Quantum Brilliance, Fraunhofer IAF and Ulm University launch BMBF-funded research project to develop new techniques for the production of high-performance quantum microprocessors
Cooperation project "Deutsche Brilliance" lays the foundations for the commercialization of quantum computing and strengthens Germany's leading position in this market
Funding from the Federal Ministry of Education and Research in the amount of approximately 15 million euros
STUTTGART, January 19, 2022 ––– Quantum Brilliance, German-Australian manufacturer of innovative quantum computing hardware, the Fraunhofer Institute for Applied Solid State Physics IAF and Ulm University have launched a joint research project to develop new techniques for the production and control of diamond-based quantum microprocessors. The aim of the "Deutsche Brilliance" (DE-Brill) cooperation, which has a total volume of 19.9 million euros, is to solve two central challenges relating to diamond-based quantum computers by 2025: first, the development of a process for the defined placement of nitrogen atoms in the diamond crystal lattice for the production of quantum microprocessors. Second, new methods for the selective initialization, readout and manipulation of qubits in quantum computers with many processor nodes will be found. Both aspects represent important milestones on the way to the commercialization of quantum computing technology. The project is 74.8 percent funded by the Federal Ministry of Education and Research. The corresponding project profile can be found here.
Quantum Brilliance works at the Fraunhofer IAF site in Freiburg
Fraunhofer IAF and Quantum Brilliance are working closely together as part of DE-Brill. In order to make the best possible use of the plant infrastructure at the Freiburg site and to ensure short replacement cycles, a team from Quantum Brilliance can exclusively use the institute's own capacities for this purpose.
Germany and Quantum Brilliance: Securing a Position in Quantum Computing
The research project plays an important role in securing both Germany as a business location and Quantum Brilliance a sustainably strong position in the emerging global market for quantum computing. "With its research infrastructure and the know-how of its engineers, Germany has a globally unique framework for the development and production of quantum technology," explains Dr. Mark Mattingley-Scott, Head of Europe at Quantum Brilliance. "In addition, German politicians have also understood the importance of the topic and consistently promote important basic research. For this reason, we at Quantum Brilliance recently opened our European headquarters in Stuttgart and are focusing on collaborations with local research institutions in order to be at the forefront of the commercialization of high-performance quantum microprocessors in the future."
Future with synthetic diamonds
Quantum Brilliance is one of the pioneers in the use of synthetically generated diamonds in quantum computing. "Impurities" specifically implemented in diamonds – so-called NV centers, in which a nitrogen atom takes the place of a carbon atom in the crystal lattice, creating a void in the place of a neighboring carbon atom – are used to generate qubits, the elementary computing units of a quantum computer. The advantage over other approaches is that, thanks to the stability of the diamonds, the quantum properties are robustly preserved – even at room temperature. In contrast to quantum computing technologies, which still require energy-intensive cooling, for example with liquid helium, quantum accelerators based on synthetic diamonds can be produced in small form factors that can be used anywhere. In this way, quantum computing power can be made available in classical computing systems – a basic prerequisite for the commercialization of the technology and the step from the laboratory to practice. The first corresponding product generation from Quantum Brilliance has already reached market maturity, in the size of a 19-inch server rack module. The next miniaturization steps are imminent. Then the quantum computers will only be as big as a lunch box.
As part of the cooperation, Fraunhofer IAF and Quantum Brilliance are jointly developing precision manufacturing techniques for the production of scalable arrays from diamond qubits. In addition, Fraunhofer IAF will work on growth processes for diamond substrates of the highest purity and quality. At the same time, a team at the Institute of Quantum Optics at Ulm University is developing scalable readout and control techniques for diamond-based qubits that can be used to precisely control them.
"The approach pursued in this project of the targeted placement of NV centers is unique to date and a decisive step towards scaling NV arrays for application in quantum computing," explains Dr. Ralf Ostendorf, project manager on the part of Fraunhofer IAF. "For this reason, DE-Brill will also contribute to the further development of the technology with a view to future research projects as well as industrial use in the fields of sensor technology, imaging or communication."
About Fraunhofer IAF The Fraunhofer Institute for Applied Solid State Physics IAF
is one of the world's leading research institutions in the fields of III/V semiconductors and synthetic diamonds. On the basis of these materials, Fraunhofer IAF develops components for future-oriented technologies, such as electronic circuits for innovative communication and mobility solutions, laser systems for spectroscopic real-time sensor technology, novel hardware components for quantum computers, and quantum sensors for industrial applications. With its research and development work, the Freiburg-based research institute covers the entire value chain – from materials research to design and processing to the realization of modules, systems and demonstrators.
www.iaf.fraunhofer.de
About Quantum Brilliance Founded in 2019, Quantum Brilliance
is a venture-backed Australian-German manufacturer of quantum computing hardware. The company offers quantum accelerators made of synthetic diamonds as well as a set of software tools and applications. The vision is to enable the widespread use of quantum accelerators – to enable companies to take advantage of edge computing applications and next-generation supercomputers. Quantum Brilliance has partnerships in North America, Europe, and Asia Pacific, working with governments, supercomputing centers, research institutions, and IT industry leaders.