QuiX Quantum announces milestone in photonic quantum computing
The company says that researchers have generated a specific state of photonic qubits on its hardware that will be essential for scaling photonic quantum computers
QuiX Quantum has announced that researchers using its technology have successfully demonstrated the on-chip generation of Greenberger-Horne-Zeilinger (GHZ) states, a critical component for the advancement of photonic quantum computing. The company says that this breakthrough further validates its roadmap to deliver a scalable universal quantum computer.
A GHZ state involves entanglement across three photonic qubits, serving as the essential unit for building a more complex entangled structure called a resource state. Without the initial GHZ state, constructing this larger structure and performing computations would be impossible. According to QuiX Quantum, the ability to produce and maintain GHZ states, is critical for scaling quantum computers, meaning that this development is a major milestone in photonic quantum computing since the demonstration of a quantum advantage.
In a matter-based quantum computer, qubits are stationary, typically positioned on a specialised chip. In contrast, a photonic quantum computer uses flying qubits of light to process and transmit information. This information travels at the speed of light and is constantly passed from one state to another through a process called quantum teleportation. The GHZ states are the crucial resource enabling the computer to maintain this information.
QuiX Quantum says that research has confirmed that its integrated photonics technology is instrumental in developing universal, utility-scale quantum computers. The company adds that this technology is distinguished by its ability to operate at room temperature, along with minimal losses and complete programmability, and has been commercially available since its 2022 launch.
“The creation of GHZ states on our hardware is a pivotal milestone for the entire photonic quantum computing industry, signifying a crucial validation towards achieving a scalable universal quantum computer with flying qubits,” said Stefan Hengesbach, CEO of QuiX Quantum. “This milestone demonstrates the capability of photonic quantum computers to generate multi-photon entanglement in a way that advances the roadmap toward large-scale quantum computation. The generation of GHZ states is evidence of the transformative potential of QuiX Quantum’s photonic quantum computing technology.”
Chief scientist at QuiX Quantum and contributing author of the research paper, Jelmer Renema, added: “I am thrilled to witness QuiX Quantum’s technology potential being transformed into such conclusive validation. This is a critical step needed in creating scalable photonic quantum computers. The next challenge is now making many of these devices. When comparing one GHZ state to a million GHZ states, think of it as the spark needed to create a blazing fire. The more GHZ states a photonic quantum computer contains, the more powerful it becomes.”
