MAGIC quantum computer for industry and science: Start of research project MIQRO

The joint research project MIQRO between the University of Siegen, Leibniz Universität Hannover , Heinrich-Heine-Universität DüsseldorfQUARTIQ GmbH and eleQtron GmbH as an associated partner is funded by the BMBF and is scheduled to run for 4 years. The quantum computer developed and operated in this project will be scalable to a thousand quantum bits, paving the way for diverse industrial and academic applications beyond the capabilities of classical supercomputers. The MIQRO project will develop a breakthrough modular quantum computer built from quantum kernels that use stored atomic ions as quantum bits. The quantum logic operations performed in these quantum kernels – equipped with unprecedented functionality – are controlled by radio frequency (RF) waves. This is made possible by Magnetic Gradient Induced Coupling (MAGIC). The MAGIC concept is distinguished from other approaches by perfectly reproducible qubits, greatly reduced cooling requirements, and integrable high-frequency electronics for controlling qubits. Moreover, the simultaneous coupling of many qubits in a quantum kernel, while maintaining unrivaled small crosstalk between qubits, will accelerate quantum algorithms. Here, the MAGIC method will be extended to include new high-performance, microstructured trapped ion memories. This will enable high-fidelity quantum gates and quantum logic error correction, thus contributing significantly to the scaling of quantum computers. The quantum kernel developed and operated in this project, represents the core of a future ion-based universal quantum computer. This quantum computer will be scalable to a thousand qubits, paving the way for a wide variety of industrial and academic applications that are unthinkable today.

Aus Quantenregistern bestehender Quantenkern, welcher sich zu Multi-QPU-Systemen für erste industrielle Anwendungen skalieren lässt. © MIQRO/eleQtron GmbH

Within this joint project, the expertise of the participating partners will be put to optimal use. For example, at the University of Siegen, the conceptual basis for the implementation of quantum logic operations envisaged here, MAGIC, was developed and demonstrated. Together with the Institute of Quantum Optics at Leibniz Universität Hannover, headed by Prof. Dr. Christian Ospelkaus, the chips will be specified and developed, extending the proven MAGIC method with new high-performance, micro-structured ion processors. This will make LUH’s innovative microfabrication processes and experience with the production of several generations of ion traps fruitful for the collaborative project. With experts in the field of quantum state measurement and reconstruction, Heinrich Heine University Düsseldorf, with Prof. Dr. Martin Kliesch as theory partner, is ideally placed to develop and implement the necessary characterization and verification methods. For the electronic control systems, MIQRO builds on the leading developments of QUARTIQ GmbH led by Dr. Robert Jördens, whose control software platforms ARTIQ and Sinara are already used by research groups worldwide to control quantum technologies and cover a broad requirement profile with industrial-grade components.


Leibniz Universität Hannover – Fakultät für Mathematik und Physik – Institut für Quantenoptik, Hannover
Heinrich-Heine-Universität Düsseldorf – Quantum Technology, Düsseldorf
QUARTIQ GmbH, Berlin
eleQtron GmbH
BMBF Quantentechnologien
VDI-TZ Düsseldorf