Finnish Quantum Startup Says Device Could Fit in a Bacterium
A team of researchers have engineered a fast and ultra-sensitive nanoscale bolometer that detects very faint microwave radiation. In fact, the radiation detected is so weak that heating up a cup of coffee at room temperature, for 1°C in a microwave oven would have taken 50 septillion times more energy. That is a 5 followed by 25 zeroes.
The team, included IQM co-founder Mikko Möttönen’s university research group, published their findings in a recent issue of Nature.
“The device is so tiny; it could even fit inside a bacterium,” said Möttönen who is a joint Professor of Quantum Technology at Aalto University and VTT.
According to a university news release, the bolometer can measure the energy of photons much more accurately and faster than before. This is essential for quantum computers, since measuring the energy of qubits, the quantum bits, is an integral part of quantum algorithms. Moreover, the device is small and readily integrable into superconducting quantum processors, providing a clear path towards real-world applications.
“We started the proof-of-concept using gold palladium for the bolometer,” said Roope Kokkoniemi, the first author of the Nature paper who just joined IQM. “It worked but at the same time we also figured out how to make it even better. This is where graphene comes in as a replacement. The end result is indeed a much better sensor that can operate at higher speed, so much better that it can be useful in reading out the state of a superconducting qubit, the building block of a superconducting quantum processor,” added Roope. This has also been a collaborative effort with Pertti Hakonen’s NANO group of Aalto University, with VTT, and with National University of Singapore.
Accelerating the development at IQM
The company reports that in quantum computers, such as the ones developed at IQM, this detector technology could prove very useful in replacing conventional readers and enabling the scaling up of future quantum processors due to its relatively small size. By virtue of being at the epicenter of quantum in Finland, IQM is in a unique position to commercialize such breakthroughs through close cooperation with the growing local quantum ecosystem.
“We consider this an exciting milestone in the field of quantum technology. IQM is constantly looking for new ways to enhance its quantum-computer technology and this new bolometer certainly fits the bill,” said Kuan Yen Tan, co-founder of IQM who was also involved in the research.
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Matt Swayne
With a several-decades long background in journalism and communications, Matt Swayne has worked as a science communicator for an R1 university for more than 12 years, specializing in translating high tech and deep tech for the general audience. He has served as a writer, editor and analyst at The Quantum Insider since its inception. In addition to his service as a science communicator, Matt also develops courses to improve the media and communications skills of scientists and has taught courses.
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IQM
IQM Finland builds scalable hardware for universal quantum computers, focusing on superconducting technology.
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VTT Technical Research Centre Of Finland
VTT is a Finnish, fully state-owned limited liability company that helps customers create new business and solve global challenges with science and technology. They help organizations that develop quantum technologies in scaling up, integrating, and interfacing devices towards profitable business cases. They have expertise in superconducting, photonic, and semiconducting technology platforms and want to be a leading foundry for producing quantum chips and providing services that make quantum computing possible in practice. Quantum services they provide include fabrication, process development, device modelling and design, device and systems characterization, quantum metrology, quantum control solutions including 3D integration, and thermal engineering.
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National University of Singapore
The National University of Singapore (NUS) is a prominent national public university and research institution in Singapore. Established in 1905 as the Straits Settlements and Federated Malay States Government Medical School, NUS holds the distinction of being the country's oldest independent university.
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