Qblox, a spinoff of the Delft-based quantum technology institute Qutech has set out to create a new system to control the qubits in a quantum computer. The startup is paving the way for building quantum computers with up to a 1,000 qubits and beyond.
“We’re developing a modular system that enables our customers to scale up their system by simply adding additional control modules,” explains Qblox cofounder and CEO Niels Bultink. “The module we’re building can control 20 qubits and has dimensions similar to two Monopoly boxes stacked on top of each other. Former systems, using existing electronics, needed a tower of at least two meters high to control the same 20 qubits. If we fill this tower with our modules, we can drive at least 200 qubits.”
By integrating several functions in one device, Qblox has also hugely reduced the amount of cabling. Decreasing the physical space isn’t the only challenge to overcome in developing a new control stack. To make the system modular, the separate control modules need to work together. This means that they have to be synchronized to send their signals simultaneously. (bits-chips)