Physics World Weekly Podcast

Linking silicon T centres with light offers a route to fault-tolerant quantum computing

Jun 20, 2024

Discover how silicon spin qubits are revolutionizing quantum computing by linking with telecom-band photons for improved scalability. The conversation highlights the challenges of building fault-tolerant systems using a multitude of physical qubits. Explore the rapid growth of a pioneering company in the field and its commitment to innovative hiring. Learn about the transformative potential of quantum computing in areas like drug discovery and cryptography, alongside advice for aspiring professionals in this exciting sector.

31:00

Creator website

AI Summary

AI Chapters

Episode notes

Podcast summary created with Snipd AI

Quick takeaways

Photonic Inc. is leveraging telecom-band photons to connect silicon spin qubits, enabling scalable fault-tolerant quantum computing solutions.

The transition from noisy intermediate scale quantum systems to error-correcting models could revolutionize applications in drug discovery and catalyst optimization.

Deep dives

Quantum Computing through Photonic Interconnections

The core technology behind Photonic Inc. revolves around using photons to connect individual quantum processing units, enabling distributed quantum computing. This innovative approach allows for individual quantum modules to work together without requiring direct interaction, significantly enhancing scalability. By utilizing spin qubits in silicon and telecom photons for linkage, the platform can optimize engineering for large-scale quantum systems. This method not only accelerates the development of quantum computing but also diverges from traditional assumptions about quantum interactions and scaling.

Intro

2min

Silicon-Based Quantum Computing Innovations

11min

Exploring Quantum Computing Advancements

7min

Growth and Global Strategy of a Quantum Computing Company

2min

Navigating Quantum Engineering Careers

9min

Today’s noisy quantum processors are prone to errors that can quickly knock a quantum calculation off course. As a result, quantum error correction schemes are used to make some nascent quantum computers more tolerant to such faults.

This involves using a large number of qubits – called “physical” qubits – to create one fault-tolerant “logical” qubit. A useful fault-tolerant quantum computer would have thousands of logical qubits and this would require the integration of millions of physical qubits, which remains a formidable challenge.

In this episode of the Physics World Weekly podcast, I am in conversation with Stephanie Simmons, who is founder and chief quantum officer at Photonic Inc. The Vancouver-based company is developing optically-linked silicon spin qubits – and it has recently announced that it has distributed quantum entanglement between two of its modules.

I spoke with Simmons earlier this month in London at Commercialising Quantum Global 2024, which was organized by Economist Impact. She explains how the company’s qubits – based on T-centre spins in silicon – are connected using telecoms-band photons. Simmons makes the case that the technology can be integrated and scaled to create fault-tolerant computers. We also chat about the company’s manufacturing programme and career opportunities for physicists at the firm.

Remember Everything You Learn from Podcasts

Save insights instantly, chat with episodes, and build lasting knowledge - all powered by AI.

Physics World Weekly Podcast

Linking silicon T centres with light offers a route to fault-tolerant quantum computing

Podcast summary created with Snipd AI

Quick takeaways

Deep dives

Quantum Computing through Photonic Interconnections

Scalability Challenges in Quantum Computing

Applications and Future Prospects of Quantum Technologies

Remember Everything You Learn from Podcasts