QCi wins NIST contract for TFLN PICs
The contract with NIST, part of the US Department of Commerce, leverages QCi’s prototyping capabilities and foundry services, highlighting the growing demand for thin-film lithium niobate chips and marking a step toward the company’s goal of becoming a trusted US-based supplier of photonic technologies
Quantum Computing Inc. (QCi), an integrated photonics and quantum optics company, has announced it has been awarded a contract by the National Institute of Standards and Technology (NIST), part of the US Department of Commerce, for the design and fabrication of thin-film lithium niobate (TFLN) PICs. In addition, the company has received a chip order from a Fortune 500 science and technology company that provides advanced solutions across defence, intelligence, civil, and commercial markets.
As QCi’s first direct government contract for its TFLN foundry services, the company says this represents a key step in its plans to become a trusted US-based supplier of advanced photonic technologies. Together with this new commercial order, QCi adds, the contract builds on its prior quantum-related government subcontracts and underscores growing demand for domestic TFLN capabilities.
According to QCi, the contract leverages its prototyping capabilities and foundry services to deliver mission-critical photonic components on an accelerated timeline. The project scope includes design support and fabrication of TFLN-based PICs, with performance requirements focused on low-optical-loss waveguides, high-performance modulators, and narrow-band filters.
“QCi is proud to deliver advanced photonic solutions to market through our commercial foundry,” said Milan Begliarbekov, chief operating officer of QCi. “Additionally, we’re pleased to add a leading Fortune 500 defence and technology contractor to our growing list of commercial customers, reinforcing the broad applicability of our TFLN platform across high-security, mission-critical environments.”
Pouya Dianat, chief revenue officer of QCi, commented: “We are excited to support the NIST mission with our state-of-the-art TFLN capabilities. We are also encouraged to see commercial leaders in national security and technology infrastructure begin to adopt our chips in support of their missions. This contract highlights the potential of our foundry model and our commitment to providing secure, domestic access to cutting-edge photonic technologies. This award marks an important early milestone in our strategy to build long-term government and commercial partnerships.”
