Research hub to accelerate diamond-based quantum computers

Quantum Brilliance, a German–Australian provider of innovative quantum computing hardware and software, has announced a joint research and development hub with La Trobe University and RMIT University to enhance the computational power of diamond-based quantum computers with techniques that can transition to manufacturing systems in large volumes.

At the newly established Research Hub for Diamond Quantum Materials, researchers will focus on taking raw materials and synthesising — with atomic precision — the core quantum systems of high-performance, scalable diamond-based quantum microprocessors. The research hub is designed not only to make great strides in developing synthetic diamond accelerators, but to create a network of experts in diamond material science for future industry advancements in both countries.

The hub is already pursuing several concurrent projects that are pioneering new diamond fabrication techniques, partially funded by the Australian Research Council (ARC) and Quantum Brilliance. Complementary research is meanwhile being undertaken in Germany by Quantum Brilliance, the Fraunhofer Institute for Applied Solid State Physics IAF and Ulm University. The combination of the hub and the German research consortium is set to unite some of the world’s top experts to deliver the advanced fabrication techniques required for diamond microprocessors.

La Trobe University’s Acting Deputy Vice-Chancellor (Research and Industry Engagement), Professor Chris Pakes, said the hub partnership will leverage La Trobe and RMIT’s expertise in diamond growth, surface imaging and engineering, and combine it with Quantum Brilliance’s strong industry experience and manufacturing capabilities.

“All three organisations have world-leading expertise and resources in diamond material sciences, making the hub well placed to develop innovative new approaches to advanced manufacturing in this important future industry,” Pakes said. He added that diamond-based quantum computing is already disrupting digital platforms that underpin a wide range of industries, including science, health and agriculture.

“Unlike other quantum-based supercomputers sitting in large server-based formats, diamond-based quantum computers are low-cost, portable technologies able to operate at room temperature,” he said. “This enables them to be used in a broad range of edge applications, which may not be possible with supercomputers, such as satellites, health environments and manufacturing.”

Founded in 2019, Quantum Brilliance makes quantum computing accelerators out of synthetic diamonds. These systems are said to be unique in the nascent quantum computing industry as they can operate at room temperature and be used on smaller hardware scales, allowing for applications in a variety of real-world environments. Quantum Brilliance uses the ‘impurities’ within the diamonds, where a carbon atom is swapped out for a nitrogen atom in the lattice of the crystal, to generate qubits, the standard bits within a quantum computer.

“Through our partnership with La Trobe University and RMIT University, we will develop the fabrication techniques necessary to enhance the performance of diamond-based quantum computers to deliver real-world solutions to a broad spectrum of industries,” said Dr Marcus Doherty, co-founder and Chief Scientific Officer of Quantum Brilliance. “The hub is another example of our collaborative research efforts to advance diamond-based quantum technology and deliver economic benefit to Australia in the years to come.”

Image credit: ©stock.adobe.com/au/Production Perig

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