Quantum boost for superconducting single photon detectors
Two of Europe’s leading quantum computing companies are using their technology to improve the design of next generation photonic quantum computers.
Multiverse Computing in Spain and Single Quantum in the Netherlands have won a $1.4m contract from the German Aerospace Centre (DLR) Quantum Computing Initiative (QCI) to develop new materials for superconducting single photon detectors in photonic quantum computers.
Multiverse Computing and Single Quantum will use quantum simulation to improve the superconducting film that allows the hardware to detect photons.
Researchers at DLR expect this work to enable quantum applications that outperform classical methods in the short- to mid-term on quantum hardware currently under development. The two quantum companies will use quantum simulation to improve the transmission capabilities of superconducting nanowire single photon detectors. The detectors developed by Single Quantum in Rotterdam are essential for quantum communications devices and more accurate than other types of photon detectors.
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There are multiple additional use cases for single photon detectors ranging from quantum computing to deep-space communication and bio-imaging. DLR’s exploration of these use cases aims to achieve quantum applications that outperform classical methods across transport, energy and security.
Multiverse’s quantum algorithm experts will work with hardware engineers at Single Quantum to create an algorithm specifically designed for the DLR QCI’s quantum computers. Single Quantum specializes in fast and highly sensitive light sensors based on a superconducting nanowire single photon architecture. The company was among the first to manufacture and commercialize superconducting nanowire single photon detectors.
“Materials simulation is a huge research area where we know classical computing has significant limitations,” said Enrique Lizaso-Olmos, co-founder and CEO of Multiverse Computing. “Finding new methods to efficiently simulate materials using quantum computing has great potential, and it is a problem worth investing in the long term due to its high value.”
“Our technology combines unparalleled detection efficiency and time resolution to make our superconducting detectors the ideal choice for many use cases, including quantum communication and cryptography,” said Andreas Fognini, Chief Technology Officer at Single Quantum. “We expect this work with Multiverse Computing and DLR to refine these capabilities even further.”
Other teams within the larger DLR QCI initiative will be able to use the knowledge from this project to simulate other materials or conduct additional quantum simulations, according to the researchers.
The Algorithms for Quantum Computer Development in Hardware-Software Codesign (ALQU) is one of many application projects within the DLR QCI. The materials science research led by Multiverse and Single Quantum will support two goals in the ALQU’s work: the efficient compilation of circuits on quantum hardware and the development of quantum algorithms for industrial use.
www.singlequantum.com; www.multiversecomputing.com
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