Insider Brief:
- IonQ has partnered with imec to develop photonic integrated circuits (PICs) and chip-scale ion trap technology, aiming to create more compact and efficient quantum computing hardware.
- Through this collaboration, IonQ plans to replace traditional bulk optics with integrated photonics, reducing hardware size, improving system performance, and lowering costs.
- IonQ’s partnership with NKT Photonics will focus on delivering modular, next-generation laser systems tailored to meet the scalability and performance requirements of data center environments.
- These partnerships align with IonQ’s broader goal to establish a supply chain for quantum computing within the U.S., reinforced by their new manufacturing facility in Washington.
PRESS RELEASE — In a move towards scalable and enterprise-ready quantum systems, IonQ recently announced two new partnerships with imec and NKT Photonics. Both collaborations focus on developing advanced optical systems that are essential for achieving high-performance and reliable quantum systems. In its partnership with imec, IonQ will work to integrate photonic circuits and chip-scale ion trap technology, creating more compact and efficient hardware solutions. The collaboration with NKT Photonics focuses on next-generation laser systems designed to power IonQ’s upcoming quantum systems, ensuring the scalability and performance needed for data center applications.
Integrated Photonic Circuits for Enhanced Trapped Ion Quantum Computers
IonQ’s latest collaboration with imec, a global research center for nanoelectronics, focuses on the development of photonic integrated circuits (PICs) and chip-scale ion trap technology. According to IonQ, this partnership centers around moving beyond traditional bulk optics, which has long been the standard for delivering and modulating laser light in quantum computers. By transitioning to integrated photonics, IonQ intends to significantly reduce hardware size, improve system performance, and drive down costs.
Dean Kassmann, IonQ’s SVP of Engineering and Technology, highlighted the importance of this partnership, noting it “will have a profound impact on our ability to increase the computational power of our quantum computers through the co-development of compact, high-performance electro-optical systems.”
This collaboration is expected to enable more compact electro-optical systems, which aligns with IonQ’s commitment toward realizing “commercial quantum advantage.” By aligning its photonics with imec’s ion trap manufacturing, IonQ may be able to reduce the overall cost per qubit and bring high-performance systems to market faster, according to the release.
“We look forward to strengthening an already successful relationship with IonQ and further advancing what’s possible in chip-scale quantum technology,” said Paul Heremans, SVP Industry & Consumer at imec. “We believe imec’s advanced technologies, in particular integrated photonics, have a pivotal role to play in delivering cutting-edge devices for quantum computing.”
Next-Generation Laser Systems with NKT Photonics
In addition to imec, IonQ has teamed up with NKT Photonics, a subsidiary of Hamamatsu Photonics, to advance laser systems for its trapped-ion quantum computers. NKT Photonics will deliver three prototype optical subsystems by 2025, focusing on providing scalable and modular laser technology optimized for IonQ’s upcoming data center-ready quantum systems, including the barium-based models.
This modular, rack-mountable laser technology is designed to meet IonQ’s stringent requirements for wavelength precision and power, supporting systems that integrate into data center environments. Dr. Dave Mehuys, IonQ’s Vice President of Product Engineering, emphasized that this partnership will equip IonQ’s systems with “best-in-class laser technologies to power our next-generation quantum computers and networking solutions.”
“We look forward to partnering with IonQ and supplying them with our unique laser solutions to advance the quantum computing frontier. Today’s announcement extends NKT Photonics’ long history of delivering industry-leading optical solutions for innovators,” said Basil Garabet, President and CEO of NKT Photonics.
Building a Complete Quantum Manufacturing Ecosystem
These announcements continue IonQ’s ongoing efforts to build an advanced supply chain for quantum computing, particularly within the U.S. Earlier this year, IonQ opened the first quantum computing manufacturing facility in Bothell, Washington to establish an end-to-end domestic quantum production pipeline. This facility, alongside IonQ’s partnerships with imec and NKT Photonics are indicative of the company’s commitment to producing scalable, high-performance quantum systems that are accessible through cloud providers.
