The Quantum Economic Development Consortium (QED-C) has announced progress in its research program focusing on cryogenic technologies. Four of its members – FormFactor, Northrop Grumman, Quantum Opus, and Triton Systems – have reported advancements in their respective projects, all backed by the National Institute of Standards and Technology (NIST).
The importance of cryogenic technologies lies in their role as critical components for many quantum systems, maintaining low temperatures to minimize noise and errors. Recognizing this potential barrier in developing quantum-based computing, sensing, and communications systems, QED-C initiated a research and development (R&D) program to address the identified gaps.
The R&D program, co-funded by NIST and the participating companies, awarded proposals worth $877,000 in 2022. The results of this collaboration have led to significant advancements, including a new commercial product from FormFactor and promising research findings from Northrop Grumman, Quantum Opus, and Triton Systems.
FormFactor’s innovation has enabled faster cryogenic testing for complex dies and devices, while Northrop Grumman’s study focuses on using Porous Wall Hollow Glass Microspheres as a low-cost, non-magnetic regenerator matrix for high-frequency Stirling type cryocooler regenerators. Quantum Opus is working towards a low-cost, compact 2.5 K cooler, and Triton Systems has successfully demonstrated a fourth-stage expander of a Modified Collins Cycle cryocooler.
The progress made in these projects underscores the potential of cryogenics in making quantum technology more energy efficient, compact, and affordable. As Celia Merzbacher, QED-C Executive Director, stated, “While work remains, thanks to these projects we are making steady progress in novel cryogenic technologies.”
The partnership between QED-C members and NIST is expected to continue, with both parties looking forward to building on this progress and driving further innovation in the field of quantum technology.
Cryogenic technologies play a crucial role in maintaining
Cryogenic technologies play a crucial role in maintaining quantum devices at near absolute zero temperatures, thereby minimizing noise and errors. Recognizing this potential barrier in the development of quantum-based systems, QED-C was established to identify gaps in enabling technologies and devise strategies for filling those gaps.
Livermore, California-based FormFactor has developed new testing capabilities for quantum chips by speeding up cryogenic testing for complex dies and devices. This innovative system allows users to test dies with hundreds of DC connections, dozens of RF connections, at temperatures as low as 2 Kelvin (-271 °C), in as little as two hours. The system’s capabilities have been extended into electro-optics, enabling the rapid testing of complex photonic integrated circuits and single photon detectors at low temperatures. This research has culminated in the creation of a commercial product, the HPD IQ2000 chip scale prober.
Northrop Grumman’s Innovative Approach
Falls Church, Virginia-based Northrop Grumman has studied the use of Porous Wall Hollow Glass Microspheres as a low-cost, non-magnetic, readily available regenerator matrix for high-frequency Stirling type cryocooler regenerators operating down to 3 Kelvin (K). The research team has successfully identified key design constraints in using the Porous Wall Hollow Glass Microspheres. While initial results are positive, the material requires additional development to be used as a regenerator matrix.
Quantum Opus’ Compact Cooling Solution
Plymouth, Michigan-based Quantum Opus has been working on developing a low-cost, compact 2.5 K cooler, which could potentially reduce the barrier to entry for quantum technologies. The research focused on two technical paths: one focusing on a Gifford-McMahon 2.5 K cooler, while the other focused on a 2.5 K pulse tube cooler. Quantum Opus claims that the research has brought them closer to their goal of a commercially viable, low-cost, and compact 2.5 K cryocooler.
Triton Systems’ Breakthrough
Triton Systems’ Breakthrough
Chelmsford, Massachusetts-based Triton Systems has successfully demonstrated a fourth-stage cryocooler for the integrated thermodynamic design model of a cryogenic device. The fourth-stage cryocooler will allow cryogenic devices to reach temperatures of 4 K-10 K. Triton’s project focused on including a full four-stage integrated thermodynamic design model to aid in hardware sizing for each stage, a cycle control algorithm to attain optimal high-performance operation under dynamic conditions, and the development of compact, reliable, low-temperature cold end valves.
NIST’s Commitment to Quantum Advancements
Andrew Wilson, technical lead for the NIST quantum research program, expressed delight at partnering with QED-C members to advance U.S. innovation and industrial competitiveness in the field of quantum technology. He looks forward to building on this progress and seeing where these partnerships lead next.
About QED-C
The Quantum Economic Development Consortium (QED-C) is a global leader in the quantum technology marketplace, dedicated to enabling the real-world application of quantum technology and fostering a robust commercial industry and supply chain. Established with support from NIST as part of the Federal strategy for advancing quantum information science, QED-C boasts a membership of pioneers in the quantum technology sector.
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