IQM Quantum Computers has introduced a novel quantum processing unit (QPU) architecture known as IQM Star, which departs from traditional grid-based designs by using a central superconducting resonator to connect multiple qubits. This effective all-to-all connectivity enables direct, high-fidelity interactions between any pair of qubits, significantly reducing the need for noisy SWAP gates. The architecture supports more flexible quantum error correction (QEC) schemes and improves circuit execution efficiency for connectivity-intensive algorithms.
In a set of three research papers, IQM demonstrates the practical advantages of Star’s architecture. These include high-fidelity error detection with logical fidelities above 96%, creation of high-quality GHZ states, and the integration of resonators as computational elements—enabling efficient simulation of systems coupled to bosonic modes. IQM also reports strong performance on Q-Score benchmarks and compatibility with advanced error mitigation techniques like Noise-Robust Estimation (NRE) and Zero-Noise Extrapolation (ZNE), boosting the potential for scalable, fault-tolerant quantum computing.
IQM envisions that the Star topology could support hardware-efficient QEC codes, accelerate developments in quantum machine learning, and expand the computational role of resonators in future quantum systems. As the company continues exploring non-traditional architectures, Star stands out as a scalable design tailored for real-world quantum advantage, especially in applications requiring high qubit connectivity such as optimization, chemistry simulations, and materials science.
Read the full announcement from IQM here, and explore the supporting research in their technical papers on qubit-resonator connectivity here, quantum error detection here, and bosonic simulations here.
May 1, 2025
