Oxford Ionics, a spinoff from the University of Oxford, has set a new benchmark in quantum computing with its latest high-performance quantum chip. Notably, this record-breaking achievement was accomplished without the use of error correction, and the chip can be produced using existing semiconductor manufacturing facilities.
Oxford Ionics, founded in 2019 employs a trapped ion approach to quantum computing. This method offers precise measurements and allows qubits to remain in superposition for extended periods. Traditionally, controlling trapped ions for computation involves the use of lasers. However, Oxford Ionics has pioneered an alternative method, dubbed Electronic Qubit Control, which eliminates the need for lasers by achieving the same effect electronically.
The team at Oxford Ionics has successfully integrated all necessary components for controlling trapped ions onto a single silicon chip. This breakthrough allows the chip to be manufactured at any existing semiconductor fabrication plant, paving the way for scalable trapped-ion-based quantum computers.
In a press release shared with Interesting Engineering, Oxford Ionics announced that it had set industry records for both two-qubit and single-qubit gate performance.
“The industry’s biggest players have taken different paths towards the goal of making quantum computing a reality,” said Chris Ballance, co-founder and CEO of Oxford Ionics. “From the outset, we have taken a ‘rocket ship’ approach—focusing on building robust technology by solving the really difficult challenges first. This has meant using novel physics and smart engineering to develop scalable, high-performance qubit chips that do not need error correction to get to useful applications and can be controlled on a classic semiconductor chip.”
One of the major hurdles in quantum computing is the propensity for errors due to the system’s rapid computing rates. Researchers typically use large numbers of qubits to form logical qubits, which provide more coherent results and incorporate error correction mechanisms. Oxford Ionics claims that its high-performance qubits can function without the need for error correction, thus enabling commercial applications without the additional costs associated with error correction.
The company is confident in the scalability of its Electronic Qubit Control system, predicting that it will be able to produce a 256-qubit chip within the next few years.
“When you build a quantum computer, performance is as important as size—increasing the number of qubits means nothing if they do not produce accurate results,” said Tom Harty, CTO at Oxford Ionics. “We have now proven that our approach has delivered the highest level of performance in quantum computing to date, and is now at the level required to start unlocking the commercial impact of quantum computing.”
“This is an incredibly exciting moment for our team, and for the positive impact that quantum computing will have on society at large,” Harty concluded.
