Breakthrough Quantum Control Chip Removes Need for Ion Trap Lasers

Oxford Ionics, a trailblazer in quantum technology, has achieved a groundbreaking milestone by unveiling the world's most advanced quantum chip. This cutting-edge development eliminates the necessity for lasers to control ion trap qubits, paving the way for simpler and more scalable quantum computers.

The Electronic Qubit Control system, pioneered by Oxford Ionics, can be mass-produced in a standard semiconductor fabrication plant. The company's ambitious plan includes the construction of a scalable 256-qubit ion trap quantum processor, set to be assembled by Infineon in Villach, Austria.

Traditionally, scaling trapped ion quantum processors has been a formidable challenge due to their reliance on laser control mechanisms. However, the electronically controlled trapped-ion quantum chip devised by Oxford Ionics utilizes shared current-carrying traces and local tuning electrodes within a microfabricated chip. This innovative approach enables the chip to execute quantum gates with minimal noise and crosstalk, irrespective of the device's size.

In a groundbreaking experiment, Oxford Ionics successfully demonstrated low-noise site-selective single- and two-qubit gates within a seven-zone ion trap capable of managing up to 10 qubits. The electronic single-qubit gates exhibited an impressive fidelity of 99.99916%, showcasing consistent performance with minimal crosstalk across the device. Furthermore, the two-qubit maximally entangled states achieved a fidelity of 99.97% and displayed enduring stability during continuous system operation.

These remarkable achievements validate the feasibility of directly scaling these techniques to develop large-scale quantum computers. By integrating all necessary control elements into a silicon chip that can be mass-produced using standard semiconductor manufacturing processes, Oxford Ionics has ushered in a new era of quantum computing with unparalleled performance and efficiency.

Dr. Michael Cuthbert, Director of the UK's National Quantum Computing Centre, hailed the recent advancements as a significant leap forward in ion trap quantum computing. He emphasized the superior performance of Oxford Ionics' qubit technology, which surpasses previous industry benchmarks and enables error correction with minimal overheads. The collaboration between Oxford Ionics and the National Quantum Computing Centre holds promise for deploying ultra-high performance qubits in developing cutting-edge algorithms and applications.

Dr. Chris Ballance, the CEO of Oxford Ionics, highlighted the company's unique approach to quantum computing, focusing on solving complex challenges to build robust and scalable technology. By leveraging novel physics and smart engineering, Oxford Ionics has developed high-performance qubit chips that do not require error correction for practical applications. The successful validation of their roadmap milestones underscores the company's confidence in its strategy, paving the way for commercializing quantum computing on a large scale.

Dr. Tom Harty, the CTO of Oxford Ionics, emphasized the critical importance of performance in quantum computing, asserting that accuracy is paramount when increasing the number of qubits. The company's groundbreaking achievements signify a significant milestone in quantum computing, positioning them to unleash the commercial potential of this transformative technology. With a strong focus on delivering tangible benefits to society, Oxford Ionics is poised to revolutionize the quantum computing landscape.

Having secured £37 million in funding for its ion trap quantum qubit technology, Oxford Ionics has garnered support from prominent investors and established a strategic R&D partnership with Infineon Technologies. The company's relentless pursuit of innovation and commitment to advancing quantum computing underscore its position as a key player in shaping the future of this rapidly evolving field.

For more information, visit www.oxionics.com.