Edwards joins consortium for the development of an Error Corrected Quantum Computer
In February 2022 Edwards Vacuum became part of a consortium led by Universal Quantum www.qecproject.co.uk which was awarded a £7.5M grant from Innovate UK’s Industrial Strategy Fund to develop an error corrected Quantum Computer for commercial applications.
Whereas conventional Noisy Intermediate Scale Quantum (NISQ) quantum computers are limited in their operation by errors in qubits, the consortium aims to deliver an error corrected Quantum Computer and apply this technology to a Computational Fluid Dynamics Use Case.
Dr Sebastian Weidt, Co-Founder and CEO of Universal Quantum said “Error correction is crucial to achieving anything really useful with quantum computers, so we are absolutely delighted to have been awarded this grant. This project is an important step forward, helping us to go from today’s proof of principle machines to scalable quantum computers that can solve some of the world’s most pressing computational challenges.”
Quantum Microchip
This Quantum Computer will use trapped-ion technology and Edwards has responsibility for the design, assembly, optimisation and commissioning of an Extreme High Vacuum system in which the Quantum Error Corrected Quantum Computer (QEC QC) will be installed and operated.
As well as operating at the lowest practical pressures the XHV vacuum system requires solutions to unique elements such as specific gas loads, magnetic stability and cryogenic interfaces.
Edwards Project Manager, Pete Jones said: “Drawing on Edwards un-paralleled experience and expertise developed across many years and vacuum application areas we are working closely with all other consortium partners to ensure the delivery of a fully functioning platform for the QEC QC to successfully operate in.”
The project will run for 3 years.