ASX-listed semiconductor company Archer Materials (ASX:AXE) has hit a key technical milestone, demonstrating that its tunnel magnetoresistance (TMR) sensor technology can function in extreme cryogenic conditions. The result opens the door to potential application across multiple quantum computing platforms and sets the foundation for broader commercial opportunities in advanced sensing markets.
TMR Sensors Show Promise Across The Quantum Spectrum
The breakthrough comes amid growing demand for scalable solutions that improve quantum system stability. Magnetic noise is a leading cause of decoherence in quantum computers, where even minute field fluctuations can degrade qubit fidelity. Archer’s cryo-compatible TMR sensors have demonstrated the capability to monitor these fluctuations in real time.
“The achievement of this milestone confirms that our TMR sensor technology can operate in the extreme conditions needed for quantum applications,” said Archer CEO Simon Ruffell. Ruffell explained that this functionality is a “major enabler” for integrating magnetic sensing and noise cancelling features directly into cryogenic systems. These are precisely the environments required for quantum computing and space-based technologies.
Platform-Agnostic Sensors Unlock Wider Market Reach
Archer’s sensors are being developed to support various quantum architectures, not just the Company’s own 12CQ platform. This includes potential use in superconducting, spin-based, and hybrid quantum systems – three of the major technology pathways currently being pursued in quantum computing.
The Company believes this versatility opens up opportunities to supply its sensor technology across a broader range of commercial and research environments.
Built With Cryogenics In Mind
The sensors were fabricated in partnership with Archer’s semiconductor foundry and integrated into a cryo-compatible testing platform. The achievement draws on Archer’s internal engineering capabilities across cryogenics, semiconductors, and quantum device design.
The Company is also developing these sensors to meet demanding performance criteria – including high sensitivity, high bandwidth, and low power consumption. This makes them strong contenders to replace traditional magnetic sensing solutions in both quantum and broader cryogenic applications.
Tapping into aerospace, defence and advanced research
While quantum computing is the core use case, Archer also points to the broader utility of its technology in space exploration, defence, and cryogenic research.
Ruffell noted the significance of achieving high-resolution magnetic field sensing in cryogenic environments. “It is a major enabler for integrating advanced capabilities into cryogenic systems for applications like magnetic noise cancelling for quantum computing or sensing conditions like those in space.”
Next Steps: Market Validation And Partnerships
Archer is now in active discussions with potential partners and customers to validate use cases for its TMR sensors. These engagements will focus on custom development in areas such as quantum instrumentation, low-temperature physics, cryogenic hardware systems, and advanced R&D tools.
Positioned in the heart of quantum and semiconductor innovation
Archer Materials is developing next-generation semiconductor devices, including chips for use in quantum computing and diagnostics. Its TMR sensor development is a core part of its 12CQ project – an initiative aimed at building scalable quantum technologies from the ground up.
With this milestone under its belt, the Company is now positioned to play a role in supporting the infrastructure needed as the quantum computing sector moves toward commercial-scale, error-resilient systems.
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