Driving Australia forward in the global arms race towards quantum computing accessibility, Australian semiconductor company Archer Materials (ASX: AXE) has successfully produced two proof-of-concept (POC) electrical devices that enhance the manufacturability of their 12CQ quantum computing chip. 

The two newly developed devices improve the detection and readout of quantum information from Archer’s proprietary spin material, which forms the core of the 12CQ chip. These superconducting spin readout circuits comprise up to eight resonators, each capable of reading out individual quantum states simultaneously. The development is a critical milestone toward scalable quantum computing for mobile devices, with Archer eyeing commercial applications that could unlock unprecedented computational power.

Global interest in Archer’s 12CQ chip stems from its potential to bring quantum computing to portable platforms – a feat that remains a technological holy grail where current quantum computers are limited to the uber-wealthy tech companies and are extremely costly to run due to their need to operated in vacuum conditions at absolute zero (-273 degrees Celsius). 

While conventional quantum computing systems require extreme infrastructure to accommodate these vacuum conditions, the 12CQ chip is designed for integration into everyday electronic devices. This has the potential to unlock significant advancements in industries such as cryptography, artificial intelligence, material science, drug discovery and more.

Quantum computing has been likened to an arms race, with major powers such as the United States, China, and Europe all vying for technological dominance in this space. The ability to harness quantum mechanics to process complex calculations at speeds far beyond today’s supercomputers could shift global power dynamics. Archer’s work on the 12CQ chip contributes to this race as tech developed in Australia within a space that is generating increasing Government investment. 

Archer’s POC devices also demonstrate robust performance in extreme conditions, having been tested at temperatures as low as -269 degrees Celsius and magnetic fields as high as 1.5 Tesla. 

Archer’s latest advancements build on their development of a next-generation film-based spin material, which improves manufacturability and offers longer spin lifetimes. The film-based material addresses one of the critical challenges in quantum computing – developing qubit materials that can be reliably produced at scale while maintaining coherence.

The successful creation of these devices comes as part of Archer’s broader strategy to work closely with symbiotic academic institutions and international partners. The Company collaborated with researchers from the University of New South Wales and utilised advanced simulation software from US-based Sonnet Precision Electromagnetics to design and optimise the resonator circuits.

“The 12CQ project continues to make significant steps towards functionality,” said Archer Executive Chairman, Greg English. 

“To be functional, the chip needs to be able to have the ability to detect the input of quantum information, and output information, or display it, known as control and readout, respectively. 

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

Australia’s quantum ambitions are becoming clearer, with both the public and private sectors pushing to make the country a global hub for quantum technology as evidenced by the $1 billion investment into quantum made by the Australian and Queensland Governments, announced in April 2024.

This latest development at Archer marks a critical step forward in the global race for quantum supremacy, and further positions Australia as an emerging leader in the rapidly advancing quantum industry.