According to Photonic, its approach to quantum computing, described as ‘unique’, stands to accelerate innovation across the quantum ecosystem.
“Quantum computing is real, and we believe that within five years, significantly sooner than the widely accepted timeframe, we will be the first quantum computing company to offer a scalable, distributed, and fault-tolerant solution,” said Dr. Stephanie Simmons, Founder and Chief Quantum Officer of Photonic and Co-chair of Canada’s National Quantum Strategy Advisory Board.
“These are the capabilities that must be delivered for quantum computing to be a relied upon across industries, and we believe that we have correctly identified the silicon T centre as the missing component needed to finally unlock the first credible path to impactful commercial quantum computing.”
Photonic specialises in spin-photon interfaces in silicon, silicon integrated photonics, and quantum optics. Photonic has committed to silicon - the chemical element serving as the backbone of modern telecommunications and computation - as the dominant enabling design in quantum computing.
However, in order to become universally accessible and useful, quantum computing must be able to:
- achieve large numbers of identical, manufacturable, high-quality qubits
- operate under diverse environmental conditions
- communicate rapidly and reliably among those qubits over networks
Leveraging colour centres and telecom photons, Photonic's patented technology provides computing (with spin qubits), networking (via photons), and memory.
Photonic links in silicon deliver quantum entanglement not only between qubits on the same chip but also among multiple quantum chips. Silicon-based qubits enjoy substantially greater microelectronic-style scalability than other types of qubits.
According to Photonic, its architecture also achieves horizontal scaling.
Photonic's highly connected qubit architecture also enables use of efficient quantum error correction codes, such as quantum LDPC (Low Density Parity Check) codes. These codes are known for extremely low physical to logical qubit overheads and fast and efficient hardware implementation.
These attributes will prove increasingly crucial as quantum computing drives more applications. For example, Photonic’s technology can deliver security to global digital communications, offering a solution to the cybersecurity threat posed by the development of quantum computing.
Beyond internet cybersecurity, quantum computing promises transformative capabilities for modelling and simulation of complex systems and processes in areas such as climate modelling, materials development, and creation of life-saving pharmaceuticals.
“Ultimately, the breadth of problems to which quantum computing can offer a solution means it will have a tangible, meaningful impact on people all around the world,” said Dr. Paul Terry, Photonic Chief Executive Officer. “We’re moving to large-scale, accessible quantum computers networked together to provide access to quantum services that will enable companies and governments to suddenly tackle problems that are, right now, beyond our capabilities because of the inescapable constraints of classical computing. It’s incredibly thrilling to be on the cusp of this inflection point in quantum computing and, more broadly, physics history.”
Photonic, which has built one of the world’s largest teams of quantum silicon experts, has raised a total of $140 million in funding to date.
