IonQ and imec partner on quantum computing
The collaboration aims to develop integrated photonics systems to reduce the size and cost of quantum computing devices while increasing qubit count, reliability, and capabilities
Quantum computing company IonQ has announced that it is developing PICs and chip-scale ion trap technology for trapped ion quantum computing in partnership with R&D centre imec. By optimising the design, production, and integration of chip-scale photonic devices and ion traps for scalable and high-performance quantum computers, the developments aim to push the boundaries of quantum computing performance.
Traditional trapped ion quantum computing approaches rely on bulk optics for laser light modulation, delivery, and photon collection. By moving traditional bulk optical components into integrated photonic devices, IonQ aims to reduce overall hardware system size and cost, increase qubit count, and improve system performance and robustness. The company hopes that chip-scale optical technologies and its tight integration with imec’s trap manufacturing and packing will open up new system capabilities, increase reliability, drive down overall cost per qubit, and reduce time to market for new generations of quantum computers.
“Adding imec to IonQ’s set of fabrication and technology partners will have a profound impact on our ability to increase the computational power of our quantum computers through the co-development of compact, high-performance electro-optical systems,” said Dean Kassmann, IonQ’s SVP of engineering and technology. “This partnership marks a significant milestone in IonQ’s path to achieving commercial quantum advantage, demonstrating our commitment to combining technical performance improvements with scalability and enterprise-grade solutions.”
Since 2021, IonQ and imec have worked to prototype and refine photonic and ion trap technologies critical to IonQ’s quantum computing roadmap. This expanded engagement aims to develop advanced trap fabrication processes that will allow much richer trap and device functionality in the future.
“We look forward to strengthening an already successful relationship with IonQ and further advancing what’s possible in chip-scale quantum technology,” said Paul Heremans, SVP industry and consumer at imec. “We believe imec’s advanced technologies, in particular integrated photonics, have a pivotal role to play in delivering cutting-edge devices for quantum computing.”
