Partnership Aims for Acute High Vacuum in Universal Quantum’s Chips
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Universal Quantum Ltd. and Atlas Copco Group have signed a Memorandum of Understanding to co-develop integrated vacuum system solutions for scalable quantum computers. This collaboration focuses on Universal Quantum’s modular silicon-based trapped ion architecture, engineered to operate within a continuous Extreme High Vacuum (XHV) environment. The partnership aims to advance from XHV to Acute High Vacuum (AHV) to support the long-term stability, fast ion transport, and reliability required for quantum computers with thousands of qubits. By combining Universal Quantum’s design with Atlas Copco’s expertise in vacuum technologies, the companies intend to establish a United Kingdom and European supply chain for quantum machine infrastructure. Partnership to Advance Quantum Computing Infrastructure Universal Quantum Ltd. and Atlas Copco have signed a Memorandum of Understanding to co-develop integrated vacuum system solutions for scaling quantum computers. This partnership directly addresses a critical component of Universal Quantum’s modular, silicon-based trapped ion architecture. The focus is on building vacuum platforms designed for industrial quantum machinery, moving beyond research infrastructure. The collaboration aims to align technical roadmaps and identify pathways from Extreme-high Vacuum (XHV) to Acute High Vacuum (AHV) for these systems. The partnership will establish a supply chain within the UK and Europe for vacuum system equipment. This supports near-term prototyping and long-term production capabilities for future quantum systems, strengthening sovereign capability in next-generation quantum technologies. Vacuum engineering is foundational to scaling trapped ion quantum computers, requiring near-perfect isolation and stability, especially as the number of qubits and modules increase. Atlas Copco brings expertise in ultra-clean environments, cryogenic compatibility, and semiconductor manufacturing, complementing Universal Quantum’s modular trapped ion design. According to Universal Quantum’s VP of Engineering, Dr. Michael Newman, this collaboration brings world-class industrial capability to their scaling architecture, building the “vacuum backbone” for manufacturable quantum systems. Atlas Copco views this as an opportunity to industrialize vacuum environments for future quantum computers. Universal Quantum’s Modular Trapped Ion Architecture Universal Quantum is building utility-scale quantum computers based on a modular and manufacturable silicon-based trapped ion architecture. A key element of this design is that multiple silicon ion trap chips operate together within a single, continuous Extreme High Vacuum (XHV) environment. Each chip incorporates zones dedicated to logic, memory, and ion transport, connected via UQ Connect, a proprietary electronic interconnect allowing high-fidelity ion movement between chips. Maintaining this shared vacuum environment is critical for long-term stability and preventing collisions. The partnership with Atlas Copco focuses on co-developing integrated vacuum system solutions tailored for these modular quantum computers. Atlas Copco’s expertise in areas like ultra-clean environments, cryogenics, and semiconductor manufacturing is crucial for building the vacuum infrastructure required for scalability. The collaboration aims to advance from XHV to Acute High Vacuum (AHV) and establish a UK and European supply chain for these vital quantum machine components. Vacuum engineering is presented as a foundational pillar for scaling trapped ion quantum computers. The goal is to create a vacuum platform not just for research, but as industrial quantum machinery. This partnership intends to industrialize the vacuum environments required for future quantum computers, transitioning from laboratory tools to full production systems and strengthening sovereign capability in the UK and Europe for next generation quantum technologies. Utility scale quantum computing demands engineering precision from the ion trap chip all the way up to the vacuum system that houses the full machine.Dr Michael Newman, VP Engineering at Universal Quantum Scaling Quantum Systems: Vacuum Engineering Expertise Universal Quantum and Atlas Copco have partnered to co-develop vacuum system solutions critical for scaling quantum computers. Universal Quantum’s modular trapped ion architecture requires multiple silicon ion trap chips operating within a shared Extreme High Vacuum (XHV) environment. This necessitates advanced vacuum engineering to ensure long-term stability, fast ion transport, and prevention of collisions – all vital for reliable operation over extended lifespans. The partnership aims to build a supply chain within the UK and Europe for these quantum machine components. This collaboration focuses on building a vacuum platform designed for industrial quantum machinery, moving beyond research infrastructure. Atlas Copco brings deep expertise in ultra-clean environments, cryogenic compatibility, semiconductor manufacturing, and advanced vacuum system design. The goal is to create infrastructure for utility-scale quantum computers with a focus on UK and European provenance, and ultimately transition from XHV to Acute High Vacuum (AHV) technologies. Vacuum engineering is identified as a foundational pillar for scaling trapped ion quantum computers. Maintaining near-perfect isolation and stability is crucial, particularly with thousands of qubits and multiple modules operating simultaneously. This partnership intends to industrialize vacuum environments for quantum computing, turning laboratory tools into full production systems, and building on Universal Quantum’s modular design to create scalable, manufacturable systems. Source: https://universalquantum.com/knowledge-hub/uq-and-atlas-copco-forge-partnership-to-build-utility-scale-quantum-computers Tags: