PsiQuantum announced the establishment of its UK-based advanced R&D centre at the Science and Technology Facilities Council (STFC) Daresbury Laboratory in Northwest England. PsiQuantum has gained access to one of Europe’s largest liquid-helium cryogenic reactors with an approximate temperature of -270°C, thanks to £9 million in financing from the UK government’s Department for Science, Innovation, and Technology (DSIT).
PsiQuantum has collaborated with the STFC’s Daresbury Laboratory to create the next generation of high-power cryogenic modules required to scale photonic quantum computers to millions of qubits. To build improved cryogenic systems, PsiQuantum will collaborate with Daresbury Laboratory experts in large-scale cryogenic infrastructure.
This collaboration will produce quantum computing subsystems with the most cryogenic cooling power yet deployed, marking a significant step toward large-scale quantum computers capable of tackling commercially relevant issues.
“We are very excited to be setting up a lab in the UK in collaboration with the STFC’s Daresbury Laboratory. The UK has a long history in quantum technologies and a talent pool of exceptional quantum engineers. The STFC team and facilities are world class, with a deep history of accomplishments in large-scale scientific infrastructure. Access to existing cryogenic infrastructure and expertise accelerates PsiQuantum’s mission to deliver a large-scale quantum computer.”
Mark Thompson, Chief Technologist and Co-Founder at PsiQuantum
Single Light Particles for Error-Correcting Quantum Computer
PsiQuantum is developing an error-corrected quantum computer that uses the quantum mechanical features of single light particles (photons) with significantly less stringent cooling requirements than others. The cryogenic cooling required by PsiQuantum’s technique is required to run extraordinarily sensitive single-photon detectors, which are utilized to read the state of the photonic qubit.
These gadgets work at temperatures only a few degrees above absolute zero or at the temperature of deep space. Although the working temperature is frigid, it is hundreds of times higher than the milli-Kelvin temperatures required by many other quantum computing methods, avoiding the enormous problem of establishing large-scale milli-Kelvin dilution refrigeration.
“Attracting companies like PsiQuantum to our shores to build new research facilities like this one in Daresbury will transform the way we tackle many of the challenges facing us today, from ground-breaking medicinal discoveries to tackling climate change.
MICHELLE DONELAN, Science, Innovation and Technology Secretary
The establishment of this facility is a huge vote of confidence in the UK’s unrivalled expertise in innovation, demonstrating how the UK is spearheading crucial breakthroughs in quantum technologies.”
Collaboration with STFC’s Daresbury Laboratory will more than double PsiQuantum’s cryogenic capabilities, with single cryogenic modules capable of delivering 100W of cooling power at liquid-helium temperatures. This added cooling power would allow PsiQuantum to implement power-hungry features necessary for scaling-up quantum computers, such as chip-to-chip networking and integrated control electronics, in addition to supporting larger arrays of quantum chips.
“It is great to see PsiQuantum recognise the strengths of the UK’s quantum ecosystem and set up here to work with our leading talent and companies. The NQCC look forward to collaborating with PsiQuantum to support the development of fault tolerant quantum computing, strengthening the UK supply chain and maturing the UK user community.”
Dr Michael Cuthbert, Director of the National Quantum Computing Centre (NQCC)
“We are pleased that PsiQuantum has chosen to locate at STFC’s Daresbury Laboratory, where they will capitalise on our existing cryogenic infrastructure and expertise in their mission to deliver a large-scale quantum computer. Their investment will strengthen the tech cluster in the North West, creating supply chain and collaborative opportunities for other businesses.”
Dr Neil Geddes, Executive Director, National Laboratories, Science and Technology Facilities Council (STFC)
“PsiQuantum is a shining example of how STFC is supporting pioneering businesses in their mission to develop the technologies that have the potential to change the world we live in, to transform industry and change our lives for the better.
Paul Vernon, Head of STFC’s Daresbury Laboratory
I am really excited to welcome PsiQuantum to Daresbury Laboratory, where our cutting edge technologies, facilities and expertise are contributing towards what could be a critical milestone in quantum computing for the world.”
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