SEEQC Develops Digital Chips For Operations At Cryogenic Temperatures To Accelerate Quantum Computer Development

Quantum computer, based on quantum physics. (photo: dock. Pixabay)

JAKARTA - New York-based quantum computer startup, the SEEQC, develops a digital chip that can operate at temperatures colder than vacuum so that it can be used with quantum processors often in cryogenic spaces. Quantum computers, based on quantum physics, have the potential to one day be able to complete several calculations millions of times faster than today's strongest supercomputers.

One of the challenges faced is that quantum processors with quantum bits, or qubits, often need to be stored at very cold temperatures close to zero Kelvin, or -273.15 Celsius. However, these two computers need to be paired because information from quantum processors is measured in waveform and must be digitized into one and zero for classical computers used to control and access qubits.

Now, the SEEQC announces the development of a digital chip capable of operating at cryogenic temperatures. In the early stages, a chip is placed directly under a quantum processor to control the qubit and read the results.

At least two other chips that are still under development will be in a slightly warmer cryogenic chamber section. This SEEQC digital chip can help facilitate the construction of a stronger quantum computer as each cryogenic room will be able to support a larger number of qubits.

This technology can also improve the efficiency and speed of communication between quantum computers and classical computers used to control and access qubits. This is due to the use of cables to connect quantum processors located in a cryogenic chamber with classical computers that are at warmer temperatures that can lead to decreased speed and other problems.

The SEEQC is a startup founded in 2018 and has raised a total of 30 million US dollars (Rp464 billion) (from investors including M Ventures from Merck and LG Tech Ventures. The SEEQC digital chip was built at the SEEQC fabrication facility at Elmsford using silicon wafers but did not use transistors.

In the long term, this technology is expected to help accelerate the development of more robust and applicable quantum computers for a variety of fields such as cryptography, drug development, logistical optimization, and others.