Researchers from the Chalmers University of Technology (Sweden) have developed a signal amplifier for quantum computers that drastically reduces energy consumption and improves data reading accuracy, two key factors for the scalability of this emerging technology.
The new device consumes only one-tenth of the energy used by the best amplifiers available to date and operates in a pulsed mode, meaning that it only activates when it detects a signal, reducing heat generation and avoiding interference that compromises quantum fidelity.
How It Works and Why It’s Different
The amplifier does not remain active continuously. Instead, it responds in 35 nanoseconds to electrical pulses containing quantum information. To achieve this ultra-fast response, the team used genetic programming algorithms that optimize its activation in real-time.
Furthermore, a new method to measure system noise and gain in pulsed mode was developed, allowing to verify its unprecedented efficiency in real laboratory environments.
Compared to continuous flow, the pulsed scheme was five times more effective. In one test, only two units of the new amplifier managed to light up 12 LED lights for 20 seconds, demonstrating its potential in terms of efficiency and performance.
The Quantum Challenge: More Qubits, Less Noise
Quantum computing requires extremely controlled thermal and electronic conditions. As the number of qubits increases, so does the need for precise data reading and minimal energy dissipation. The new amplifier directly addresses this challenge, allowing for scaling up without degrading the system.
The development is part of the research at the Wallenberg Centre for Quantum Technology and was carried out in collaboration with the Swedish company Low Noise Factory AB, with the support of WiTECH and the Smarter Electronic Systems program.
Technological and Environmental Implications
Beyond the technical aspects, the amplifier represents a strategic step towards:
- More efficient data centers with lower energy footprint
- Reduced need for cryogenic cooling, currently one of the most costly bottlenecks
- Quantum solutions applied to the energy transition, such as simulation of renewable networks, new materials, or emission-free chemical reactions
- More sustainable pharmaceutical development, reducing waste and experimental phases
In a context of accelerating climate change and increasing digital consumption, this innovation suggests that the next generation of supercomputers could be not only more powerful but also more environmentally friendly.
