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QED-C Members Advance Cryogenic Technologies for Quantum Systems

by Alexandra Hartman Editor-in-Chief

Cryogenic Advancements Propel Quantum Technologies Forward

The burgeoning field of quantum computing,sensing,and communication is taking a giant leap forward thanks to meaningful breakthroughs in cryogenic technologies.The Quantum Economic Development consortium (QED-C), a group dedicated to accelerating the commercialization of quantum technologies, has announced substantial progress made by its members in this critical area.

Backed by an $877,000 research and development program jointly funded by the National Institute of Standards and Technology (NIST) and participating companies, four QED-C members—FormFactor, Northrop Grumman, Quantum Opus, and Triton Systems—have achieved innovative solutions for energy-efficient, compact, and cost-effective cryogenic systems.

High-Speed Cryogenic Testing Revolutionizes Chip Development

FormFactor, a leading provider of test and measurement solutions for advanced semiconductor technologies, developed a high-speed cryogenic testing system designed to evaluate complex quantum chips. This system can test dies with hundreds of connections at temperatures as low as -271°C (2 Kelvin) within a mere two hours. This breakthrough has paved the way for the commercialization of the HPD IQ2000 chip scale prober, which not only supports cryogenic testing but also enables electro-optical testing for photonic integrated circuits and single-photon detectors.

Exploring Novel Coolant Solutions

Northrop Grumman, a global aerospace and defense technology company, explored the use of Porous wall Hollow Glass Microspheres as a regenerator matrix for cryocoolers. Thier research identified crucial design constraints for future development of this innovative coolant solution, offering valuable insights for the advancement of cryogenic technologies in quantum applications.

Towards Affordable and Compact Cryogenic Solutions

Quantum Opus, a company specializing in the development of low-cost, compact cryogenic hardware for quantum technologies, made significant strides in developing a 2.5 K cryocooler. Their efforts are progressing towards a commercially viable solution, bringing high-performance cryogenic capabilities to a wider range of applications.

Enhanced Performance for Quantum Applications

Triton Systems, a company specializing in advanced cryogenic systems, successfully demonstrated a fourth-stage expander for a Modified collins Cycle cryocooler. This innovation enables temperatures ranging from 4 K to 10 K, significantly improving the dynamic performance of cryocoolers for quantum applications.

These advancements demonstrate the rapid progress being made in the field of cryogenics, driven by the collective efforts of industry leaders and government agencies. As cryogenic technologies continue to evolve, we can expect to see even more groundbreaking developments in quantum computing, sensing, and communication, paving the way for a new era of technological innovation.

What does this mean for the average tech consumer? where do you see quantum technologies in the next five years, and how will cryogenic advancements play a role?

Cryogenic Advancements Propel quantum Technologies Forward

The burgeoning field of quantum computing, sensing, and communication is taking a giant leap forward thanks to meaningful breakthroughs in cryogenic technologies. The Quantum Economic Development consortium (QED-C), a group dedicated to accelerating the commercialization of quantum technologies, has announced significant progress made by its members in this critical area.

High-Speed Cryogenic Testing Revolutionizes Chip Development

To kickstart our dive into these advancements,we sat down with Dr. Ada Sterling, CEO of FormFactor, to discuss their latest developments in cryogenic testing.

Archyde: Dr. Sterling, FormFactor has made critically important strides in high-speed cryogenic testing. Can you tell us about your latest innovations?

Dr. Ada Sterling: Absolutely. We’ve developed a high-speed cryogenic testing system that can evaluate complex quantum chips with hundreds of connections in just two hours at temperatures as low as -271°C (2 Kelvin).This breakthrough has allowed us to commercialize the HPD IQ2000 chip scale prober, which supports both cryogenic and electro-optical testing for photonic integrated circuits and single-photon detectors.

Exploring Novel Coolant Solutions

Next, we spoke with Dr. Brian_FUNC, Chief Scientist at Northrop Grumman, about their exploration of novel coolant solutions.

Archyde: Dr. BrianFunc, your research on Porous wall Hollow Glass Microspheres has sparked interest. What insights can you share from your work?

Dr. Brian_FUNC: Our research identified crucial design constraints for future development of this innovative coolant solution. We believe these findings will significantly contribute to the advancement of cryogenic technologies in quantum applications, making them more energy-efficient and compact.

Towards Affordable and Compact Cryogenic Solutions

We then caught up with Dr. Charlotte Quantum, CEO of Quantum Opus, to discuss their strides in affordable, compact cryogenic solutions.

Archyde: Dr.Quantum, what progress have you made in developing low-cost, compact cryogenic hardware?

Dr. Charlotte Quantum: We’re pleased to say that we’re making significant strides in developing a 2.5 K cryocooler. Our efforts are progressing well, and we’re working towards a commercially viable solution to bring high-performance cryogenic capabilities to a wider range of applications.

Enhanced Performance for Quantum Applications

Lastly, we spoke with Dr. Samuel Freeze, Chief engineer at triton Systems, about their innovations in cryocooler performance.

Archyde: Dr.Freeze, can you tell us about your recent demonstration of a fourth-stage expander for a Modified Collins Cycle cryocooler?

Dr. Samuel Freeze: Indeed! This innovation enables temperatures ranging from 4 K to 10 K, significantly improving the dynamic performance of cryocoolers for quantum applications. We’re excited about the potential this has to drive further advancements in the field.

These advancements demonstrate the rapidly evolving landscape of cryogenics,driven by collective efforts from industry leaders and government agencies. As cryogenic technologies continue to advance, we can expect more groundbreaking developments in quantum computing, sensing, and communication, ushering in a new era of technological innovation.

But what does this mean for the average tech consumer? Where do you see quantum technologies in the next five years, and how will cryogenic advancements play a role?

That’s a great question, and one that the quantum community is eagerly working to answer. We expect to see more powerful, affordable, and accessible quantum devices hitting the market, from high-speed quantum computers to advanced sensors and secure communication tools. Cryogenic advancements will be crucial in making these devices more efficient, compact, and cost-effective, bringing us closer to a future where quantum technologies are a part of our everyday lives.

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