Rigetti Computing is accelerating its path toward scalable quantum computing with the launch of Fab-1, described as the world’s first dedicated quantum foundry, and a new atomic layer etch system from Oxford Instruments. Addressing a critical bottleneck in the field, the in-house foundry allows Rigetti to bypass reliance on shared fabrication facilities and rapidly advance qubit development. The company states that this capability enables them to move “from prototypes to production, in weeks, rather than months.” According to Dr. Subodh Kulkarni, “The addition of Oxford Instruments’ ALE system will support our ambitious roadmap and performance goals, and further bolsters Fab-1 as a critical asset for advancing our superconducting qubit technology.” The PlasmaPro 100 Cobra system delivers a smooth, low damage etch process intended to improve the quality and reliability of qubit fabrication as Rigetti scales toward high qubit count systems for error correction.
Rigetti Computing Expands Fab-1 with Atomic Layer Etch
Rigetti Computing’s expansion of its Fab-1 facility centers on a capability previously outsourced by most quantum hardware developers: atomic layer etch. The company has acquired a PlasmaPro 100 Cobra system from Oxford Instruments, a move signaling a commitment to greater control over the fabrication of superconducting qubits and a reduction in reliance on shared manufacturing resources. This in-house approach is intended to accelerate the transition from experimental qubit designs to scalable production, a critical step toward realizing practical quantum computers. The integration of the PlasmaPro 100 Cobra system isn’t simply about bringing a process in-house; it’s about improving the precision of that process. The quantum foundry model, which Rigetti has developed, demonstrates the value of investing in in-house qubit fabrication capability when transitioning to quality and performance at scale, according to Matt Kelly, Managing Director, Oxford Instruments Plasma Technology. The ability to rapidly iterate on qubit designs and fabrication techniques within a dedicated facility is expected to be a key advantage as Rigetti scales toward systems requiring extremely high qubit counts for fault-tolerant quantum computing.
Oxford Instruments’ PlasmaPro 100 Cobra Enables Quantum Fabrication
This proactive approach to in-house manufacturing addresses the need for greater control over qubit production and predictability in device performance, crucial factors as the industry moves toward more complex quantum systems. The company’s investment extends to specialized equipment, most recently with the purchase of a PlasmaPro 100 Cobra atomic layer etch system from Oxford Instruments, designed to enhance fabrication capabilities within Fab-1. This strategic addition supports Rigetti’s objective to build systems with the extremely high qubit counts necessary for error correction and ultimately, fault-tolerant quantum computing. The speed of innovation is directly impacted by this internal control; the integration of the PlasmaPro 100 Cobra isn’t merely an equipment upgrade, but a validation of the foundry model itself, demonstrating the benefits of investing in dedicated qubit fabrication as companies scale towards commercial viability.
Oxford Instruments ALE technology delivers a smooth low damage etch process for next-generation quantum devices, making the PlasmaPro100 Cobra an excellent addition to the quantum fabrication facility in Fab-1.
Matt Kelly, Managing Director, Oxford Instruments Plasma Technology
