The "Quantum Jump" of a 50-Year-Old Institute: Building Quantum Computers with the "Hand of Measurement" [Paek Jongmin's Shockwave]

Korea Research Institute of Standards and Science Announces Transformation on Its 50th Anniversary
Accelerating Development of Neutral Atom Quantum Computers Following Superconducting Technology
Pioneering Quantum Industry Growth with Standard M

Jongcheol Moon, PhD at the Korea Research Institute of Standards and Science (right), is explaining the neutral atom quantum computer research equipment to Paek Jongmin, Tech Specialist at The Asia Business Daily, in the laboratory. Photo by Korea Research Institute of Standards and Science

"A typical quantum processing unit (QPU) chip is finalized once it is designed. Once it is manufactured, that's it. However, with this technology, modifications can be made at any stage," he explained.

Dr. Moon Jongcheol, whom we met at the Quantum Technology Research Center of the Korea Research Institute of Standards and Science (KRISS) in Daejeon, described the core of the next-generation "neutral atom quantum computer" in these terms.

The equipment revealed when Dr. Moon drew back the curtain was completely different from the familiar superconducting quantum computers with their large chandeliers. Instead of equipment for achieving ultra-low temperatures or silicon wafers, powerful lasers called "optical tweezers" were used to trap and arrange atoms (qubits, the unit of quantum information) in a vacuum. This setup is based on sophisticated optical equipment and laser technology. There is no need to maintain ultra-low temperatures. The equipment that supplies liquid helium gas for operating superconducting quantum computers, as well as the characteristic "beeping" sounds, were neither visible nor audible.

According to Dr. Moon, the neutral atom approach does not require a fixed "chip" plate. By trapping atoms with lasers in the desired pattern, the laser pattern itself becomes the "chip."

Another difference from the currently mainstream superconducting quantum computer method is the wiring. In superconducting quantum GPU chips, if the first qubit and the hundredth qubit are far apart, they must be connected by complex wiring. However, this process leads to a loss of "freshness" in the information. It results in reduced reliability and chronic operational errors.

Dr. Moon Sungchul of the Korea Research Institute of Standards and Science is explaining the principle of a neutral atom quantum computer. Photo by Paek Jongmin, Tech Specialist

The neutral atom method fundamentally solves this problem. If an operation between the first and hundredth QPU is needed, you simply use the optical tweezers to move the hundredth atom next to the first-problem solved. The QPU design can also be changed in real time. Dr. Moon emphasized, "The neutral atom method can resolve the inconveniences and technical difficulties caused by fixed chip designs. It is an extremely flexible platform."

This technology has recently attracted significant attention in the quantum computing field. In particular, China has succeeded in commercializing its independently developed neutral atom quantum computer, "Han Yuan 1," supplying it to China Mobile and signing its first export contract with Pakistan. This is why the Korea Research Institute of Standards and Science, which has experience developing superconducting quantum computers, must accelerate its efforts to develop neutral atom quantum computers.

Front view of the Korea Research Institute of Standards and Science. Article 127, Clause 2 of the Constitution, which states that "The state shall establish a national standard system," forms the foundation of this institute's existence. Photo by Korea Research Institute of Standards and Science

◆Length, Mass, and Time Measurement Technology Evolving into Game-Changer Technologies = On November 6, 2025, the Korea Research Institute of Standards and Science celebrates its 50th anniversary. Building on decades of research, the institute is now heralding a major transformation. The Korea Research Institute of Standards and Science began as the "Korea Standards Research Institute" in 1975 and became the first research institute to move into the Daedeok Research and Development Special Zone in 1978, earning the title of "Daedeok's First Research Institute."

As the first research institute, KRISS can be considered the foundation of the Daedeok complex. The main building, standing atop a hill, is both a symbol and a guardian of the Daedeok research cluster. Being the first institute, it occupies the best location and has shared its land with numerous research institutions and schools, fostering mutual growth to this day.

For the past half-century, the mission of KRISS has been to establish the invisible bedrock of national industrial development-namely, the "national measurement standards." The institute's purpose has been to set all national "standards," such as length (meters), mass (kilograms), and time (seconds). When South Korea emerged as a semiconductor powerhouse, KRISS's support for vacuum standards played a decisive role. The institute has served as the guardian of "standards," guaranteeing the quality and reliability of the industrial sector.

However, as it marks its 50th anniversary, KRISS is filled with anticipation for a new role. Under the slogan "50 Years of Trust, Setting the Standards for the World," the institute is making a bold "quantum leap" as a core institution in the field of "quantum," which is regarded as humanity's next-generation technology. Going beyond its traditional mission of "measurement," the institute now stands at the forefront of developing "game-changer" technologies that will shape South Korea's next 100 years. Technologies such as atoms and lasers, once used for measurement, are now seamlessly transitioning into quantum computing.

The wall clock at the Korea Research Institute of Standards and Science reads "Korea Standard Time." It reflects the pride in measuring the standard.

A representative example is the next-generation standard clock, the "ytterbium (Yb) atomic optical lattice clock." The ytterbium clock allows for an error of only one second in 2 billion years. Only a handful of countries possess this technology. Hwang Inyong, Director of Public Relations at KRISS, explained, "Because we have the atomic clock technology that established the time standard, we can accelerate research on neutral atom quantum computing."

The wall clock at KRISS is labeled as Korea Standard Time. It reflects the pride in creating the standard for time. The large number of researchers in the field of physics, due to the nature of the institute's work, is also a strong support for the transition to the quantum computing era.

The first research institute to move into the Daejeon Daedeok Research Special Zone is the Korea Research Institute of Standards and Science. The above photo shows the early days of its establishment in 1976, and the below photo shows its current appearance. Photo by Korea Research Institute of Standards and Science

◆"Two-Track Strategy"-Mastering Both Superconducting and Neutral Atom Technologies = The transformation at KRISS is not just a slogan. The institute is pursuing a "two-track" strategy, encompassing both "superconducting" and "neutral atom" approaches, which are currently the two most promising methods in the global quantum computing race.

In the field of superconducting quantum computers, led by companies such as Google and IBM, KRISS has already developed and operates a 20-qubit system. The institute aims to take this further, setting goals to achieve 300 qubits with superconducting technology and 1,000 qubits with neutral atom technology. By covering both leading platforms, KRISS is emerging as a key player in the global quantum competition.

On the 5th, participants attending the National Quantum Strategic Technology Forum held at the National Assembly are taking a commemorative photo. Paek Jongmin, Tech Specialist.

The exhibits symbolizing mass on the first floor of the main building are now relics of the past. Half a century ago, the institute measured the "exact one meter" to foster industrial technology and drive South Korea's industrialization. Today, it is transforming into a vanguard for the development of "game-changer" quantum technologies. If the past was about guarding "standards," the next 50 years are expected to open a new chapter in Korean science and technology through pioneering next-generation game-changer technologies.

On November 5, the day before its 50th anniversary, KRISS held the "National Quantum Strategic Technology Forum" at the National Assembly Museum under the theme "Quantum: The Core of National Future Strategic Technologies," providing direction for establishing a Korean quantum technology development roadmap. This reflects the institute's recognition of the immense responsibility in achieving its goals for the next 50 years.

In the garden of the Korea Research Institute of Standards and Science, a descendant of the apple tree, symbolizing Newton's universal gravitation, is growing. This tree traveled from the United Kingdom and the United States to Korea. Photo by Paek Jongmin, Tech Specialist

◆Neutral Atom Quantum Computer = A quantum computer platform that uses individual atoms as qubits. Instead of fixed silicon chips, it uses precise lasers called "optical tweezers" to trap individual atoms in a vacuum and arrange them in the desired configuration. The laser pattern itself becomes the "chip," and by moving the lasers in real time, the position and connectivity (topology) of the qubits (atoms) can be freely changed-this "flexibility" is its greatest strength. It is also highly "scalable," making it easier to increase the number of qubits to several thousand or more. As such, it is considered one of the most optimized approaches for implementing "quantum error correction," a key challenge in the commercialization of quantum computers.