Xanadu and HyperLight report achieving 7 millidecibels of optical switch insertion loss, a nearly threefold improvement over their 20 millidecibels result from 2025. This reduction in signal degradation is critical for scaling quantum computers, and was demonstrated on HyperLight’s TFLN Chiplet platform with excellent yield and repeatability. “This switch insertion loss milestone indicates that Xanadu’s quantum-compatible switches are ready to ramp to production,” said Dr. Christian Weedbrook, Founder and CEO of Xanadu, adding that the advance brings scalable quantum hardware and utility-scale quantum computing closer to reality.
TFLN Chiplet Platform Achieves 7 millidecibel Optical Switch Loss
This performance, validated on a production line, demonstrates excellent yield and repeatability, suggesting scalability for future quantum hardware deployments. The platform, already used in AI data centers and telecommunications networks, now extends its capabilities to meet the stringent demands of quantum computing applications, Xanadu says.
The reduction in signal degradation directly impacts the feasibility of fault-tolerant photonic quantum computing, a critical hurdle in realizing practical quantum systems. “Achieving 7 millidecibels switch loss, nearly three times lower than our previous benchmark set just over a year ago and ten times lower than our closest competitor’s most recent published result, is a major hardware milestone that enhances performance and reduces overhead for utility-scale systems,” Weedbrook added.
Beyond the benefits for quantum computing, the companies anticipate that this ultra-low-loss photonic technology could also address the growing demands for energy efficiency and speed within broader data center infrastructure. Mian Zhang, CEO of HyperLight, stated, “The same platform that powers high-volume AI data centers and telecom networks has now delivered a record-setting 7 millidecibel switch loss for quantum computing,” demonstrating the platform’s ability to meet exacting demands.
Xanadu intends to systematically address core physical scaling challenges in photonic quantum computing, aiming to bring utility-scale quantum computing closer to practical realization. The company believes that minimizing optical loss is paramount to creating commercially viable, fault-tolerant quantum computers, and views partnerships with innovators like HyperLight as essential to its go-to-market strategy.
This notable switch insertion loss milestone indicates that Xanadu’s quantum-compatible switches are ready to ramp to production, bringing scalable quantum hardware and utility-scale quantum computing (USQC) one step closer to reality.
Dr. Christian Weedbrook, Founder and Chief Executive Officer of Xanadu
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