Ephos, an Italian technology firm, is leading the asymmetric manufacture of glass chips purpose-built for quantum computing. Ephos is unique as the only photo manufacturer of quantum photonic chips on glass substrates. They do this with a new advanced technique called laser writing. This breakthrough creates an opportunity for a paradigm shift in the functionality of circuits, processing information with light instead of electricity. The company is a key player in a collaborative research initiative called QLASS, which aims to advance Europe’s goals in quantum technology.
Founded by Andrea Rocchetto, Ephos is playing a key role in a pan-European push to create a thriving quantum-chip industry. Ephos is resolute in the role we plan to play in deploying Europe’s first quantum-accelerated supercomputer by 2025. With Europe’s ambitious targets under their own Digital Decade and Chips Act, the company hopes to develop a self-sufficient quantum-chip industry by 2030.
The Unique Technology Behind Ephos’ Chips
Ephos’ glass chips provide a revolutionary new way to process information. Unlike their silicon-chip predecessors, these glass-based entities operate using light itself, which has great potential to travel faster and more efficiently than electrical signals. Each chip has as many as 200 reconfigurable optical modes, allowing for dynamic tuning in how light disperses across the chip.
This singular ability opens doors to greater computational capacity and flexibility. As Andrea Rocchetto explains, “Simulating quantum systems is likely to help us with drug discovery and the discovery of new materials.” The possible applications of this technology reach past computing, offering many breakthroughs in fields like biology, physics and materials science.
Giulia Acconcia, the coordinator of the QLASS initiative, explains that it is critical to use materials that can actually transmit light. First, you need to use materials through which you can transmit light. This is one of the most difficult parts because you need to trap light but you cannot have it absorbed,” says Acconcia. That ability to reduce absorption is key—as she explains, “If it is absorbed, it’s not gonna move.”
Collaborative Efforts in Quantum Research
Beyond Ephos’ engagement in the QLASS initiative lies a larger dedication to collaborative research across Europe. The national initiative brings together universities, businesses, and federal government experts to quickly advance breakthroughs in the burgeoning field of quantum technologies. By pooling the knowledge and skill across the sectors, the initiative’s goal is to overcome difficult challenges related to producing workable quantum systems.
As a whole, these efforts align strongly with the European Union’s strategic goals. These aims are articulated in both the Digital Decade and the Chips Act. These aims are to help develop innovation and technological self-reliance on the continent. Ephos is committed to bringing sustainable quantum-chip manufacture to market before 2030. Their work beautifully accomplishes all three of these goals.
Acconcia notes that this research fits perfectly with her love of green technologies. “This appeals to my interest in green technologies,” she says, underscoring the growing need for sustainable solutions in tech development.
Future Implications of Quantum Computing
As Ephos develops new out of the box ideas, the potential impact of their technology goes well beyond desktop computing power today. The possible advent of quantum computing offers transformational possibilities across a range of sectors including pharmaceuticals and materials science.
Rocchetto envisions a future where these enhanced capabilities will unlock fundamental discoveries about the universe. It will allow us to learn more about the universe itself. That’s the first and most important reason why we need to make these machines,” he claims. Such aspirations are a testament to the transformative potential of quantum computing technologies.
The work completed by Ephos is a strong indication of an important step in the continuing global race to build useful quantum computers. Ephos is adventurous in their thought and process, and deeply collaborative. As with every wave of the technological revolution, they promise to upend existing industries and revolutionize scientific research.