SemiQon Unveils Revolutionary Cryogenic CMOS Transistor for Quantum Computing

2024-12-06 industry

New York, Friday, 6 December 2024.
SemiQon has introduced the first CMOS transistor capable of operating at cryogenic temperatures, reducing heat dissipation by 1,000 times and enhancing quantum computing scalability.

Groundbreaking Innovation in Quantum Hardware

On December 3, 2024, SemiQon, a Finland-based quantum hardware company, announced a revolutionary breakthrough in transistor technology [3]. The newly developed cryo-CMOS transistor operates efficiently at temperatures as low as 1 Kelvin (-272.15°C) [2][3], consuming a mere 0.1% of the power used by conventional transistors while reducing heat dissipation by an impressive factor of 1,000 [1][2][3]. This development marks a significant milestone in quantum computing technology, with the original research being published on arXiv in October 2024 [2].

Technical Advancement and Operational Benefits

The breakthrough allows for control and readout electronics to be placed directly inside cryostats with quantum processors [1][2], solving a critical challenge in quantum computing architecture. SemiQon’s innovation is particularly significant as it can be manufactured using existing CMOS fabrication facilities [1], making it readily scalable for mass production. The company’s quantum chips are reported to be 100 times more densely packed and operate at 100 times higher temperatures than competing technologies [4].

Industry Impact and Market Potential

According to SemiQon’s CEO Himadri Majumdar, ‘Our cryo-CMOS transistor will provide considerable advantages to users both in terms of CapEx and OpEx, as well as by enhancing the functionality of their hardware’ [3]. The technology’s impact extends beyond quantum computing, with potential applications in high-performance computing and space technology [1][3]. This development comes at a crucial time, as data center cooling costs are projected to exceed $50 billion by 2030 [1].

Future Outlook and Implementation

Operating from Micronova, an advanced research facility in Espoo, Finland, SemiQon is positioning itself at the forefront of quantum computing hardware development [4]. The company plans to deliver its first cryo-optimized CMOS transistors to customers in 2025 [3][4]. This timing aligns with broader industry developments, as several quantum computing initiatives are gaining momentum, including IQM’s planned deployment of quantum computers in Taiwan [6] and sureCore’s recent licensing of cryogenic memory IP [7].

Bronnen

SemiQon cryo-CMOS