Rigetti and QphoX Announce New Optical Readout Technique for Superconducting Qubits
Collaborative research from Rigetti and QphoX demonstrates the ability to readout superconducting qubits with an optical transducer. This approach could have benefits in building scalable quantum computers as it could be a more compact, modular, approach for measuring qubit performance in quantum computing systems that rely on microwave amplification.
Rigetti Computing, Inc. (Nasdaq: RGTI) (“Rigetti’’ or the “Company”), a pioneer in full-stack quantum-classical computing, and QphoX B.V., a Dutch quantum technology startup that is developing an optical readout solution for microwave-based quantum systems, today announce that they have demonstrated the ability to readout superconducting qubits with an optical transducer. Current qubit readout techniques used by superconducting quantum computer systems in cryogenic environments can be resource intensive from a thermal and power usage perspective. This technique could have benefits in designing and building scalable quantum computers as it is a more compact, modular, heat-efficient approach to conducting qubit readout.
The team’s initial proof of concept using QphoX’s optical transducer connected to a Rigetti superconducting transmon qubit achieved an optical readout with a fidelity exceeding 99%. This demonstration marks an important milestone in Rigetti and QphoX’s collaboration to evaluate the potential of applying microwave-to-optical conversion to multi-qubit readout in superconducting qubit devices.
New research recently released by the Rigetti and QphoX teams shows, for the first time, the results of qubit readout (determining the qubit’s state) using a fully integrated transducer that can scale alongside next generation quantum computers.
“Exploring new approaches to qubit signal processing as we plan to scale to even larger qubit counts is a valuable undertaking and we are thrilled to be able to benefit from QphoX’s expertise in optical readout technology,” said Dr. Subodh Kulkarni, Rigetti CEO.
“By leveraging our unique microwave to optical quantum conversion technology, we’re able to minimize the spatial and heat load constraints placed on the cryostat in which modern quantum processors are housed, allowing us to support scaling of these systems to commercially interesting numbers of qubits. Our demonstration of this technology with a Rigetti quantum integrated circuit (QuIC) device highlights the maturity and potential of our technology and marks a milestone in our partnership” said Dr. Robert Stockill, CTO and Co-Founder at QphoX.
About Rigetti
Rigetti is a pioneer in full-stack quantum computing. The Company has operated quantum computers over the cloud since 2017 and serves global enterprise, government, and research clients through its Rigetti Quantum Cloud Services platform. The Company’s proprietary quantum-classical infrastructure provides high performance integration with public and private clouds for practical quantum computing. Rigetti has developed the industry’s first multi-chip quantum processor for scalable quantum computing systems. The Company designs and manufactures its chips in-house at Fab-1, the industry’s first dedicated and integrated quantum device manufacturing facility. Learn more at rigetti.com.
About QphoX
QphoX is developing the world’s first Quantum Modem™, a breakthrough device that will allow the quantum computing industry to scale through connectivity and parallelization and unlock the potential of the Quantum Internet. QphoX also provides optical readout and control solutions for quantum processors to address intermediate scaling challenges within single cryostats. The company’s first product, a cryogenic switch controller for actuation of microwave switches, has recently been released. QphoX is based in Delft, the Netherlands. See www.qphox.eu for more information.
Cautionary Language Concerning Forward-Looking Statements
This press release includes “forward-looking statements’’ within the meaning of Section 27A of the Securities Act of 1933 and Section 21E of the Securities Exchange Act of 1934 relating to the QphoX’s development of an optical readout solution for microwave-based quantum systems and the demonstration of the ability to readout superconducting qubits with an optical transducer; Rigetti’s and QphoX’s expectations related to optical transducers; and the potential of new approaches to qubit signal processing as Rigetti scales to larger qubit counts. These forward-looking statements are based upon estimates and assumptions that, while considered reasonable by the Company and its management, are inherently uncertain. Factors that may cause actual results to differ materially from current expectations include, but are not limited to: the Company’s ability to leverage microwave to optical quantum conversion technology and achieve the necessary optical readouts, achieve milestones, technological advancements, including with respect to its technology roadmap, help unlock quantum computing, and develop practical applications; the ability of the Company to obtain government contracts successfully and in a timely manner and the availability of government funding; the potential of quantum computing; the ability of the Company to expand its QCaaS business; the success of the Company’s partnerships and collaborations; the Company’s ability to accelerate its development of multiple generations of quantum processors; the outcome of any legal proceedings that may be instituted against the Company or others; the ability to meet stock exchange listing standards; the ability of the Company to grow and manage growth profitably, maintain relationships with customers and suppliers and attract and retain management and key employees; costs related to operating as a public company; changes in applicable laws or regulations; the possibility that the Company may be adversely affected by other economic, business, or competitive factors; the Company’s estimates of expenses and profitability; the evolution of the markets in which the Company competes; the ability of the Company to implement its strategic initiatives, and continue to innovate its existing services; the expected use of proceeds from the Company’s past and future financings or other capital; the sufficiency of the Company’s cash resources; macroeconomic conditions, including unfavorable conditions in the Company’s industry, the global economy or global supply chain, including financial and credit market fluctuations and uncertainty, rising inflation and interest rates, impacts of the COVID-19 pandemic, disruptions in banking systems, increased costs, international trade relations, political turmoil, natural catastrophes, warfare (such as the ongoing military conflict between Russia and Ukraine and related sanctions against Russia), and terrorist attacks; and other risks and uncertainties set forth in the section entitled “Risk Factors” and “Cautionary Note Regarding Forward-Looking Statements” in the Company’s Annual Report on Form 10-K for the year ended December 31, 2022, the Company’s future filings with the SEC, including the Company’s Quarterly Report on Form 10-Q for the three months ended June 30, 2023, and other documents filed by the Company from time to time with the SEC. These filings identify and address other important risks and uncertainties that could cause actual events and results to differ materially from those contained in the forward-looking statements. Forward-looking statements speak only as of the date they are made. Readers are cautioned not to put undue reliance on forward-looking statements, and the Company assumes no obligation and does not intend to update or revise these forward-looking statements other than as required by applicable law. The Company does not give any assurance that it will achieve its expectations.
