September 26, 2024 -- Quandela in consortium with attocube systems AG announce that they have been selected by EuroHPC Joint Undertaking and EuroQCS-France to deliver a universal photonic quantum computer, with at least 12 qubits, the most powerful in Europe. The system, owned by EuroHPC and co-acquired by GENCI, will be hosted and operated by CEA at TGCC. It will be coupled to the Joliot-Curie supercomputer, and will be made available to scientific communities in 2025 as part of open research.

This hybrid HPC-Quantum platform will be made available to serve the needs of French and European open research communities, both from Academia and Industry. When the EuroQCS-France consortium was initiated, its partners ICHEC (Ireland), FZJ (Germany) and UPB (Romania) already identified use cases that could be applied to this photonic technology.

The name chosen for the photonic quantum computer is “Lucy”. This technology is at the cutting edge of photonics innovation, not only in Europe, but worldwide. Photonic quantum computers open up new avenues of research in the field of quantum computing. The method used by Quandela consists in emitting single photons, which are routed by optical fiber to a chip where they interfere to perform a calculation. The result is measured at the output of the chip using detectors.

With an initial capacity of 12 qubits, which is envisioned to be doubled by 2026, the specific architecture of the Lucy universal quantum computer will enable the resolution of existing problems and the discovery of new use cases. Among the use cases already identified that could benefit from Lucy’s HPC-Quantum coupling are electromagnetic simulation, structural mechanics, combustion in engines, materials simulation, meteorology and earth observation.

The French part of this acquisition was carried in the context of the French National Quantum Strategy, carried by the Secrétariat Général pour l’Investissement (SGPI) via France 2030. GENCI and CEA, together with Inria, have set up a hybrid HPC-Quantum computing infrastructure called HQI (France Hybrid HPC Quantum Initiative) in which various quantum technologies will be coupled to the Joliot Curie supercomputer, hosted and operated at TGCC. This platform will be surrounded by application- and community support. A neutral-atom quantum computer from Pasqal called Ruby, acquired in the context of the HPCQS European project, is currently being installed and will be available by the end of 2024.

Like all quantum computers acquired by EuroHPC, Lucy will be made available to a wide range of users in the scientific community, industry and the public sector, throughout Europe. To enable communities to get better acquainted with the use of photonic quantum computing paradigms ahead of the system’s arrival at the TGCC in 2025, the consortium will be setting up a remote access to a 6-qubit Quandela system by the end of 2024.

“Quandela and attocube systems AG, two pioneering European deep-tech companies, have joined forces to introduce MOSAIQ-12, a state-of-the-art 12-qubit photonic quantum computer. This groundbreaking system integrates Quandela’s advanced qubit generator with attocube’s compact cryogenic system (attoCMC), alongside proprietary photon demultiplexing technology, a sophisticated 24-mode photonic chip, high-precision single photon detectors, and a comprehensive electronic and software control stack. MOSAIQ-12 represents a leap forward in quantum computing practicality, boasting a remarkably compact 2 square-meter footprint and energy-efficient operation at under 5kW. This achievement underscores the partners’ commitment to user-centric design and environmental responsibility. To ensure seamless transition, Quandela will provide access to a remote similar photonic quantum computing system from contract signing through system delivery. This collaboration between Quandela and attocube exemplifies the successful transition of quantum technology from theoretical research to practical, real-world applications, marking a significant milestone in the commercialization of quantum computing.”

“Following the commissioning of a first neutral atom system acquired through a joint acquisition between EuroHPC and GENCI, the installation of Lucy, a new photonic-based QPU from Quandela at TGCC marks another major milestone within the French and European quantum computing strategy. We are proud to make available to French and European HPC users such innovative European quantum computing technologies! This installation foreshadows the key role that quantum systems will play in the future world of hybrid HPC.” said Jacques-Charles Lafoucriere HPC Programme Director at CEA and Head of HQI.