The Air Force Research Laboratory (AFRL) has awarded a substantial contract to Rigetti Computing and QphoX to further develop superconducting quantum networking technology, underlining its significance in advancing secure communications and distributed computing capabilities. The collaboration is centered on leveraging and integrating quantum technologies that facilitate enhanced communication between quantum systems, offering innovative solutions in quantum networking.
QphoX, based in Delft, and Rigetti, headquartered in California, will receive funding of $5.8 million over three years from AFRL, marking a significant step in their ongoing endeavors in quantum connectivity. While both companies specialize in quantum technology, QphoX focuses on quantum modems and transducers, and Rigetti is renowned for its work on superconducting quantum circuits. Prior advancements in similar projects had paved the way for collaborations between tech firms and governmental bodies in exploring the potential of quantum networks.
What makes this collaboration unique?
The current challenge that both companies aim to address involves converting microwave signals, used in superconducting qubits, into optical photons suitable for fiber optics. Rigetti and QphoX’s joint effort in demonstrating a system that melds qubits and transducers is a noteworthy advance. They intend to bring together Rigetti’s superconducting microwave qubits with QphoX’s transducers for seamless quantum state transfer. This cross-technology integration is aimed at achieving reliable long-distance quantum communication.
How do QphoX and Rigetti’s roles complement each other?
QphoX brings to the table its expertise in creating quantum transduction systems, enabling quantum computers to communicate over optical frequencies effectively. Their track record in merging photonic, MEMS, and superconducting technologies provides a bridge among various frequency domains. Meanwhile, Rigetti’s forte lies in designing and operating scalable quantum computing systems, offering extensive experience in quantum infrastructure. The synergy between the two companies aims to fulfill the quantum communication potential of their technologies.
Dr. Simon Groeblacher, CEO of QphoX, emphasized the importance of field applications, stating,
“Bringing our technology together with our partners directly into the hands of an end-user who develops quantum networks based on superconducting qubits linked with optical interconnects is a critical milestone for this field.”
For Rigetti, the focus is on leveraging its quantum-classical hybrid networks, enhancing the scalability and efficiency of interconnecting quantum systems. CEO Dr. Subodh Kulkarni highlighted the collaboration’s strategic importance, remarking,
“By joining Rigetti’s leadership in designing, fabricating, and operating superconducting qubits with QphoX’s transduction technology, and AFRL’s expertise in hybrid networked quantum systems, this is an exciting opportunity to advance superconducting quantum networking.”
The collaborative efforts between Rigetti and QphoX underlie the broader pursuit of operationalizing quantum networks. Government investments in these technologies not only assure competitive superiority in quantum information science but also set a precedence for further global scientific experimentation and partnerships in the quantum realm.
