COLLEGE PARK, Md., Sept. 26, 2025 — IonQ, with support from the Air Force Research Laboratory (AFRL), reported successful demonstration of the frequency conversion of photons from visible wavelengths used to interface with trapped barium ions, into telecom wavelengths on a prototype system. The milestone paves the way for interconnecting quantum computers over vast distances using existing fiber optics infrastructure, IonQ said.

The "transformation" of visible light, which is used in IonQ's trapped ion quantum systems, into telecom wavelengths is essential for transmitting quantum information efficiently over long-haul fiber optic cables. The work marks a major advancement in IonQ’s long-term vision for the quantum internet — distributed quantum computing via secure quantum networks.

According to IonQ CEO Niccolo de Masi, the company is the first to demonstrate the ability to convert visible signals to telecom wavelengths. “We will soon connect two quantum computers over standard wavelengths, opening the floodgates for broadly networked quantum devices using commercial fiber infrastructure,” he said.

This announcement follows IonQ’s recent delivery and commissioning of the first trapped-ion quantum computer with integrated photonic interface to AFRL’s site in Rome, N.Y., as well as its planned acquisition of Vector Atomic.