The Quantum Economic Development Consortium (QED-C) has announced significant progress in cryogenic technologies, supported by a NIST-funded R&D program. Four QED-C members—FormFactor, Northrop Grumman, Quantum Opus, and Triton Systems—have achieved advancements in cryogenics, a critical enabler for quantum computing, sensing, and communication systems. The $877,000 program, co-funded by NIST and the participating companies, has driven innovations in energy-efficient, compact, and cost-effective cryogenic solutions.
FormFactor developed a high-speed cryogenic testing system for quantum chips, capable of testing complex dies with hundreds of connections at temperatures as low as 2 Kelvin (-271 °C) in just two hours. This research led to the commercialization of the HPD IQ2000 chip scale prober, which also supports electro-optical testing for photonic integrated circuits and single-photon detectors. Northrop Grumman explored the use of Porous Wall Hollow Glass Microspheres as a regenerator matrix for cryocoolers, identifying key design constraints for future development.
Quantum Opus advanced its development of a low-cost, compact 2.5 K cryocooler, progressing toward a commercially viable solution. Meanwhile, Triton Systems successfully demonstrated a fourth-stage expander for a Modified Collins Cycle cryocooler, enabling temperatures of 4 K-10 K and improving dynamic performance for quantum applications.
For more details, you can visit the full press release here, and QED-C members can access project summaries on the member site.
February 20, 2025
