SemiQon, a Finnish quantum hardware innovator, has developed a groundbreaking transistor optimized to operate at temperatures under 1 Kelvin, close to absolute zero. This cryo-CMOS transistor can dissipate almost no heat, reducing energy usage in future quantum computers by up to 1,000 times compared to traditional transistors. Quantum computers must be cooled to near-absolute zero for the qubits that power them to maintain a state of coherence.
When qubits are entangled, quantum computers can process calculations in parallel, unlike classical computers that process calculations sequentially. One of the significant challenges with conventional components is their inefficiency at these sub-freezing temperatures. They are also difficult to maintain, as the addition of more qubits emits more heat, complicating the maintenance of ultralow temperatures.
The new cryo-CMOS transistor slashes heat dissipation and consumes only 0.1% of the power used by traditional transistors. This could allow control and readout electronics to be placed directly into the cryostat, making future quantum machines more cost-effective and less error-prone.
Cryo-CMOS innovation for quantum computing
Himadri Majumdar, SemiQon’s CEO and co-founder, emphasized the innovative potential of the cryo-CMOS transistor. A transistor that can operate efficiently at ultra-low temperatures offers substantial value to users in the advanced computing sector and wherever these devices are required to function in cryogenic conditions,” he said. Initially, SemiQon will use this technology to develop custom chips for select customers in the quantum computing realm.
Later, the company plans on developing a line of standard chips that they can sell to customers, including those working in areas besides quantum computing. The innovation addresses a critical bottleneck in quantum computing by simplifying the control and readout electronics needed for large-scale quantum processors, a step essential for achieving fault tolerance. Additionally, the technology has potential applications in high-performance computing and spaceborne systems, offering cost savings and environmental benefits through reduced energy use.
SemiQon expects to deliver its first cryo-optimized CMOS transistors to customers in 2025. Erja Turunen, Executive Vice President at SemiQon, added, “Quantum technology is set to revolutionize industries, but scalability and price are current challenges. SemiQon’s optimized transistor capable of functioning efficiently in cryogenic conditions is an important milestone in the development of future quantum computers.”
Cameron is a highly regarded contributor in the rapidly evolving fields of artificial intelligence (AI) and machine learning. His articles delve into the theoretical underpinnings of AI, the practical applications of machine learning across industries, ethical considerations of autonomous systems, and the societal impacts of these disruptive technologies.
