Universal Quantum Develops Key Chip for Million-Qubit Computers

Universal Quantum, a leading quantum computing company, has made a significant breakthrough in developing a million-qubit quantum computer. The company has created the first commercial Application-Specific Integrated Circuit (ASIC) chip for integration into its fully integrated Quantum Processing Units (iQPU).

This novel chip enables trapped-ion quantum computing at the million-qubit scale and boasts features such as built-in enablers of UQConnect, a powerful link technology capable of directly transferring qubits between chip modules at a world record rate, and UQLogic, an ultra-efficient microwave technology for controlling qubits. The achievement is a testament to Universal Quantum’s relentless focus on developing solutions that allow its machines to reach the million-qubit scale as quickly as possible.

Dr. Mike Newman, Head of Integration and Systems Engineering, and Prof. Sebastian Weidt, CEO of Universal Quantum, highlighted the significance of this milestone in achieving scalable engineering solutions for quantum computing.

Enabling Million-Qubit Quantum Computing: A Key Breakthrough

Quantum computers have the potential to solve some of humanity’s most pressing challenges, but achieving this goal requires building machines that can scale to millions of qubits. A crucial step towards realizing this vision has been taken by Universal Quantum, a company founded by University of Sussex faculty members Professor Sebastian Weidt and Professor Winfried Hensinger.

The Challenge of Scaling Up

Currently, most quantum computers are small-scale prototypes that struggle to maintain coherence and control as the number of qubits increases. To overcome this limitation, it is essential to integrate key qubit control electronics into the quantum chip architecture. This integration enables the development of larger-scale machines that can solve complex problems efficiently.

The Solution: A Novel ASIC Chip

Universal Quantum has developed a commercial Application-Specific Integrated Circuit (ASIC) chip designed for integration into their fully integrated Quantum Processing Units (iQPUs). This innovative chip boasts several features that address the scaling challenge:

• Built-in enabler of UQConnect: Universal Quantum’s powerful link technology, capable of directly transferring qubits between chip modules at a world record rate of 2.4 kHz and fidelity of 99.999993%, with further enhancements anticipated.
• Built-in enabler of UQLogic: Universal Quantum’s ultra-efficient microwave technology, capable of controlling qubits at any scale.
• Facilitation of highly efficient execution of quantum algorithms: Enhanced connectivity between qubits enables the efficient execution of complex quantum algorithms.
• Solution to the ‘wiring problem’ common in quantum computing: The ASIC chip solves the wiring problem by integrating control electronics into the quantum chip architecture, allowing for more efficient and scalable designs.
• Operability at Universal Quantum’s architecture temperature of 70K: The chip can operate at a relatively high temperature compared to other quantum computing architectures, making it more practical for large-scale implementations.

Enhanced Quantum Error Correction

The ASIC chip is expected to enhance quantum error correction by at least a factor of six, enabling the development of more robust and reliable quantum computers. This breakthrough has significant implications for the development of utility-scale quantum computers capable of solving complex problems in fields such as chemistry, materials science, and optimization.

A Radical Modular Approach

Universal Quantum’s approach is based on a modular design, where individual iQPUs host high-quality trapped ion qubits controlled using UQLogic. These modules are then connected using UQConnect to scale up to millions of qubits. This radical approach enables the development of larger-scale machines that can solve complex problems efficiently.

Novel ASIC chip

The development of this novel ASIC chip is a significant milestone in the pursuit of building million-qubit quantum computers. Universal Quantum’s relentless focus on developing solutions that enable scalability has brought us closer to realizing the potential of quantum computing to overcome humanity’s greatest challenges.