NORTH AMERICA | 10 May 2026 | 5 min
In Today’s world, quantum technologies are advancing at an incredible pace. As these systems scale and mature, the supporting technologies and infrastructure around them must evolve just as quickly. We’re seeing this firsthand across superconducting circuits, photonic platforms, and advanced cryogenic systems, where helium efficiency, gas containment, and absolute reliability are no longer “nice to have,” but essential.
That’s exactly why we developed the nXQi Helium Optimized Dry Multi‑Stage Roots Vacuum Pump.
Why Helium Optimization Matters More Than Ever
Helium is a critical resource in quantum applications, from dilution refrigeration operating at millikelvin temperatures to large‑scale cryogenic facilities supporting photonics and sensing technologies. At the same time, helium is increasingly scarce and expensive, making efficient recovery, recirculation, and containment a top priority for many of our customers.
We designed the nXQi dry vacuum pump specifically for high‑helium environments, where minimizing gas loss and maintaining system integrity is critical. Rather than adapting an existing pump for light gases, the nXQi is purpose‑built to handle helium‑3 and helium‑4 with confidence and consistency. With pumping speeds of up to 52 m³/h for helium, the nXQ55i variant delivers stable performance for cryostats, dilution refrigeration systems, leak detection setups, and other sensitive applications that depend on repeatable, reliable containment.
Leak‑Tight by Design
One of the defining characteristics of the nXQi is its exceptional leak‑tightness. In quantum environments, even the smallest of leaks can translate into helium loss, system instability, or increased operating costs over time. Which is why the nXQi was expertly engineered to achieve a remarkably low leak rate of < 5 × 10⁻⁸ mbar-l/s.
This superior level of performance and leak tightness is verified on every pump that is produced, and not merely a target metric of ours. Every nXQi pump undergoes an integral leak test as part of our rigorous quality process, and each pump is supplied with a certificate confirming the test has been successfully completed and validated. That level of verification helps give our peace-of-mind that their systems are protected from day one.
By minimizing gas loss, we help ensure consistent operation in applications where stable vacuum performance directly impacts experimental uptime, data quality, and long‑term system reliability.
Clean, Dry Operation with No Backstreaming
Helium systems demand cleanliness. Contamination can compromise gas purity, system performance, and sensitive downstream components. The nXQi’s dry, dust‑free multistage Roots design supports clean processes by eliminating oil, particulates, and backstreaming into the system.
Just as importantly, the nXQi does not backstream helium into the application. This helps maintain accurate pressure control and minimizes gas loss – a critical advantage in helium recirculation systems and closed‑loop cryogenic environments. The result is a cleaner vacuum, better gas retention, and more predictable performance over time.
Built for Reliability and Low Cost of Ownership
Reliability is a recurring theme in quantum development. Downtime is expensive, experiments are time‑sensitive, and system interruptions can be disruptive at every level.
The nXQi’s compact dry pump design delivers:
- Low noise levels for improved working environments
- Reduced energy consumption compared to traditional wet pumps
- No oil changes or disposal requirements
- Low maintenance intervals, up to five years
All of this contributes to reduced downtime and a lower total cost of ownership, while also supporting sustainability goals through cleaner operation and improved helium conservation.
Supporting Today’s and Tomorrow’s Quantum Modalities
The versatility of the nXQi makes it well‑suited to several fast‑growing quantum modalities
Superconducting Circuits
Dilution refrigeration at ~10–20 mK is fundamentally required for superconducting qubit operation. System performance is primarily constrained by cryogenic stability and cooling power at these temperatures. However, vacuum systems remain critical enablers. Reliable operation depends on stable low-pressure helium circulation, minimal vibration, and clean insulating vacuums to limit parasitic heat loads and maintain fridge stability. In this context, robust, helium-compatible roughing pumps play a key role in overall system uptime and scalability. The nXQi provides a dependable solution for these demanding cryogenic environments.
Photonic Quantum Systems
Photonic quantum is no longer confined to room‑temperature optics. Large‑scale cryogenic systems, often combining SNSPDs, dilution fridges, and helium recirculation, are becoming increasingly common. These facilities involve substantial helium flow and continuous pumping demands, where both vacuum and cryogenics are first‑order requirements. The nXQi is an ideal solution for many smaller and supporting systems within these complexities.
Trapped Ion Systems
Trapped ion quantum platforms typically operate at higher temperatures than dilution‑based superconducting systems, with many modern systems incorporating cryogenic operation around ~4 K to improve stability and reduce noise. While traditional trapped ion systems can operate at room temperature, current system designs increasingly leverage cryogenic environments, particularly in advanced research and scaling-focused platforms. These systems rely primarily on ultra‑high vacuum rather than high helium throughput, and conventional pumping solutions are typically sufficient for steady‑state operation.
As system architectures evolve toward more integrated cryogenic designs, requirements around vacuum stability, cleanliness, and long‑term reliability continue to increase. In these environments, robust dry pumping solutions provide value in supporting cryostats, system pump‑down, and auxiliary vacuum processes. The nXQi offers a reliable, clean, and leak‑tight solution well suited for these supporting roles within modern trapped ion system designs.
Designed with the Future in Mind
As quantum technology moves from research labs toward industrial scale deployment, the expectations placed on vacuum equipment continue to rise. We’ve engineered and built the nXQi to meet those expectations head on, delivering helium‑optimized, leak‑tight, clean, and reliable performance.
By focusing on efficient helium handling and robust system integrity, we help our customers protect a valuable resource, maintain consistent performance, and scale their quantum applications with confidence.
At Edwards, we are enabling the future of quantum technology by delivering the helium‑optimized vacuum solutions that advanced applications depend on.
Interested in learning more about the Edwards nXQi Helium Optimized Dry Multi-Stage Roots vacuum pump? CLICK HERE