IBM (IBM.US) quantum computing reached a key milestone: successfully connecting and cooling two cryogenic modules, aiming to launch the world's first fault-tolerant quantum computer in 2029

The Zhitong Finance App learned that IBM (IBM.US) announced on Wednesday that it has successfully connected and cooled the two low temperature modules to the same operating environment and completed preliminary tests. According to the company, this modular architecture is intended to be expanded into an ultra-low temperature sharing system that can connect hundreds of quantum chips, and is a key step towards the launch of IBM Quantum Starling in 2029. IBM anticipates that Quantum Starling will be the world's first fault-tolerant quantum computer, integrating advances in error correction, processor design, decoding, and systems engineering.

IBM said the first two operating modules combined were over 8 feet tall and 8 feet wide. Preliminary tests showed that the two modules can be cooled together to 4 kelvin, or liquid helium, in less than 5 days, and reach a final temperature of less than 15 mKelvin shortly thereafter.

Compared to the most widely used IBM quantum systems today, the vacuum housing of each module provides up to 12 times more wiring space. IBM pointed out that this supports more chip-to-chip connections within and between modules, providing a hardware foundation for larger scale quantum computation.

New architecture and L-coupler interconnect technology

The new box design adopted by IBM this time allows the modules to be closely arranged and directly connected to the quantum processor through IBM's “L-coupler” technology using larger wiring space. L-coupler is used to connect different quantum chips so they can share information, communicate with each other, and operate collaboratively as part of a larger quantum computer.

According to the IBM quantum roadmap, the company plans to use L-coupler to connect multiple processors into a larger quantum computer with at least 1,000 programmable qubits by 2027. A programmable qubit is a qubit that can be directly used to perform calculations. To achieve this goal, IBM plans to install IBM Quantum Nighthawk processors in cryogenic modules later this year to expand operational performance testing. By the time Quantum Starling is delivered, IBM plans to hold thousands of qubits per cryogenic module.

IBM announced the Starling Plan last year and introduced a new error correction code, significantly reducing the physical resources required to achieve fault tolerance. Since then, the company has demonstrated core hardware components and achieved breakthroughs in efficient error correction and decoding.

IBM Research Director and IBM Fellow Jay Gambetta said, “Bringing fault-tolerant quantum computers to all industries depends on a number of fundamental developments. The successful connection and operation of these cryogenic modules marks an important step in this direction and will accelerate our progress along with continued innovation in quantum hardware, software, and algorithms.”

IBM also said the new expandable cryogenic module is expected to accelerate the pace of innovation. For example, the three key components of the IBM Quantum System Two environment have been built into the new architecture, but the new design allows each part to be independently tested, refined, and rapidly iterated.

On the market side, IBM shares closed up about 2% on Wednesday. The company believes that the delivery of the low-temperature quantum module is further proof that it is progressing according to the quantum roadmap system and has solved another major obstacle needed to accelerate the path to fault-tolerant quantum computing.