US consortium to boost quantum cryo electronics
The Quantum Economic Development Consortium (QED-C) in the US is aiming to boost the development of cryogenics in quantum technology.
QED-C was established to identify gaps in enabling technologies and strategies to fill the gaps in cryogenics technology in quantum-based systems across computers, sensors and communications. FormFactor, Northrop Grumman, Quantum Opus and Triton Systems were all part of a research programme funded by the US National Institute of Standards and Technology (NIST).
“We are proud of the results that our members are reporting as a result of the cryogenics research program,” said QED-C Executive Director Celia Merzbacher. “While work remains, thanks to these projects we are making steady progress in novel cryogenic technologies that are more energy efficient, compact, and affordable.”
“Cryogenics is a vital technology for quantum and we were delighted to partner with QED-C members to advance U.S. innovation and industrial competitiveness”, said Andrew Wilson, technical lead for the NIST quantum research programme.
FormFactor in Livermore, California, created new testing capabilities for quantum chips by speeding up cryogenic testing for complex dies and devices. The capabilities allow users to test dies with hundreds of DC connections, dozens of RF connections, at temperatures as low as 2 Kelvin (-271 °C), in as little as two hours. FormFactor extended the system’s capabilities into electro-optics, which allow devices like complex photonic integrated circuits and single photon detectors to be tested quickly at low temperatures. This research led to the creation of a commercial product, the HPD IQ2000 chip scale prober.
Quantum Opus in Michigan worked to develop a low cost, compact 2.5 K cooler to make quantum technologies more accessible. Researchers worked on the technology using two technical paths, one focusing on a Gifford-McMahon 2.5 K cooler, while the other focused on a 2.5 K pulse tube cooler. Quantum Opus says the research was successful in bringing the company closer to its goal of a commercially viable, low-cost, and compact 2.5 K cryocooler.
Triton Systems in Massachusetts successfully demonstrated a fourth-stage expander of a Modified Collins Cycle cryocooler. The fourth-stage cryocooler will allow cryogenic devices to reach temperatures of 4 K-10 K. Triton’s project focused on including a full four-stage integrated thermodynamic design model to aid in hardware sizing for each stage, a cycle control algorithm to attain optimal high-performance operation under dynamic conditions, and development of compact, reliable, low temperature cold end valves.
Defense contractor Northrop Grumman studied the use of Porous Wall Hollow Glass Microspheres as a low cost, non-magnetic, readily available regenerator matrix for high frequency Stirling type cryocooler regenerators operating down to 3 Kelvin (K). The research team successfully identified key design constraints in using the microspheres but require additional development to be used as a regenerator matrix.
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