Advanced lasers for quantum technologies

Introduction

Quantum technologies represent one of the fastest emerging high-tech markets. The growth in the production of quantum computers goes hand in hand with the need for more affordable and reliable components of their hardware.

Importance of Frequency-Stabilised Lasers

In atomic quantum technologies, frequency-stabilised lasers are crucial elements that are used for cooling, manipulating, and detecting the qubits. However, most of the systems currently on sale in the market are conceived for a laboratory environment rather than for industrial production.

Challenges in Current Market

The very few turn-key systems that are available are bulky, complex, and expensive.

AQLAS Solution

In AQLAS, we merge an innovative laser design and a recently developed technology on fiber interferometry to realize a new, affordable, and compact laser module for implementing entanglement and high-fidelity qubit read-out in atomic quantum computers.

Advantages of the New Laser Module

The new laser module overcomes comparable commercial systems in terms of:

• Size: 4 to 10 times smaller
• Cost: 2 to 5 times cheaper

Development Phases

In AQLAS, we start from a TRL 4 proof-of-concept that has already demonstrated in the laboratory, and enclose it in a transportable 19’’ rack unit containing all the components, which will represent our Minimum Viable Product (MVP).

Transition to TRL 5

With the MVP, we will reach TRL 5 by demonstrating the system’s performance in the use case, i.e., qubit processing at a quantum computer company.

Future Goals

After this validation, we will focus on transforming the MVP into an OEM system for industrial production, thus reaching TRL 6.

Business Strategy and Funding

During the project, we will establish a feasible business strategy that will be refined with potential customers and investors. The funding readiness level will be elevated to 6, and we will create a strong IPR strategy with the goal of creating a new startup for which a solid investment case is presented.

Conclusion

AQLAS will foster the quantum computing revolution and contribute to establishing a sustainable quantum computer industry, positioning Europe as a leader in a new frontier technology.