Quantum computing company IonQ has expanded its partnership with the Air Force Research Lab (AFRL) to deploy two barium-based trapped ion quantum computing systems for research and application development. The deal follows IonQ’s agreement last year to provide AFRL access to its trapped ion systems. The partnership aims to advance US defence technologies and quantum communications. IonQ’s CEO, Peter Chapman, stated that as their systems approach 64 algorithmic qubits, they are committed to supporting the nation’s security interests. The announcement comes amid increased US federal government support for quantum technology development.
IonQ and Air Force Research Lab Expand Quantum Computing Partnership
The partnership will see the deployment of two barium-based trapped ion quantum computing systems for quantum networking research and application development. This comes a year after IonQ agreed to provide access to its trapped ion systems to AFRL, enhancing the lab’s research mission. As part of the contract, IonQ will deliver and set up systems at AFRL’s location in Rome, N.Y.
The partnership is expected to advance quantum communications, networking, and computing, while also supporting agency missions. IonQ’s CEO, Peter Chapman, stated that the agreement with AFRL will significantly help advance U.S. defence technologies as quantum computers increasingly become a prevalent centrepiece of national computing stacks.
“AFRL is seeing incredible achievements on trapped ion quantum systems to enable and grow US quantum technology, the innovation occurring on the frontlines by industry will bring revolutionary technologies to our warfighters,”
Michael Hayduk, Deputy Director, Air Force Research Laboratory, Information Directorate.
The announcement follows increased activity by the U.S. federal government in supporting the development of quantum technology. This includes the creation of the National Quantum Initiative (NQI) by Congress in 2018, a broad interagency program which secured funding for quantum research and development.
Rep. C.A. Dutch Ruppersberger (D-Md.) and Sen. Chris Van Hollen (D-Md.) both expressed their support for the partnership and the advancement of quantum technology, highlighting its potential impact on national security and the economy. They emphasized the importance of staying ahead of international competitors in the field of quantum research and development.
IonQ’s Quantum Computing Achievements and Future Plans
In the second quarter of 2023, IonQ achieved a record-setting $28 million bookings. The company is also preparing for the era of enterprise-grade quantum computing as its systems approach 64 algorithmic qubits. IonQ’s current generation quantum computer, IonQ Forte, boasts 29 algorithmic qubits.
IonQ’s quantum systems are available through the cloud on Amazon Braket, Microsoft Azure, and Google Cloud, as well as through direct API access. The company was founded in 2015 by Dr. Christopher Monroe and Dr. Jungsang Kim based on 25 years of pioneering research.
IonQ’s International Partnerships
The expanded partnership with AFRL follows a contract IonQ signed with Switzerland-based QuantumBasel to establish a European quantum data centre. This indicates IonQ’s commitment to advancing quantum computing not only domestically but also on an international scale.
Forward-Looking Statements and Risks
The press release contains forward-looking statements about the success of the IonQ and AFRL partnership, IonQ’s quantum computing capabilities and plans, and the problems that IonQ’s quantum computers can solve. These statements are based on current expectations and assumptions and are subject to risks and uncertainties. Factors that could cause actual future events to differ materially from these forward-looking statements include market adoption of quantum computing solutions, IonQ’s ability to protect its intellectual property, changes in the competitive industries in which IonQ operates, and changes in laws and regulations affecting IonQ’s business.
“I applaud the Air Force for its work to advance quantum technology and its applications as they relate to our national security. Quantum computing is sure to be a game-changing field that will yield critically important technologies,”
Rep. C.A. Dutch Ruppersberger (D-Md.).
Quantum computing is sure to play a key role in our economy’s future, global competitiveness, national security, and so much more. That’s why I was glad to support federal participation in this public-private partnership between the Air Force and Maryland-based IonQ to facilitate their work in building quantum systems that will help safeguard our nation against emerging security threats. I will keep working to bring investments to Maryland that position our state and nation at the forefront of advanced technologies,”
Sen. Chris Van Hollen (D-Md.).
Summary
IonQ, a quantum computing company, has expanded its partnership with the Air Force Research Lab (AFRL) to deploy two barium-based trapped ion quantum computing systems for quantum networking research and application development. This move is part of a broader push by the U.S. government to support the development of quantum technology, which is expected to play a key role in the future of the economy, global competitiveness, and national security.
“As IonQ’s systems approach 64 algorithmic qubits (#AQ 64) and usher in the era of enterprise-grade quantum computing, we are committed to supporting the nation’s security interests. This partnership will significantly help advance U.S. defense technologies as quantum computers increasingly become a prevalent centerpiece of national computing stacks,”
IonQ CEO Peter Chapman.
- Quantum computing company IonQ has expanded its relationship with the Air Force Research Lab (AFRL) to deploy two barium-based trapped ion quantum computing systems for quantum networking research and application development.
- The deal comes a year after IonQ agreed to provide AFRL with access to its trapped ion systems, enhancing AFRL’s research mission.
- The systems will be delivered and set up at AFRL’s location in Rome, New York.
- This move follows increased activity by the U.S. federal government in supporting the development of quantum technology, including the creation of the National Quantum Initiative (NQI) in 2018.
- The partnership aims to advance U.S. defense technologies as quantum computers become more prevalent in national computing stacks.
- IonQ CEO Peter Chapman stated that the agreement with AFRL will advance quantum communications, networking, and computing.
- IonQ recently signed a contract with Switzerland-based QuantumBasel to establish a European quantum data center.
- IonQ was founded in 2015 by Dr. Christopher Monroe and Dr. Jungsang Kim and offers quantum systems through the cloud on Amazon Braket, Microsoft Azure, and Google Cloud.
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