Xanadu & Mitsubishi Chemical Boost Chip Tech with Quantum Computing

Xanadu, a Canadian quantum computing firm, and Mitsubishi Chemical have initiated a joint project to apply quantum computing to semiconductor lithography, a critical process in chip fabrication. The collaboration, launched this month, will leverage Xanadu’s quantum algorithms and Mitsubishi Chemical’s materials science expertise to simulate quantum effects, particularly Auger decay, that increasingly complicate the creation of advanced microchips. The companies anticipate that improved modelling of light-matter interactions could unlock advancements in EUV lithography, essential for producing increasingly miniaturised semiconductors and sustaining progress in fields reliant on advanced computing. The project represents a $2 million investment, with a projected timeline of three years to demonstrate practical application.

Quantum Computing and Semiconductor Fabrication

The collaboration between Xanadu and Mitsubishi Chemical centres on addressing the increasing complexity of simulating extreme ultraviolet (EUV) lithography, a crucial technique in advanced semiconductor manufacturing. As transistor sizes continue to shrink, quantum mechanical effects, particularly Auger decay – a process involving the emission of electrons following inner-shell ionisation – introduce significant challenges to accurate modelling of the lithographic process. Traditional computational methods struggle to effectively account for the intricate electron interactions inherent in these phenomena.

Mitsubishi Chemical’s contribution focuses on providing detailed characterisation of EUV photoresist materials – the light-sensitive substances used in lithography. This includes analysis of their molecular structures, compositions, and reactivity, with a view to quantitatively understanding key physical processes such as EUV absorption, Auger decay, and secondary electron emission. Xanadu’s role is the development of novel quantum algorithms designed to simulate these light-matter interactions and secondary electron effects, leveraging the potential of quantum computers to model quantum systems directly.

The objective is to establish a practical application of quantum computing within semiconductor materials science. Developing algorithms that accurately simulate these interactions could accelerate the discovery of novel photoresist materials with improved performance characteristics, potentially enabling the fabrication of future generations of microchips. This research represents a step towards Xanadu’s broader goal of developing quantum computers with demonstrable utility and accessibility, moving beyond theoretical demonstrations towards tangible industrial applications.

Collaboration Details and Objectives

The partnership’s collaborative structure involves a division of expertise. Mitsubishi Chemical’s Materials Design Laboratory will provide detailed data on photoresist materials, encompassing molecular composition and reactivity, enabling quantitative analysis of EUV absorption, Auger decay, and secondary electron effects. Concurrently, Xanadu’s Quantum Algorithms team will focus on algorithm design, specifically modelling light-matter interactions and secondary electron effects relevant to the lithographic process.

This project seeks to move beyond the limitations of classical computational methods in simulating quantum phenomena critical to semiconductor fabrication. The development of effective quantum algorithms for simulating these interactions is anticipated to accelerate material discovery and optimisation, potentially leading to the creation of photoresists with enhanced performance characteristics. This research is framed as a crucial step towards realising practical applications of quantum computing within the semiconductor industry and represents a key component of Xanadu’s strategy to develop commercially viable and accessible quantum computing solutions.

Company Background and Context

Xanadu, founded in 2016, has rapidly established itself as a prominent player in the quantum computing sector, encompassing both hardware and software development. The company is also the originator of PennyLane, an open-source software library designed to facilitate quantum computing and application development, further demonstrating its commitment to fostering a broader quantum ecosystem.

The partnership between Xanadu and Mitsubishi Chemical is underpinned by Canada’s sustained investment in quantum science and technology, positioning the nation as a global leader in the field. Louis-Pierre Mond, Minister (Commercial) at the Embassy of Canada to Japan, highlighted the strategic importance of this collaboration, reflecting the country’s commitment to innovation and international partnerships in advanced technologies.

This project’s focus on simulating light-matter interactions within EUV lithography represents a significant step towards realising the potential of quantum computing in addressing complex industrial challenges. Successful development of these algorithms could provide a pathway to discovering materials with properties optimised for future semiconductor generations, a critical factor in sustaining the ongoing advancements in microchip technology and driving innovation across multiple sectors. The research directly addresses the increasing need for improved simulation techniques in advanced chip fabrication, particularly concerning the quantum effects impacting lithographic processes, and highlights the potential of quantum computing to overcome limitations of classical methods.