PHOQUSING Project Yields Largest Photonic Processor to Date

As part of the European Union (EU) funded PHOQUSING project, quantum technology startup company QuiX Quantum has created what is reportedly the largest quantum photonic processor to date, compatible with quantum dots. The processor is the central component of the quantum sampling machine, a near-term quantum computing device able to show a quantum advantage, and one of the primary goals of the PHOQUSING project. The project additionally seeks to develop a hybrid computational system based on integrated photonics technology that combines classical and quantum processes.

The processor is a 20-mode silicon nitride photonic chip that is optimized for use at the near-infrared wavelength range, operating at a wavelength of 925 nm. The photonic chip processor features 20 input modes with 190 unit cells and 380 tunable elements. In addition to the large number of modes, key features of the quantum photonic processor include low optical losses of 2.9 decibels per mode and high fidelity — 99.5% for permutation matrices and 97.4% for Haar-random matrices. The turnkey processor also enables high-visibility quantum interference of 98%.

As part of the PHOQUSING project, which aims to realize a quantum sampling machine that will push the potential of photonic quantum computing forward in showing a European quantum advantage, QuiX Quantum has delivered a quantum photonic processor that operates at a wavelength of 925 nm, with 20 input modes, 190 unit cells, and 380 tunable elements. Courtesy of ArtemisDiana/Shutterstock.

The project comprises seven partners from France, Italy, the Netherlands, and Portugal: five academic and research organizations and two industrial players. This work has received funding from the EU’s Horizon 2020 research and innovation program under the PHOQUSING project.