Record 99.9% quantum computing accuracy achieved on existing silicon chips
Innovations in quantum computing, such as those demonstrated by Diraq, are crucial for integrating silicon qubit devices with standard transistors.
The quantum computing world is abuzz with Diraq, an Australian startup, setting a new benchmark. By utilizing existing semiconductor infrastructure, Diraq achieved a record-breaking 99.9% single-qubit fidelity on a quantum processing device.
This device, manufactured by Imec, a research hub utilizing CMOS materials on a 300 mm silicon wafer, marks a significant leap in quantum computing accuracy using existing semiconductor infrastructure.
Diraq asserts that 99.9% fidelity represents the level of precision necessary for full-scale, error-corrected quantum computer processors manufactured on existing silicon chip foundries.
Imec’s partnership crucial for Diraq’s quantum computing breakthrough
Imec, a leading independent nanoelectronics R&D hub, played a significant role in Diraq’s achievement.
“The record demonstration was achieved using a qubit device manufactured by Imec, the world’s leading independent nanoelectronics R&D hub, based in Leuven, Belgium,” said Andrew Dzurak, CEO and Founder of Diraq.
Dzurak further expressed his enthusiasm regarding his association with Imec.
“Diraq is very excited to be working with Imec. This relationship is crucial for Diraq’s technology roadmap, through which we intend to achieve a fully error-corrected quantum computing system ahead of our competitors,” he added.
Diraq leveraged technologies such as optimized qubit initialization, real-time feedback, control voltage pulse shaping, and advanced analysis tools like gate set tomography and randomized benchmarking.
These devices are designed to integrate silicon qubit devices which have standard transistors, potentially increasing the qubit numbers on a chip to millions or more.
CMOS-integrated qubits and GlobalFoundries partnership
World-leading experts in quantum control and quantum processor design are assisting Diraq in developing qubits that can be integrated with standard CMOS transistors.
These transistors contribute significantly to the IT industry. They are mass-produced on silicon chips that are used in mobile devices and cloud computing infrastructures.
“This proof point is a key milestone that paves the way towards integrating high-quality qubits with standard CMOS transistors on a single chip,” Diraq’s press release mentioned.
GlobalFoundries, a leading semiconductor manufacturer, will design the chips and manufacture them this year. However, it is crucial to make sure that the process is error-free.
“Commercially viable quantum computing capable of revolutionary applications, including the design of targeted pharmaceuticals and advanced materials, must employ quantum error correction processes that will require many millions of qubits,” Dzurak said.
He added that their roadmap to develop quantum processor chips on this scale leverages existing semiconductor foundry capabilities, which have benefited from over 60 years of development and trillions of dollars of investment.
Smaller in size
CMOS qubits are significantly smaller compared to modern transistors. This is quite in contrast to other modalities which require large, energy-intensive and expensive systems.
As an organization, Diraq is known for its prowess in silicon spin qubit research. They also hold numerous patents in the field.
The company aims to further contribute to quantum computing and revolutionize areas like drug discovery, optimization, cryptography, and more.
