Copy a nine chapters in 5 years, Germany invests 50 million euros
In last week's Photon Box Weekly, we reported that the German Federal Ministry of Education and Research (BMBF) invested 150 million euros in the development of three types of quantum computers, including the QSolid project to develop superconducting quantum computers (76.3 million euros over 5 years) ), the Spinning project to develop a diamond quantum computer (€16.1 million over three years), and the PhoQuant project to develop an optical quantum computer (€50 million over five years).
We have already covered the first two projects in detail in the article "Germany allocates 100 million euros to build quantum computers", and today we will focus on the PhoQuant project for the development of optical quantum computers. It was brought back to our attention because the project's lead researcher, Prof. Christine Silberhorn from the Institute of Optical Quantum Systems (PhoQS) at the University of Paderborn, revealed an important message at the Falling Wall meeting in Germany - they will Build a system similar to the "Nine Chapters" optical quantum computer within five years.
In this project, a consortium led by quantum start-up Q.ANT (a subsidiary of TRUMPF) has secured around 50 million euros in research funding. About 42 million euros of this came from the BMBF, with the alliance's partners contributing about 8 million euros. Research funding will be used to build a facility to demonstrate and test optical quantum computer chips and other quantum computing components. Research optical quantum computing algorithms and techniques and prepare them for their application in industry.
The Institute of Photonic Quantum Systems (PhoQS) combines Paderborn's existing expertise in integrated and quantum optics, quantum information theory, and algorithmic and electronic engineering. Together, they can implement, control and characterize large quantum systems for light-based quantum information processing. Professor Christine Silberhorn said: "For the past few years and even decades, we have been a global leader in this field of research, conducting groundbreaking fundamental research. For the first time, this project has given us the opportunity to bring the This research is put into practice."
In addition to using the "Nine Chapters" as a benchmark, the project is also dedicated to the development of integrated photonic quantum devices. Q.ANT recently demonstrated a process capable of producing very powerful quantum computer chips. By creating highly specialized light channels on a silicon wafer, this photonic chip process is capable of guiding and controlling quanta at room temperature almost losslessly. This means that these chips could also be deployed on conventional mainframe computers in the future.
Fiber-optic cables are permanently attached to integrated optical quantum devices
Michael Förtsch, CEO of Q.ANT, said: "This funding sends an important signal that Germany is an innovation hub. We are at the beginning of the quantum computing era and the global market competition for this cutting-edge technology has already begun. Now this research consortium The resources provided played a crucial role in creating the German-made quantum computer."
Förtsch said: “In Germany, collaboration between leading researchers and companies is key to creating and working on quantum computer chips. Knowledge from Germany as a research center can only be used if industry, universities and applied research institutes work closely together. to create successful industrial products.”
The PhoQuant project is part of the BMBF framework program "Quantum Technologies - From Basic Research to Market", in which the Fraunhofer Institute for Applied Optics and Precision Engineering (IOF) in Jena is also involved.
Professor Andreas Tünnermann, head of the Fraunhofer IOF, said: "Researchers in Jena are developing integrated optical quantum light sources and low-loss integrated optical and fiber-optic interferometers as fundamental elements of optical quantum computers. To do this, not only Expertise in quantum optics and photonics is required, but also in hybrid chip architecture and connectivity technologies in particular. We contribute this expertise to such a highly dynamic project so that together with all participating companies and institutes, To achieve our common goal of creating a powerful quantum computer."
The PhoQuant project will run for five years, with the goal of demonstrating an initial prototype within two and a half years. Create a quantum computer chip capable of large-scale computing in up to five years. A total of 14 German companies, applied research institutes and universities participated, with Q.ANT taking the lead.
Each of these partners brings their own expertise to the project. Among other things, the University will develop and contribute fundamental research into quantum behavior. Applied research institutes support the translation of knowledge into practical methods. Startups will develop and build components for quantum computer chips.
Link:
https://www.uni-paderborn.de/en/news-item/97552
