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We are pleased to announce that we are supporting planqc as a strategic partner in the development of a scalable quantum computing platform based on neutral atoms.

The German Aerospace Center (DLR) has contracted planqc in the framework of the DLR Quantum Computing Initiative (DLR QCI) to build a 100-qubit quantum computer and to install it at the DLR Innovation Center in Ulm. This contract with DLR represents the first sale of a digital quantum computer based on neutral atoms in Europe. It paves the way for the further commercialization of quantum computing and establishes Germany as a world leader in this field.

As strategic partners in this 29-million-Euro contract, Menlo Systems will deliver a state-of-the-art laser system capable of full control and manipulation of the neutral atoms based on our FC1500-Quantum, a complete laser solution for Quantum 2.0 applications.

The system, comprising an ultrastable laser, an optical frequency comb, and a range of continuous-wave (CW) lasers, uses the spectral purity transfer technique to transfer ultranarrow linewidth and exceptionally low phase noise to any and all wavelengths required by the quantum computing platform. The CW lasers used to address the atoms in the quantum computer’s physics package thus acquire sub-Hz linewidth, unparalleled frequency stability, and ultralow noise performance, providing an ideal tool for quantum computing based on neutral atoms.

“We are very proud that DLR has chosen planqc as a technology leader in the field of neutral atoms for the construction of a quantum computer. This contract is an important milestone in our commercialization and growth strategy, the next step of which is to expand into other key industries and enter global markets," says Alexander Glätzle, CEO and co-founder of planqc.

Sebastian Blatt, CTO and co-founder of planqc, adds: "Not only are we excited to install the first quantum computer based on neutral atoms at DLR, but we also want to work closely with DLR experts to run quantum algorithms on it, which will have a real added value for the many application fields of DLR.”

“The significant investment from DLR in this project, as part of the DLR Quantum Computing Initiative marks a turning point in the commercialization and utility of quantum computing. It not only strengthens our technical capabilities, but it also creates sustainable jobs in Germany for the long term,” says Menlo Systems’ co-founder and Managing Director, Dr. Michael Mei. “At Menlo Systems we are delighted to play a role in such ground-breaking developments, and to be part of the quantum 2.0 revolution.”

“We are very pleased to contribute to the commercialization of a neutral atom quantum computer, and we expect to learn new ways in which our precision photonics instruments can be used to further advance the field,” says Menlo Systems’ co-founder and Managing Director Dr. Ronald Holzwarth. “Our precision instruments have been enabling the quantum community for more than 20 years; now we are also proud to impact the wider community through this joint project with planqc and ParityQC, providing the tools to realize a quantum computer that can solve real-world problems.”