Creotech is building quantum computers

Creotech and Warsaw University of Technology collaborate with centres such as the University of Oxford, the University of Maryland and Duke University to develop quantum computer technology. Creotech\'s task is to provide components and measuring devices for the preparation and use of quantum phenomena - reported the company in a release sent to PAP.

The company is working on components used to build both research and commercial quantum-based devices, especially ion traps. The devices that will be generated by the project will not only be used to build quantum computers, but may also be used to create so-called time and frequency models, cryptographic devices and random number generators.

A team of 6 people is involved in the project at Creotech. Ultimately, Creotech wants to develop a whole system that will use quantum phenomena based on the company\'s own technological solutions.

"Components are based on an open-hardware license" - explained Dr. Grzegorz Kasprowicz, R&D director and founder of Creotech Instruments SA. "Creotech has the role of the company that commercialises these devices".

Customers want both a high level of technology of developed solutions (this is the responsibility of the Warsaw University of Technology) and high quality and reliability of the manufactured equipment, which is guaranteed by Creotech, experienced in space projects. "We are responsible for developing test systems for the development of components, refining the developed modules for serial production and marketing them as finished products, with packaging, manual and warranty" - said Kasprowicz.

He noted that traditional computers are based on microprocessors and integrated circuits, and one bit represents the smallest unit of information with a value of either 0 or 1, and this is an absolute value. In the case of quantum computers, a qubit (quantum bit) may exist in various states. Therefore, in the case of quantum computers, information such as "value is 0, but there is a chance of 1" or "0 and 1 are equally probable" is also possible.

Grzegorz Kasprowicz points out that such unusual properties compared to classical computers are due to the very nature of quantum phenomena, when particles can be in the state of so-called "superposition", that is, simultaneously in different states.

There already are working quantum computers consisting of a few or a dozen or so entangled cubits. The higher their number, the more difficult it is to maintain their isolation from the outside world, which is crucial for the state of quantum entanglement.

"In many respects, our components for the production of quantum computers are similar to other instruments that we supply for high energy physics, for example to the CERN" - said Dr. Grzegorz Brona, CEO of Creotech Instruments SA - These solutions are based on existing Creotech products. Our quality control systems and space technology-level assembly line allow us to provide absolutely top quality".

The company has already sent the first tranche of the products. By the end of the year most of the commissioned instruments should be ready. Products will be used in the ARTIQ (Advanced Real-Time Infrastructure for Quantum Physics) initiative, which provides quantum computing tools for both the hardware and the programming language. With the modular design and solutions based on industry standards, ARTIQ will help commercialise the system based on quantum phenomena, including quantum computers.

Creotech is planning to launch a project in the coming months, in which the developed components (subsystems) will be converted into fully functional systems that will undergo certification testing in US certification bodies.

"It\'s not a question of >>if<< but >>when<< will quantum computers help solve the biggest challenges of our day and allow to make breakthroughs in areas such as medical diagnostics and search for new drugs" - said Dr. Grzegorz Brona. "I am extremely happy that as Creotech, we have a chance to become part of this breakthrough" - he concluded.

PAP - Science and Scholarship in Poland

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