Refrigerator, Vacuum, Laser: The Three Key Elements of Quantum Computing [Tech Talk]

What Technologies Are Needed for Quantum Computers?
Cryogenics, Vacuum Technology, and Lasers Are Key
Many Overlaps with Advanced Semiconductor Processes

As competition among big tech companies intensifies toward the commercialization of quantum computers, investors are also bustling to find 'beneficiary stocks.' Since quantum computers are still in the nascent stage of potential, their supply chains are unfamiliar and extremely ambiguous. However, most quantum computers currently being developed worldwide must have three essential pieces of equipment: refrigerators, vacuum devices, and lasers.

Too Many Types of Quantum Computers... But the Goal Is One

In fact, it is nearly impossible to accurately pinpoint the quantum computer supply chain in the current situation. This is because there are too many types of quantum computers. Big tech companies and startups are attempting to manufacture quantum computers using various methods such as ion traps, superconductors, and photonics, but no one knows who will be the ultimate winner.

Google Quantum Computer. Yonhap News

However, even though the types of quantum computers vary, their goals are all the same. They aim to implement the quantum information's smallest unit, the 'Qubit,' by utilizing quantum superposition (where particles exist in multiple states simultaneously) or entanglement (where two particles are linked regardless of distance).

Today, companies like Google, IBM, Microsoft, IonQ, and Quantinuum mainly research superconducting and ion trap quantum computers. The difference lies in whether they create quantum superposition by leveraging the properties of superconductors or create entanglement by 'trapping' quantum particles using fine electromagnetic fields.

The Three Core Components Almost All Quantum Computers Depend On

A cryogenic cooling device connected to a superconducting quantum computer. It cools down to -273 degrees, the temperature at which the superconductor is activated. Screenshot from Blue Force homepage.

Earlier, refrigerators, vacuum devices, and lasers were mentioned as common critical components of quantum computers. The first is essential when building superconducting quantum computers.

Superconductors must reach a so-called 'critical temperature' to exhibit their unique properties. Most superconductors developed today have critical temperatures typically between -270°C and -200°C. This is an extremely cold temperature, so cooling must be done using a 'cryogenic freezer' rather than a regular refrigerator. Therefore, cryogenic technology is key to manufacturing superconducting quantum computers.

Meanwhile, lasers are necessary for ion trap quantum computers. They create quantum entanglement by shining lasers on ionized ytterbium or calcium particles trapped in fine electromagnetic fields, changing their states.

Quantum computer of Quantinuum sealed in a vacuum device. Screenshot from Honeywell website

Vacuum technology is important for both types of quantum computers. Creating qubits by putting particles into quantum states is not the end. Currently, quantum computers are highly vulnerable to their surrounding environment. Even extremely small noise, tiny dust particles, or heat can collapse the quantum state.

Especially, ion trap quantum computers must operate in a vacuum because ionized particles used as qubit materials are extremely sensitive to particles in the air. Superconducting computers are not as fragile to the external environment as ion traps, but surrounding noise or contamination can still degrade qubit quality.

Quantum Computers Also Benefit from Traditional Semiconductor Advances

Interestingly, the three core components for implementing quantum computers closely resemble the semiconductor supply chain. Vacuum technology is already actively used in advanced semiconductor production facilities, known as fabs. Vacuum chambers are installed inside ASML's EUV lithography equipment, and thin films are deposited on semiconductor wafers in vacuum environments.

Lasers are undoubtedly a core part of modern semiconductor processing equipment. The photolithography process, which draws the blueprint of semiconductor circuits by exposing photoresist materials on wafer surfaces, is performed using ultra-fine lasers.

One of the world's largest scientific laser companies, IPG Photonics' quantum computer laser device. IPG Photonics website

Of course, the output, wavelength, and precision requirements of lasers used in semiconductor processes and those used in quantum computers are distinctly different. However, the growth of the semiconductor industry has driven up laser demand, and major laser companies like IPG Photonics and Coherent have emerged, contributing to quantum computer research.

In other words, quantum computer development has also benefited from advances in semiconductor manufacturing processes. It is no coincidence that leading companies in quantum computer development today, such as Google, IBM, and Quantinuum, are either closely collaborating with the semiconductor industry or have long been involved in computer hardware-related businesses.