Archer advances quantum technology with new proof-of-concept devices

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Archer Materials, a leading player in the semiconductor sector, has unveiled two proof-of-concept electrical devices designed to enhance the detection capabilities of its 12CQ quantum chip. 

The company said its quantum team has developed two complementary superconducting spin readout circuits, each equipped with up to eight resonators. 

These circuits are capable of simultaneously reading out separate spin materials, a crucial advancement for scaling up the manufacture of the 12CQ chip.

“This development is another example of the team doing important work with our partners to bring the next phase of computing to life through the 12CQ, quantum,” said Greg English, executive chair of Archer

“The two proof-of-concept electrical devices bring us closer to readout, or the reading out of electron quantum spin information, and bolster the manufacturability of the qubit material,” he added. 

The new devices build on the next-generation film-based spin material highlighted in Archer’s 18 July 2024, ASX announcement. 

This material is designed to enhance manufacturability and potentially provide longer spin lifetimes, which is critical for the chip’s functionality.

Archer’s team utilised simulation software from Sonnet Precision Electromagnetics, a US-based international software company, to optimise the resonator design. 

The team also collaborated with academic researchers at The University of New South Wales. 

Together, they conducted three testing campaigns, measuring superconducting readout circuits at temperatures below -269 degrees Celsius and magnetic fields of up to 1.5 Tesla.

“This development provides the necessary groundwork for the future measurement of very small quantities of Archer’s quantum spin material, down to a single CNO,” English added.