Australian laser enrichment technology developer Silex Systems has completed the pilot testing of its Zero-Spin Silicon (ZS-Si) Project, yielding results for the production of high-purity ZS-Si, which is critical for the manufacturing of next-generation silicon quantum processor chips.
In an ASX announcement, Silex said the test has yielded two key outcomes, including the production of gram quantities of ZS-Si and the enrichment of silicon-28 up to the highest purity of 99.998 per cent. It was also able to identify a potentially cost-effective path towards scalable production.
The $8 million project achieved all key target enrichment objectives during extensive testing with the pilot demonstration facility at the company’s Lucas Heights technology centre, using a variant of the Silex laser enrichment technology.
The ZS-Si project is aimed at accelerating the advancement of quantum computers and paving the way for more opportunities in various fields, such as artificial intelligence and cybersecurity.
The three-year project was undertaken in conjunction with project partners Silicon Quantum Computing and UNSW Sydney. It also received a $3 million funding grant from the Australian government’s Cooperative Research Centres Projects.
“The successful completion of the ZS-Si Project is a pivotal event for Silex, enabling the Company to shift focus from engineering development activities to commercial production activities,” said Michael Goldsworthy, chief executive officer and managing director of Silex Systems.
“The achievements and results from this Project have been outstanding, and I would like to give full credit to the entire project team for such a fantastic sustained performance over the last three years.”
Silex is now focused on expanding the pilot demonstration facility to potentially produce over 5 kilos of ZS-Si per year at a target purity of 99.995 per cent.
Additional facilities are also underway to facilitate the conversion of the laser enrichment process output into two product forms requested by potential customers— gaseous silane and solid ZS-Si.
