July 22, 2024 -- Quantum computers with millions of qubits are essential to solving some of humanity's toughest challenges. Integrating key qubit control electronics into the quantum chip architecture that holds the qubits is critical to achieving that scale.

Universal Quantum announces a key advancement in enabling trapped-ion quantum computing at the million-qubit scale: The company has developed the first commercial Application-Specific Integrated Circuit (ASIC) chip for integration into Universal Quantum’s fully integrated Quantum Processing Units (iQPU). This novel chip boasts a host of features:

• Built-in enabler of UQConnect, which is Universal Quantum’s powerful link technology capable of directly transferring qubits between chip modules at a world record rate of 2400 1/s and fidelity of 99.999993%, with further enhancements anticipated
• Built-in enabler of UQLogic, which is Universal Quantum’s ultra-efficient microwave technology capable of controlling qubits at any scale
• Facilitation of highly efficient execution of quantum algorithms at any scale through enhanced connectivity between qubits
• Solves the 'wiring problem' common in quantum computing
• Can operate at Universal Quantum’s architecture temperature of 70K
• Will enhance quantum error correction by at least a factor of six by enabling qubit connectivity at scale
  
  This breakthrough 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.

Universal Quantum uses a radical modular approach to elevate quantum computing into an era of delivering solutions for humanity. Universal Quantum’s fully integrated quantum computing modules (iQPUs) host a number of high-quality trapped ion qubits controlled using UQLogic (microwave system). Individual iQPUs are then connected using UQConnect (record-breaking chip link technology) to naturally scale to millions of qubits.

Dr. Mike Newman, Head of Integration and Systems Engineering, remarked, “Our advanced packaging techniques and in-house developed cryogenic integrated circuit libraries have paved the path to this major milestone. These technologies allow us to fully integrate the qubit control systems directly into the qubit chip architecture, not only unlocking scalability but also improving noise performance, response times and power efficiency, something near impossible with other quantum computing architectures that operate at temperatures much lower than ours.”

Prof. Sebastian Weidt, CEO of Universal Quantum, added, "Humanity demands a million-qubit quantum computer. While we continue to see beautiful small scale prototype machines emerge, we must also develop engineering solutions fit for million qubit systems. Reaching the million-qubit scale is a marathon and we are only at the start of that race but without scalable engineering solutions built in right from the start, it may be impossible to ever reach the finish line. This achievement is testament to our unique engineering philosophy and a splendid example of the exciting things we are doing at Universal Quantum. I could not be prouder of our team’s dedication and innovation, and for continuously delivering what many people thought was impossible.”