Quantum Machines, a company that provides quantum control solutions, has announced the launch of its new product, OPX1000, a quantum controller designed for large-scale quantum computing. OPX1000 is a modular and scalable solution that can control up to 1000 qubits and beyond, with high performance and advanced capabilities.
What is OPX1000 and why is it important?
OPX1000 is a state-of-the-art quantum controller that features up to 64 output and 16 input channels in only 3 rack units (U) – the highest in-class density of control and readout channels. Moreover, multiple OPX1000 units can be connected to cost-effectively control the biggest quantum processing units (QPUs) of today as well as the ones planned for the coming years.
OPX1000 also has an analog frontend that is tailored for quantum computing rather than general RF equipment, offering unmatched real-time performance and datacenter reliability. It supports advanced features such as automated setup, embedded calibration, real-time error correction and more.
OPX1000 is important because it enables the scaling of quantum computers to thousands of qubits without compromising on performance. This is crucial for achieving practical large-scale quantum computing, which has the potential to solve problems that are intractable for classical computers.
Who are the customers and partners of Quantum Machines?
Quantum Machines is a leading provider of quantum control solutions that accelerate the development of practical quantum computers. The company was founded in 2018 by three physicists from Tel Aviv University, and has raised $83 million in funding so far.
Quantum Machines’ customers and partners include some of the world’s leading quantum research laboratories, HPC centers, and quantum computer manufacturers. Some of them are:
- IBM: Quantum Machines is collaborating with IBM to integrate its quantum orchestration platform with IBM’s Qiskit software framework.
- Microsoft: Quantum Machines is working with Microsoft to provide its quantum control hardware and software to Microsoft’s Azure Quantum ecosystem.
- Google: Quantum Machines is supplying its quantum control solutions to Google’s quantum AI lab.
- Rigetti: Quantum Machines is providing its quantum control hardware and software to Rigetti’s cloud-based quantum computing service.
- IonQ: Quantum Machines is delivering its quantum control solutions to IonQ’s trapped-ion quantum computers.
- ETH Zurich: Quantum Machines is supporting ETH Zurich’s research on superconducting qubits and quantum error correction.
How does OPX1000 compare to other quantum controllers?
OPX1000 is not the only quantum controller in the market, but it claims to have several advantages over its competitors. Some of them are:
- Channel density: OPX1000 has the highest channel density in the industry, offering up to 64 output and 16 input channels in only 3 rack units (U). This means that it can control more qubits with less space and cost.
- Analog performance: OPX1000 has an analog frontend that is optimized for quantum computing, delivering high bandwidth, low noise, fast rise/fall times, and built-in distortion and crosstalk compensation. This ensures high-fidelity control and readout of qubits.
- Real-time processing: OPX1000 has a powerful real-time processor that can execute complex pulse sequences, perform fast feedback loops, and implement real-time error correction. This enables adaptive and robust quantum operations.
- Scalability: OPX1000 is a modular solution that can be easily expanded by connecting multiple units together. This allows it to scale up to control even the largest QPUs available or planned for the near future.
- Software integration: OPX1000 is compatible with Quantum Machines’ QUA programming language, which is a high-level python-based language that simplifies the design and execution of quantum algorithms. OPX1000 also integrates with popular quantum software frameworks such as Qiskit, Cirq, and Forest.
What are the challenges and opportunities for Quantum Machines?
Quantum Machines faces several challenges and opportunities in the rapidly evolving field of quantum computing. Some of them are:
- Competition: Quantum Machines competes with other companies that provide quantum control solutions, such as Zurich Instruments, Keysight Technologies, Tektronix, and National Instruments. These companies have more experience and resources in the field of RF instrumentation, and may offer similar or better products in the future.
- Innovation: Quantum Machines needs to constantly innovate and improve its products to keep up with the increasing demands and expectations of its customers and partners. The company needs to offer new features, capabilities, and performance enhancements that can support the development of practical large-scale quantum computers.
- Collaboration: Quantum Machines needs to collaborate with other players in the quantum computing ecosystem, such as hardware providers, software developers, researchers, and users. The company needs to establish strong relationships and partnerships that can create value and synergy for all parties involved.
