Jülich Research Center Partners with ARQUE Systems to Advance Scalable Semiconductor Quantum Computers

Insider Brief:

• The Jülich Research Center has partnered with ARQUE Systems to integrate a 5-qubit semiconductor-based quantum computer into the JUNIQ platform at the Jülich Supercomputing Centre, with future scalability to hundreds of qubits.

• ARQUE Systems uses innovative semiconductor qubits based on transistor-like structures to capture single electrons and leverage their spin for computation, collaborating with Helmholtz Nano Facility and Infineon Dresden to develop scalable designs.

• ARQUE Systems’ patented processor architecture enables qubit movement along shuttle paths on-chip, facilitating the integration of millions of qubits and control electronics within a compact design for advanced quantum computing capabilities.

• Image Credit: Forschungszentrum Jülich

• Editor’s Note: The following has been translated from German to English using ChatGPT.

PRESS RELEASE –The Jülich Research Center has entered into a significant development partnership with ARQUE Systems. As part of this collaboration, a patented quantum computer with a 5-qubit quantum processor will be integrated into the JUNIQ (Jülich Unified Infrastructure for Quantum Computing) research platform of the Jülich Supercomputing Centre (JSC) next year. The semiconductor-based quantum computer is already designed to scale up to hundreds of qubits in the future.

Current quantum chips are extremely sensitive to environmental influences, making it difficult to construct stable and error-free quantum computers. Error correction requires millions of qubits, as thousands of physical qubits are needed to create a few logical, error-free units. However, scaling from the current 1,000 qubits to one million is an extremely challenging task.

ARQUE Systems’ Solution

ARQUE Systems uses semiconductor qubits based on transistor-like structures. Instead of traditional switches, they capture single electrons, utilizing their spin as quantum computing units. This technology is closely related to existing semiconductor manufacturing methods. To develop scalable structures and qubits, ARQUE Systems collaborates with the Helmholtz Nano Facility at FZJ and Infineon Dresden.

A key advantage of semiconductor qubits lies in their small size and the ability to integrate classical control electronics with qubit units on a semiconductor chip within a tile of about 100 µm². The chip can then be constructed with millions of such tiles, though this requires connectivity between the tiles. ARQUE Systems addresses this challenge by enabling the movement of qubits on the chip. Electrons are transported along so-called shuttle paths, like a conveyor belt, over several micrometers without losing the information encoded in their spin. Based on this principle, ARQUE employs a unique and patented processor architecture published in the renowned journal Nature Communications. This technology allows for the potential integration of millions of qubits on a single square-centimeter chip, including the necessary infrastructure such as connections and control electronics.

About JUNIQ

The Jülich Unified Infrastructure for Quantum Computing (JUNIQ) provides academia and industry with access to state-of-the-art quantum computers. Integrating these systems into the modular HPC environment of the JSC also enables hybrid quantum-HPC applications. Combining quantum systems and supercomputers allows for leveraging the strengths of both technologies and exploring the potential of quantum computers for practical applications today. Quantum computing is expected to have significant impacts on optimizing industrial processes such as logistics, transportation systems, and process engineering, as well as in cryptography. It also has versatile applications in fundamental sciences, including physics, chemistry, biology, medicine, and materials research. Additionally, the technology opens up new perspectives in machine learning and artificial intelligence.

About ARQUE Systems GmbH

ARQUE Systems GmbH is a spin-off of Forschungszentrum Jülich and RWTH Aachen University and a leading developer of spin-based semiconductor quantum computers, as well as a pioneer in quantum processors. With a comprehensive patent strategy covering more than 20 innovations, from components to systemic units, ARQUE drives technological innovation. Its interdisciplinary team of experts in quantum physics, materials science, engineering, and management combines scientific excellence with entrepreneurial expertise. Through strong national and international partnerships, ARQUE successfully transforms visionary research into market-ready technologies and business models.

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