Photonic Quantum Computing Breakthrough: Artilux and Dr. Richard Soref introduced a room-temperature quantum computing approach using GeSi single-photon detectors.
Eliminating Cryogenic Modules: This design removes the need for costly cryogenic cooling by replacing SNSPDs with GeSi SPADs.
Broader Applications: The technology could support quantum computing, communication, sensing, and imaging at room temperature, advancing widespread quantum technology adoption.
Artilux, a leader in germanium-silicon (GeSi) photonics technology, has announced a collaboration with Dr. Richard A. Soref to advance quantum computing through room-temperature photonic systems. Dr. Soref, widely recognized as a pioneer in silicon photonics, worked with Artilux to explore new methods of quantum information processing based on integrated silicon photonics. Their research, published in APL Quantum, introduces an approach designed to eliminate the need for cryogenic cooling in quantum computing.
Traditional photonic quantum computing (PQC) systems require superconducting nanowire single-photon detectors (SNSPDs) operating at temperatures below 4 Kelvin. These cooling requirements limit their practicality, as they increase power consumption and testing costs. Artilux’s collaboration replaces SNSPDs with GeSi-based single-photon avalanche diodes (SPADs), which allow quantum computing systems to function at room temperature without compromising performance.
"Cryogenic modules are presently used in all photonic quantum computers and in many photonic quantum information applications, and we expect that such modules can be eliminated after experimental R&D on photonic integrated circuits confirms our predictions." – Dr. Richard A. Soref
Artilux’s approach combines waveguided spontaneous four-wave mixing sources, programmable interferometer mesh circuits, and photon-number-resolving GeSi SPADs. This architecture ensures reliable photon detection without requiring low-temperature operation. Benchmark tests show that the new system design may outperform existing cryogenic SNSPD-based models, marking a potential shift toward more accessible quantum technologies.
This room-temperature approach has the potential to impact various areas of quantum technology, including computing, communication, sensing, and imaging. Quantum communication systems can benefit from improved detection reliability without the challenges associated with cryogenic cooling. Additionally, the room-temperature operation makes testing and deployment more efficient for industry and research institutions.
The removal of cryogenic modules reduces costs and simplifies the process of integrating quantum systems into new applications. As quantum computing technologies expand, the ability to operate at room temperature will make these solutions more practical for broader adoption. Artilux’s platform could support the development of next-generation quantum computers with enhanced accessibility and scalability.
Moving forward, Artilux will continue its efforts to validate the performance of its room-temperature quantum computing platform. The company aims to further develop integrated circuits that operate without cryogenic cooling and deliver stable performance across a wide range of use cases. These advances could accelerate the timeline for bringing room-temperature quantum computing to the market.
Artilux’s Chief Scientist and CTO, Dr. Neil Na, highlighted the significance of this development for researchers and engineers. The combination of photonic integrated circuits with novel single-photon detectors represents an important advancement for room-temperature quantum computing. As these technologies mature, they will likely support efforts to achieve universal quantum computing and further enhance quantum research.
"This unique system platform is a dream come true for many scientists and engineers, because the analyzed photonic integrated circuits combined with novel single-photon detectors can be used for room-temperature photonic quantum computing." – Dr. Neil Na, CTO, Artilux
Artilux, headquartered in Menlo Park, CA, and Boston, MA, is a leading company in the field of photonics technology. The company specializes in germanium-silicon (GeSi) photonics and CMOS-based SWIR (short-wavelength infrared) detection systems. Through collaborations with renowned researchers, Artilux is committed to advancing photonics solutions that support the next generation of quantum computing and other innovative technologies.
