Alpine Quantum Technologies (AQT) has successfully installed a 20-qubit ion-trap quantum computer at the Leibniz Supercomputing Centre’s (LRZ) Quantum Integration Centre, marking the first operational ion-trap quantum computer in a data center environment. The system, developed by AQT, is part of a collaboration with Munich Quantum Valley (MQV) and will support quantum software development and research activities at LRZ. Funded by the Bavarian government under the Hightech Agenda Bavaria, the €9.8 million ($10.7M USD) quantum system will be accessible to researchers starting in October as part of an early user program.
The quantum computer, which leverages ion-trap technology, utilizes laser-controlled qubits to achieve high connectivity and reduced error rates, rivaling systems with higher qubit counts. This enables more efficient execution of quantum algorithms and research applications. LRZ plans to integrate this quantum system as an accelerator within its hybrid supercomputer setup, continuing its efforts to combine classical and quantum computing capabilities for research advancement.
Statements from partners, including MQV Director General Prof. Dr. Joachim Ullrich and AQT CEO Dr. Thomas Monz, highlight the collaborative nature of this project and the impact of integrating advanced quantum systems into high-performance computing environments.
This marks a significant step forward in European quantum computing infrastructure and the continued development of the Munich Quantum Software Stack (MQSS), aimed at streamlining the use of quantum processors in research applications.
For more background, see our previous article on the LRZ’s purchase of a 20-qubit processor from AQT here. And for more details on this latest development, you can view a press release provided by AQT here.
September 25, 2024
