Chinese quantum computing research company Origin Quantum has domestically developed a crucial quantum computer component; the ‘high-density microwave interconnect module.’ This development comes shortly after the US imposed sanctions on China, adding 22 leaders in quantum research to its export control list. The module, likened to a quantum computer’s “neural network”, was previously sourced from Japan. Origin Quantum’s achievement reduces China’s dependence on foreign components for its quantum technology. The company was founded by quantum physicists Guo Guoping and Guo Guangcan and is behind China’s independently developed quantum computer, Origin Wukong.
Quantum Leap: China’s Domestic Production of Quantum Computer Component
In the wake of recent US sanctions aimed at curbing China’s quantum technology, Chinese quantum computing research company Origin Quantum announced that it has successfully developed a crucial component of quantum computing domestically. This component, known as the ‘high-density microwave interconnect module’, has been likened to the neural network of a quantum computer.
The development of this module is significant as it eliminates the need for China to import this core component. The announcement came less than a week after the US expanded its sanctions against China, adding 22 leaders in quantum research to its export control list.
The Role of the High-Density Microwave Interconnect Module
The high-density microwave interconnect module plays a critical role in quantum computing. Kong Weicheng, a researcher at Origin Quantum, explained that quantum processors, or quantum chips, must operate at ultra-low temperatures close to absolute zero. Therefore, the module must first be able to insulate heat.
In addition, the module also needs to provide a high-speed, stable channel between the quantum computer’s “brain” and external devices for the accurate transmission of signals and quantum information. Until now, a major obstacle to the module’s independent domestic production has been sourcing one key part—an ultra-low-temperature specialized high-frequency coaxial cable, which previously had to be imported from Japan.
The Impact of the New Module
According to Kong, the newly developed module could provide microwave signal transmission channels for quantum chips with more than 100 bits and achieve stable signal transmission across temperature zones in extremely cool environments. This development allows quantum chips to exert more powerful computational capabilities, which in turn helps quantum computers operate more efficiently.
The module’s successful development is a significant step towards China’s self-reliance in quantum technology. As the tech war intensifies and the West’s technological containment tightens, reducing dependence on other countries and achieving self-reliance has become increasingly important for China’s quantum technology.
The US Sanctions and China’s Quantum Research
The US Commerce Department’s updated export control list released on May 9 named 22 of China’s leading players in quantum research and industrialization among the 37 Chinese entities targeted. Physicists in the country described the latest move as “unprecedented”, with almost all of China’s core strengths in quantum information research listed.
Origin Quantum, the backbone of China’s quantum computing research and industrial applications, also appeared on the sanctions list. The company was founded in 2017 by quantum physicists Guo Guoping and Guo Guangcan at the University of Science and Technology of China in the southeast province of Anhui.
Origin Quantum’s Achievements
Origin Quantum is behind China’s independently developed quantum computer, Origin Wukong, which was opened to global users in January. According to the state-run China News Agency, the machine has completed more than 183,000 quantum computing tasks.
Named after the Monkey King of Chinese mythology, Origin Wukong is China’s latest and most advanced programmable and deliverable machine. The successful development of the high-density microwave interconnect module is another significant achievement for Origin Quantum and a major step forward for China’s quantum technology.
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