Quantum computer startup reveals digital chip that operates at very low temperature

New York-based quantum computer startup SEEQC has developed a digital chip that can operate in temperatures colder than outer space, the company said.

Quantum computers promise to complete some calculations millions of times faster than today’s most powerful supercomputer.

One challenge is that quantum processors with quantum bits, or qubits, often need to be stored at very low temperatures, close to zero Kelvin, or -273.15 degrees Celsius. Classical computers, on the other hand, operate at more moderate temperatures.

But the two need to be paired, as information from quantum processors is measured in a waveform and must be digitized into ones and zeros for classical computers used to control and access the qubits.

Currently, wires connect the quantum processor in the freezing chamber to classical computers at room temperature, but the change in temperature can slow it down and cause other problems. SEEQC also created its quantum computer this way and is now trying to modify it with its new chips.

The first chip revealed on Wednesday (15) sits directly under the quantum processor, controls the qubits and reads the results.

The technology could make it easier to build more powerful quantum computers, as each cryogenic chamber would be able to support a larger number of qubits, John Levy, SEEQC co-founder and president, told Reuters. Today’s superconducting quantum computers have hundreds of qubits, but some estimate that thousands, or even a million, might be needed to create a quantum computer that runs useful algorithms.

At least two other chips still under development will be in a slightly warmer part of the cryochamber.

The company was founded in 2018 and has raised a total of $30 million from investors.