IonQ achieves record high two-qubit gate fidelity

Quantum computing leader IonQ has achieved a groundbreaking new world record in two-qubit gate fidelity, reaching an impressive 99.99%. This significant milestone represents a major leap in quantum gate accuracy and positions IonQ as the first company to surpass the coveted “four-nines” threshold. This achievement is a crucial step towards the development of fault-tolerant, large-scale quantum systems.

For readers of eeNews Europe, IonQ’s milestone holds particular significance as it highlights the role of semiconductor-based control electronics in driving practical quantum computing advancements. IonQ’s Electronic Qubit Control (EQC) approach has the potential to accelerate hardware scalability and bring quantum processing closer to seamless integration with established semiconductor manufacturing processes.

Crossing the Four-Nines Barrier

The fidelity of two-qubit gates is a key metric for assessing quantum computing performance, indicating the precision with which two qubits can interact without errors. As this figure approaches 100%, quantum systems require fewer corrective operations to effectively execute complex quantum algorithms.

IonQ’s latest achievement surpasses the previous benchmark of 99.97%, which was set in 2024 by Oxford Ionics and subsequently acquired by IonQ earlier this year. The company’s groundbreaking demonstration, outlined in newly released technical papers, was made possible through the utilization of IonQ’s proprietary EQC technology, which replaces traditional laser-based qubit control with advanced precision electronics.

“Reaching the four-nines fidelity milestone is a significant moment for IonQ’s quantum leadership,” stated Niccolo de Masi, Chairman and CEO of IonQ. “This level of quantum performance has long been the industry’s goal, and surpassing it brings fault-tolerant quantum systems closer to widespread adoption in the mass market.”

Semiconductor-Based Quantum Scalability

IonQ’s EQC technology integrates all qubit-control components onto semiconductor chips, enabling fabrication using standard foundry processes. This innovative approach offers the promise of easier scalability, enhanced stability, and reduced costs compared to conventional laser-controlled ion trap systems.

“By exceeding the 99.99% fidelity threshold on chips produced in standard semiconductor fabs, we are now on a clear trajectory towards achieving millions of qubits while unlocking new and impactful commercial applications sooner,” added Dr. Chris Ballance, co-founder of Oxford Ionics and now part of IonQ.

The prototypes showcasing this record-breaking achievement will serve as the foundation for IonQ’s upcoming 256-qubit system, slated for debut in 2026. IonQ asserts that this advancement could pave the way for quantum systems with error-corrected performance levels 10 billion times higher than the previous 99.9% fidelity standard, significantly reducing the number of qubits needed for large-scale quantum error correction.

From R&D to Real-World Applications

Beyond the confines of the laboratory, IonQ has already begun to demonstrate the practical benefits of its technology. The company has reported a 20× acceleration in quantum-assisted drug discovery and tangible enhancements in computer-aided engineering when compared to classical systems. IonQ is also exploring potential applications in autonomous vehicles and artificial intelligence.

IonQ’s ambition is to scale its quantum systems to 2 million qubits by 2030, positioning itself as a frontrunner in both quantum hardware and networking infrastructure. Its systems are currently accessible through major cloud platforms, including Amazon Web Services.

For Europe’s semiconductor and computing sectors, IonQ’s EQC-based approach signifies a significant convergence between quantum innovation and traditional semiconductor manufacturing practices, marking a pivotal step towards integrating quantum computing into mainstream industrial and commercial applications.