Sussex scientists create world first by connecting quantum microchips

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TBM Team

For the first time ever, researchers in the UK have successfully transmitted data across quantum microchips. This could very well aid in removing a significant barrier to creating the first ever commercial quantum computer.

The milestone, which enables chips to be connected much like jigsaw puzzle pieces, was achieved by a crack team of experts from the University of Sussex and Universal Quantum, a quantum computer developer in Brighton. As a result, many more 'qubits' - the fundamental computing unit - may be combined than can fit on a single semiconductor. Meaning that a much more powerful quantum computer will be feasible. It's potentially a huge step forward in the field.

Additionally, the study, which has received funding from the Engineering and Physical Sciences Research Council (EPSRC), shattered the speed and accuracy records for previous quantum connections. The researchers achieved a remarkable 99.999993% success rate and a connection rate of 2424 transfers per second while transferring the qubits utilising electrical fields. These are both world records.

"This significant milestone is evidence of how EPSRC funded science is seeding the commercial future for quantum computing in the UK, says Dr. Kedar Pandya, Director of Cross-Council Programmes at EPSRC.

"The potential for complex technologies, like quantum, to transform our lives and create economic value widely relies on visionary early-stage investment in academic research. We deliver that crucial building block and are delighted that the University of Sussex and its spin-out company, Universal Quantum, are demonstrating the strength it supports."

Winfried Hensinger is a Professor of Quantum Technologies at the University of Sussex. He's also Chief Scientist and co-founder at Universal Quantum. He's said this about the news:

"As quantum computers grow, we will eventually be constrained by the size of the microchip, which limits the number of quantum bits such a chip can accommodate. In demonstrating that we can connect 2 quantum computing chips, a bit like a jigsaw puzzle, and, crucially, that it works so well, we unlock the potential to scale up by connecting hundreds or even thousands of quantum computing microchips."

TBM Team