Silicon Light Machines and Infleqtion Collaborate to Improve Quantum Computer Performance
Leading neutral atom-based quantum technology company Infleqtion today announced a strategic alliance with Silicon Light Machines (SLM), a Silicon Valley-based pioneer in micro-electro-mechanical systems (MEMS). The partnership intends to incorporate Infleqtion’s neutral atom quantum computing devices with Silicon Light Machines’ innovative MEMS Displacement Phase Modulator (DPM) technology. It is anticipated that this integration will enable quantum computer scaling and yield hitherto unheard-of performance increases.
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Improving the Accuracy and Speed of Quantum Computing
The Displacement Phase Modulator (DPM) technology from SLM is the focus of the collaboration. The DPM is defined as an optical phase modulator that steers and shapes laser beams for various purposes using a non-contact ribbon or piston.
Silicon-germanium (SiGe) MEMS technology is used in SLM’s DPM. By integrating high-speed, non-contact piston phase modulators onto CMOS drivers, this method improves dependability and performance. Faster phase modulation, which is essential for sophisticated quantum applications including individual qubit addressing, optical multiplexing, and scalable laser processing applications, is made possible by these advancements.
Displacement Phase Modulator (DPM) technology
A key technology created by Silicon Light Machines (SLM) is the Displacement Phase Modulator (DPM), which modulates and controls the phase of light using a high-performance Micro-Electro-Mechanical System (MEMS) design. The DPM steers and shapes laser beams for use in a variety of industrial, medical, and consumer sectors using non-contact ribbon or piston optical phase modulators.
The thin-film MEMS technology utilised in SLM’s Light Valve devices makes the technology especially well-suited for developing ultra-fast phase modulators with remarkable power handling capabilities.
Phase modulation principle (Piston Method)
DPM uses the piston concept, a very basic phase modulation technique.
- Displacement: An applied voltage electrostatically activates the modulators’ reflective surface, which can be ribbons in one dimension (1D) or faceplates in two dimensions (2D). This voltage causes the reflecting surface to “displace” or move physically.
- Phase Delay: In comparison to its quiescent condition, this displacement causes a phase delay by changing the incident light’s journey distance.
- Analogue Control: Analogue phase modulation is accomplished by the technology. The amount of displacement has a direct correlation with the degree of phase modulation. The light’s phase can be changed by carefully regulating the voltage. Analogue phase modulation is made possible by the MEMS devices’ inherent piston modulation, in which the bit-depth of the electronic driver is the only factor limiting phase resolution.
To produce a modulation for phase modulation at normal incidence, a deflection of up to one half wavelength is needed. “Phase-wrap,” which offers complete holographic control appropriate for the majority of applications, is made possible by this maximum deflection.
The deflection, wavelength, and angle of incidence all affect the phase delay. Because the cosine of the angle of incidence reduces the axial phase modulation, more deflection is required if the angle of incidence is not normal.
Wavelength and Configurations
There are two main types of DPMs:
| Configuration | Actuation Method | Modulation Type |
| 1D Phase Modulators | Electrostatically actuated ribbons | Line illumination is required due to the uniquely high aspect ratio. |
| 2D Phase Modulators | Faceplates on electrostatically actuated flexures | Piston-based. |
The wavelengths that are supported by current DPM devices range from UV to green. There are now efforts underway to build red through near-infrared (NIR) devices up to 1550 nm. Although a wide range of wavelengths can be employed with the simple piston approach, only one wavelength should be used at a time.
Principal Benefits
The DPM design is appropriate for demanding applications due to its benefits in speed, power handling, and reliability:
- High Speed: The 1D phase micro-ribbons may switch in less than 300 nanoseconds (ns) because of their short stroke, high tension, and low mass. Compared to other spatial light modulators, this one is a thousand times quicker than liquid crystal spatial light modulators and more than ten times faster than DMD tilt mirrors. Even if 2D piston pixels are more substantial, switching rates beyond 200 kHz are still possible.
- High Power Handling: The 1D phase modulator has unmatched power handling capability since it uses the same sturdy silicon-nitride as the Grating Light Valve (GLV). With incident powers of 80W per device and power densities as high as 10 kW/cm2, GLVs have been utilized in demanding industrial environments.
- Non-contact Dependability: There is no need for lubrication inside the packaging because the ribbon and piston DPM devices are non-contact. Reliability is greatly increased by this feature, especially in high-fluence UV applications.
Uses
DPM is preferred in a wide range of technological domains because to its capacity to deliver incredibly quick and accurate phase control.
- Quantum Computing: Scalable, accurate, and incredibly quick optical control are made possible by DPM technology, a breakthrough for neutral atom quantum computers. It enables the use of laser-based optical tweezers to manipulate thousands of individually trapped atoms. For sophisticated features like error correction and mid-circuit measurement, its speed and accuracy are essential.
- Wavefront Control and Beam Shaping: DPM provides adaptable modulation methods for accurate beam shaping. It can be set up as a holographic projector in a Fraunhoffer or Fourier setup, or as a programmable filter in a 4F system.
- General Applications: Phase modulators like DPM are now more widely used and desirable for a variety of applications, including material processing, sensing, and medicine, thanks to technological improvements.
- Optical Communications: DPMs are also utilised in beamforming for Light Fidelity (LiFi) and Free Space Optical (FSO) communication networks.
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Neutral Atom System Scaling
Neutral atom quantum computers from Infleqtion work by manipulating thousands of individually trapped atoms with laser-based optical tweezers. High-fidelity, high-speed operations on large-scale qubit devices are supported by this architecture. Additionally, dual-species arrays for low-overhead mid-circuit measurement and effective error correction are among the sophisticated features that the system enables and are necessary for scalable, fault-tolerant computing.
The DPM technology integration is seen as a calculated move to improve the essential photonics elements required to successfully scale Infleqtion’s neutral atom quantum computer.
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Concerning the Companies
Located in the centre of Silicon Valley in San Jose, California, Silicon Light Machines (SLM) develops and produces reliable MEMS solutions. The Grating Light Valve (GLV), the company’s main product, embodies three key technologies, which are reflected in its name: machines to emphasise its mechanical character, light for optics, and silicon for materials. In 1994, SLM was founded as Echelle Inc. SCREEN Holdings Co. Ltd. is the parent firm of the business. SLM operates a class-10 clean room facility for wafer processing while manufacturing its MEMS devices in the USA.
As a world leader in neutral-atom quantum technology, Infleqtion designs and constructs quantum computers, precision sensors (such as inertial navigation systems and quantum clocks), and quantum software for a range of industries, including businesses and governments. The Sqale full-stack, fault-tolerant neutral atom quantum computer is one of Infleqtion’s commercial products.
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