metric for DARPA’s long-term goals. This process ensures only viable technologies advance.
SILICON PHOTONICS POWER PHOTONIC’S PROCESSORS
Photonic Inc. has developed its quantum
processors using silicon photonics, a technology that integrates light-based components onto
silicon chips for efficient qubit management.
This method leverages existing semiconductor manufacturing processes, reducing production costs compared to other quantum approaches like ion traps. The company’s $140 million
funding, including from Microsoft, supports this development, targeting large-scale
quantum systems.
The processors use photonicqubits, which travel at light speed and connect across
distances, enabling a distributed network of quantum modules.
This design contrasts with Nvidia’s $65 billion infrastructure for GPU-based AI chips, focusing instead on quantum connectivity. Photonic’s chips aim to handle complex computations
with lower energy demands, a priority for industrial applications.
This silicon-based approach positions
Photonic to meet DARPA’s scalability and cost benchmarks effectively.
COMPETITION INCLUDES IBM AND IONQ
Photonic joins a competitive field in DARPA’s
Quantum Benchmarking Initiative Stage A, with companies like IBM and IonQ also selected to showcase their quantum technologies. IBM