Scalable Qubit Array Detection for Rydberg Quantum Computers

This project focuses on improving the computational power of quantum computers. These new types of computers, based on building blocks called qubits, will be able to simulate new materials and medicines, optimize logistics and finance, and solve other problems that are too complex for classical computers to handle. However, current quantum computers are not yet powerful enough to perform such tasks -- the number of qubits needs to grow to tens of thousands and beyond, together with the optical and electronic systems needed to perform operations with qubits and read the results.

In this project, three leading companies from Canada and the UK -- Nuvu Cameras, Infleqtion and Riverlane -- will collaborate to develop systems to greatly improve the readout of the status of a particular type of qubits: arrays of individual atoms. Illuminated by laser pulses, these atoms respond by shining light of different colour or intensity depending on their status. An effective way to read the qubits is thus based on high performing cameras that take pictures of such arrays. These cameras must be highly sensitive, to precisely determine the status of each qubit, and rapidly send the collected images to the control electronics, to allow execution of quantum operations at speed.

Nuvu Cameras has already developed cameras providing high-fidelity detection at speed of arrays containing up to 256 qubits. These cameras must scale to enable high-speed readout of larger arrays, such as the 1225 qubit systems demonstrated by Infleqtion. Moreover, tight integration between Nuvu's cameras and Infleqtion's electronics managing the quantum computer must be realised to ensure fast data transfer. Riverlane is developing a new software for the control of qubits and data management that is scalable to thousands of qubits and will enable the execution of complex operations such as the correction of potential computational errors caused by the noisy nature of qubits. Riverlane's control system will connect to both Nuvu's cameras and Infleqtion's qubits, demonstrating qubit readout with high accuracy and at speed also in their scalable platform.

The partnership between Infleqtion, Nuvu and Riverlane will allow for collaborative development in this area of the quantum computing supply chain, helping Nuvu to develop cameras targeting the next generation of QCs, Riverlane to equip their quantum control systems with advanced readout capabilities and Infleqtion to validate the necessary hardware control layer. Together, this will enable the continued long-term growth of neutral atom quantum computing.