Chipmaker GlobalFoundries (GF) and UK-based quantum computing company Quantum Motion have partnered to develop quantum processors based on a scalable silicon platform.
In a statement, the two companies said GF had manufactured a silicon chip designed by Quantum Motion that is “at least 100 times faster than the current state of the art” offerings.
The chip features an integrated array of 1,024 quantum dots on an area of less than 0.1sqmm, which are validated in less than five minutes. It was fabricated on GF’s 300mm 22FDX platform which uses power-efficient Edge processing and system-on-chip integration while offering a temperature range of 1 Kelvin (-272.15°C/-457.87°F) and below.
The FDX platform also provides a back gate bias capability to support cryogenic tuning and control. GlobalFoundries says this provides a “significant advantage” compared to bulk silicon solutions for readout and control operations.
“Our work with GlobalFoundries has enabled us to demonstrate that scalable manufacturing techniques are compatible with the stringent demands of quantum computing,” said James Palles-Dimmock, CEO of Quantum Motion. “This achievement shows that silicon-based quantum chips can be fabricated using established semiconductor processes, bridging the gap between quantum research and industrial-scale production.”
Ted Letavic, SVP and corporate fellow at GlobalFoundries added: “This collaboration is an example of how GlobalFoundries is leveraging its differentiated technologies, such as our 22FDX technology platform, to drive advancements that will help shape the future of quantum computing.
“We are extremely encouraged by the results demonstrated by Quantum Motion which show that our process technology and our advanced 22FDX platform are robust enough to enable innovative quantum structures. We look forward to continuing our strong partnership with Quantum Motion to support their vision of a scalable monolithic quantum processor.”
Quantum Motion was founded in 2017 by Professor John Morton and Professor Simon Benjamin with the aim of developing quantum computers using traditional CMOS chips. Spun out from University College London (UCL) and Oxford University, where the two professors worked, the company raised $50.8 million in 2023.
Meanwhile, GlobalFoundries was recently awarded $1.5bn by the US government under the CHIPS and Science Act to help expand the company’s existing fab in Malta, New York.
