PsiQuantum Unveils Omega, a Production-Ready Photonic Quantum Computing Chipset

PsiQuantum has introduced a new quantum photonic chipset called Omega, which is intended for large-scale quantum computing. This chipset features advanced photonic components that are produced at GlobalFoundries, marking a significant move towards building quantum computers that can tackle complex problems. The Omega chipset successfully combines single-photon qubits with silicon photonics technology that is commonly used in telecommunications, helping to address some major challenges in scaling up quantum systems.

The Omega chipset is a crucial step in PsiQuantum’s plan to create million-qubit quantum computers. In a recently published paper in the scientific journal Nature, the company highlighted the remarkable performance levels of the components within the Omega chipset. These include high-quality qubit operations and a long-range way to connect chips, which is vital for scaling quantum technology. The production of these chips takes place in a high-volume semiconductor facility, showcasing a new era of development that extends beyond traditional research settings. Additionally, PsiQuantum is set to establish large Quantum Compute Centers in Brisbane, Australia, and Chicago, Illinois, demonstrating their commitment to transitioning from research to practical applications.

Manufactured in New York by GlobalFoundries, the Omega chipset integrates innovative technologies into established industrial processes, making it well-suited for large systems. PsiQuantum’s technology is based on single photons, which are manipulated using silicon photonics that were originally designed for networking. The company has not only enhanced the performance of these components but also introduced new materials for improved efficiency in detecting single photons and for optical switching. They have faced various challenges, including reducing background noise and operating the chips in low-temperature environments, achieving impressive performance metrics like 99.98% fidelity for single-qubit operations.

PsiQuantum’s founding team has been a pioneer in the field of quantum computing, achieving significant milestones such as the first demonstration of a two-qubit logic gate using single photons more than 20 years ago. The team has since refined their focus on overcoming the challenges involved in scaling quantum systems, which is crucial for creating commercially viable quantum computers.

In addition to the Omega chipset, PsiQuantum has developed a new cooling solution for quantum computers, moving away from the traditional dilution refrigerators towards a more effective cuboid design, similar to a datacenter server rack. This innovation, outlined in the Nature paper, is currently being implemented at their facility in the UK and has contributed to the performance results presented.

With these advancements, PsiQuantum can manufacture a large number of quantum chips and is now focused on connecting these chips into bigger systems. The company is working through partnerships, including one with the U.S. Department of Energy, to enhance their capabilities. One significant advantage of their photonic quantum computers is that they can network using standard telecom optical fiber, which eliminates the need for conversion between different types of technology. PsiQuantum has already demonstrated high-quality quantum connections over distances of up to 250 meters.

In 2024, PsiQuantum formed partnerships with the Australian Federal and Queensland State governments, as well as the State of Illinois and the City of Chicago, to kickstart the construction of their first utility-scale quantum computers in Brisbane and Chicago. These collaborations emphasize the urgency of developing million-qubit systems essential for these projects. This year, PsiQuantum is set to begin building Quantum Compute Centers in both locations.

The leadership team at PsiQuantum, including CEO Jeremy O’Brien, recognizes that leveraging the semiconductor industry is key to developing practical quantum computers. Both PsiQuantum and GlobalFoundries have committed to pushing the boundaries of what is possible in quantum technology, combining their strengths in manufacturing and innovative quantum computing capabilities.

Ultimately, PsiQuantum’s Omega chipset exemplifies a major shift from theoretical exploration to actualizing the potential of quantum computing, paving the way for powerful, scalable systems.