Mitsubishi Electric and Nanofiber Quantum Technologies (NanoQT) have launched a joint demonstration project to develop photonic interconnection technology for neutral-atom quantum computers. The initiative, beginning April 24, 2025, aims to overcome scalability limits by enabling high-efficiency communication between quantum systems using neutral ytterbium (Yb) atoms and nanofiber cavity-based photonic interfaces.
Neutral-atom quantum computers offer high scalability potential due to their use of optical tweezers for arranging and manipulating atoms. However, the number of qubits per system remains physically constrained. This collaboration seeks to extend computational capacity by interconnecting multiple quantum processors. Mitsubishi Electric brings its advanced laser-based qubit control expertise, while NanoQT contributes its proprietary nanofiber cavity technology that enhances atom-photon interactions.
The partners plan to demonstrate a high-speed, large-capacity atom-photon interface that enables parallelized entanglement distribution—an essential step toward building distributed quantum computing platforms. The prototype system will store multiple Yb atoms in nanofiber cavities to accelerate entanglement generation and transmission between quantum computers.
- Joint demo runs from April 2025 to March 2026, with possible extensions.
- Combines Mitsubishi Electric’s optical tweezer qubit control with NanoQT’s nanofiber cavities.
- Leverages Yb atoms for high coherence and entanglement fidelity.
- Aims to demonstrate scalable quantum communication via atom-photon interfaces.
- Envisions a future distributed quantum computing platform for industrial use cases.
“Mitsubishi Electric and NanoQT aim to quickly complete a prototype and establish foundational technologies for scaling neutral-atom quantum computing,” the companies stated. Potential applications include drug discovery, functional materials development, and advanced simulations in aerospace and automotive sectors.
