IBM Joins Fermilab's SQMS Center: A Major Step Towards the Future of Quantum Technology

Jakarta, INTI - In a significant advancement for quantum technology, IBM (NYSE: IBM) has joined as a new partner in the Superconducting Quantum Materials and Systems Center (SQMS), part of the U.S. Department of Energy’s National Quantum Information Science Research Center, hosted by Fermilab. This addition has been approved by the Department of Energy Office of Science, Science Programs. As a premier national and international research center, SQMS is dedicated to advancing critical quantum technologies, focusing on superconducting quantum systems.

IBM's Excellence in Superconducting Quantum Technology

IBM has long been recognized as an industry leader in developing superconducting quantum computing technology. This collaboration aims to leverage the strengths of both organizations to address major challenges in quantum computing, communication, and the deployment of large-scale superconducting quantum platforms. "We welcome IBM's addition to the SQMS collaboration, which brings together some of the world's top experts in superconducting materials, devices, and quantum systems," said Anna Grassellino, Director of the SQMS Center. "This collaboration aims to harness our complementary technical strengths and shared goals to advance superconducting quantum systems towards fault-tolerant quantum computers."

Focus on Five Key Areas

As part of this collaboration, IBM plans to focus on five critical areas: large-scale cryogenics, superconducting qubit noise sources, quantum interconnects, quantum computing applications for fundamental physics, and quantum workforce development.

1. Large-Scale Cryogenics: SQMS and IBM will collaborate to advance large-scale cryogenic technologies to enhance quantum computer efficiency. Fermilab has proposed new solutions for higher efficiency, large-scale milli-Kelvin cryogenics, including the world's largest dilution refrigerator, called "Colossus."
2. Quantum Interconnects: SQMS is designing and prototyping high-quality, high-density quantum interconnects based on 3D SRF platforms. IBM will explore the feasibility and utility of quantum links for commercial systems.
3. Reducing Qubit Noise: IBM and SQMS partners will collaborate to understand and mitigate mechanisms that limit superconducting qubit performance, particularly the reduction of "1/f flux noise."
4. Scientific Applications of Quantum Computing: Researchers will explore physics-based applications of quantum computing systems, including simulations of quantum many-body dynamics and lattice quantum field theory.
5. Quantum Workforce Development: SQMS and IBM plan to strengthen national quantum workforce development programs, including educational initiatives that have reached millions of learners worldwide.

Superconducting Quantum Materials and Systems Center (SQMS)

The SQMS Center brings together more than 30 partner institutions, including national laboratories, industry, and academia, involving over 500 experts worldwide. This diverse collaboration seeks to bring transformational advancements in quantum information science.

Lia Merminga, Fermilab Director, stated, "Fermilab and the SQMS Center are ideal places to develop and scale these key technologies. We have decades of experience building large and complex superconducting cryogenic systems for accelerators and adopting advanced instrumentation to further our science mission. Advancing quantum information science is a national priority, and Fermilab is deeply involved in that progress."

Collaboration for the Future

Jay Gambetta, IBM Fellow and Vice President of IBM Quantum, said, "As we accelerate the development of large-scale, fault-tolerant quantum computers, we need to solve and scale complex challenges, such as efficient large-scale cooling and high-density, low-loss quantum interconnects, and advance our understanding of noise sources and how to mitigate them. Participation in the SQMS Center's research is a pillar for advancing our roadmap toward large-scale quantum computing."

Conclusion

The collaboration between IBM and Fermilab under the SQMS Center marks a significant step forward in advancing quantum technology. With a focus on developing quantum technology and workforce, this collaboration is expected to bring substantial changes to the world of computing and quantum science.

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