling quantum computers. Nu Quantum‘s Qubit-Photon Interface (QPI) aims to address this issue, enabling industrial-scale deployment of modular and scalable distributed quantum computers.
To achieve useful quantum computing capabilities, such as accurately simulating the world at the atomic level, quantum computers need to be significantly larger than they are today. This requires moving beyond a single-QPU towards a distributed quantum computer made up of hundreds of QPUs and at data centre scales, similar to cloud and AI supercomputers.
The Qubit-Photon Interface (QPI) Solution
The QPI is designed for atomic qubits and has been integrated into Infleqtion‘s trapped atom vacuum system, successfully tested under ultra-high vacuum conditions. The next step will be to demonstrate controlled high-efficiency coupling between an individual atom stimulated to emit a photon, tackling one of the most long-standing technical challenges in the industry.
Technical Achievements
Nu Quantum’s solution uses optical microcavities to enhance the coupling between light and matter. Nanostructured mirrors, fabricated using their world-leading proprietary process, are assembled together with micron-level precision, and the distance between them actively stabilized to < 80 pm. Open microcavities allow enhanced interaction between the qubits and the networking photons, while keeping all material far enough away to protect the delicate qubit state from outside noise and maintaining access for control lasers.
Future Commercial Opportunities and Significance
Nu Quantum’s aim is to eventually allow any Neutral Atom qubit provider to plug into their networking infrastructure, enabling modular scaling: from individual quantum processing units (QPUs) to data centre-scale Distributed Quantum Computers. This has significant implications for the development of scalable quantum technologies.
Project Background and Funding
Project ‘Calyx’ was sponsored by a grant from Innovate UK under the ISCF Commercialising quantum technologies: feasibility studies round 3. Nu Quantum is creating the Entanglement Fabric for quantum computing scale-out, partnering with leading quantum companies, governments, and research groups to accelerate quantum out of the lab and into real-world use.
Founded in 2018, Nu Quantum is a spin-out of the University of Cambridge’s Cavendish Laboratory. In November 2023, the company raised a £8.5M pre-series A round from main investors Amadeus Capital Partners, IQ Capital, and Expeditions Fund. Find more information at https://nu-quantum.com/.
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