In a major breakthrough for European quantum computing, Quandela and attocube systems AG have been selected by EuroHPC and EuroQCS-France to deliver the most powerful photonic quantum computer in Europe. The system, named “Lucy,” will be hosted and operated by the CEA at the TGCC and is expected to be available to scientific communities in 2025.
With an initial capacity of 12 qubits that will be doubled by 2026, Lucy will enable the resolution of existing problems and the discovery of new use cases in fields such as electromagnetic simulation, structural mechanics, and meteorology. The system combines Quandela’s advanced qubit generator with attocube’s compact cryogenic system and proprietary photon demultiplexing technology.
Niccolo Somaschi, co-founder and CEO of Quandela, and Peter Kraemer, CEO of attocube systems AG, hailed the achievement as a leap forward in quantum computing. Jacques-Charles Lafoucrière, Director of the High Performance Computing Program, praised the installation as a key milestone in French and European quantum computing strategies.
Europe’s Most Powerful Photonic Quantum Computer: Lucy
The European High-Performance Computing (EuroHPC) Joint Undertaking and EuroQCS-France have selected Quandela and attocube systems AG to deliver a universal photonic quantum computer, named “Lucy”, with at least 12 qubits. This system will be hosted and operated by the French Alternative Energies and Atomic Energy Commission (CEA) at the Très Grand Centre de Calcul (TGCC) and made available to scientific communities in 2025 as part of open research.
The Lucy photonic quantum computer is a cutting-edge technology that offers new avenues of research in the field of quantum computing. The method used by Quandela consists of emitting single photons, which are routed by optical fiber to a chip on which they interfere to perform a calculation. The result is measured at the output of this chip using detectors. With an initial capacity of 12 qubits that will be doubled by 2026, the specific architecture of the Lucy universal quantum computer will enable the resolution of existing problems and the discovery of new use cases.
Hybrid HPC-Quantum Platform for Open Research
The Lucy system will be coupled with the Joliot-Curie supercomputer to create a hybrid HPC-Quantum platform. This platform will serve the needs of open, academic, and industrial research in France and Europe. The EuroQCS-France consortium has already identified use cases that could benefit from this photonic technology, including electromagnetic simulation, structural mechanics, combustion in engines, materials simulation, meteorology, and terrestrial observation.
The hybrid HPC-Quantum platform will be made available to a wide range of users from the scientific community, industry, and the public sector throughout Europe. To enable communities to train in the use of photonic quantum computing paradigms ahead of the arrival of this system at the TGCC in 2025, the consortium will set up remote access to a 6-qubit Quandela system by the end of 2024.
MOSAIQ-12: A State-of-the-Art Photonic Quantum Computer
Quandela and attocube systems AG have joined forces to present MOSAIQ-12, a state-of-the-art 12-qubit photonic quantum computer. This revolutionary system integrates Quandela’s advanced qubit generator with attocube’s compact cryogenic system (attoCMC), along with proprietary photon demultiplexing technology, a sophisticated 24-mode photonic chip, high-precision single-photon detectors, and a comprehensive electronic and software control stack.
MOSAIQ-12 represents a leap forward in the practice of quantum computing, with a remarkably compact footprint of just 2 square meters and energy-efficient operation of less than 5 kW. This achievement underscores the partners’ commitment to user-centric design and environmental responsibility. To ensure a smooth transition, Quandela will provide access to a similar remote photonic quantum computing system from contract signing through system delivery.
A Milestone in European Quantum Computing Strategies
The installation of Lucy at the TGCC marks an important milestone in the French and European quantum computing strategies. This achievement foreshadows the key role that quantum systems will play in the future world of hybrid high-performance computing. The successful transition of quantum technology from theoretical research to practical applications in the real world underscores the commitment of European technology companies to innovation and environmental responsibility.
The Lucy system is a testament to the power of collaboration between European technology companies, research institutions, and governments to drive innovation and advance the field of quantum computing. As the first photonic quantum computer in Europe, Lucy will play a key role in shaping the future of high-performance computing and driving breakthroughs in various fields of science and engineering.
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