Silicon Quantum Computing (SQC), a Sydney-based start-up, has unveiled its latest innovation: Quantum Twins, a silicon quantum simulator designed to tackle complex material problems. Thanks to direct contracts, customers can now get access to this cutting-edge product. This launch represents an exciting new milestone in SQC’s mission to transform the quantum technology revolution.
Michelle Simmons, the founder of SQC, has spent more than 25 years pursuing academic research in the field. Within her tenure, SQC has been on the forefront of pushing the boundaries of quantum computing. The Quantum Twins product is based on the Precision Atom Qubit Manufacturing process that the private company founded in 2017 developed. It uses arrays of phosphorus atoms to produce new types of registers.
The Technology Behind Quantum Twins
Now, the Quantum Twins simulator can operate on clusters up to 10-50 phosphorus atoms. These five atoms are critical for manufacturing the chips needed for all of today’s applications. SQC’s talented crew is adept at positioning single phosphorus atoms. In an effort to improve the usefulness of their simulator, they decided to work with clusters. This genius approach permits the simulator to fundamentally investigate in detail the metal-insulator transition prevalent in two-dimensional materials.
We don’t use qubits like conventional quantum computers, said Sam Gorman, the quantum systems engineering lead at SQC. Instead, we physically encode the problem directly into the geometry and structure of the array itself. To bring the simulator to life, the simulator uses the power of 15,000 quantum dots. This grants it the unique ability to analyze phase transitions between insulating and metallic states as well as all conditions in between.
The incredible pace at which SQC can pump out these chips is astounding. The logic company’s proprietary process can create 250,000 registers on a single chip in eight hours. It’s able to iterate on a chip design in a week’s timeframe. This efficiency makes SQC unique compared to SQC’s competitors and moves research and development into material science at a faster pace.
Applications and Future Prospects
Initially, the Quantum Twins product will see its uses mostly in the scientific realm. Gorman stated, “Now that we’ve demonstrated that the device is behaving as we predict, we’re looking at high-impact issues or outstanding problems.” While this attention may be motivated by the pressing scientific challenges, it certainly opens the door for potential industrial applications down the line.
One especially exciting potential use of the simulator could be for drug discovery. As she explained it, most drugs are structurally similar to polyacetylene—long chains of carbon with other functional groups attached. She emphasized the importance of understanding how to map these structures onto their simulator: “If you look at different drugs, they’re actually very similar to polyacetylene. Knowing exactly how to map it [onto our simulator] is a very special challenge. That is for sure one area that we are going to heavily be focusing in on.
The implications of this technology go well beyond academia. With Quantum Twins, SQC aims to provide solutions that could enhance the efficiency of material development processes across various industries.
Recognition and Research Validation
SQC is a progressive, creative research think tank. This commitment is further reflected in their recent publication in Nature, where they explained their research and results in developing their Quantum Twins product. This honor is a tribute to the importance of their work to the federal investment in developing quantum technology.
Simmons explained some of the technical advantages of their manufacturing process: “It’s done in ultra-high vacuum. So it’s a very pure, very clean system.” The purity and cleanliness of their process helps someone like us be super confident in the reliability and performance of the Quantum Twins simulator.
SQC has been on the technological forefront in quantum technology. They are committed to addressing critical scientific questions and developing new industrial uses down the line. The company’s novel approach and fast-track technology infrastructure make it a pioneer and industry leader in this rapidly evolving field.