IMAGE: Keysight Technologies
In a landmark achievement for quantum computing, Keysight Technologies has delivered the world’s largest commercial quantum control system (QCS) to Japan’s National Institute of Advanced Industrial Science and Technology (AIST).
Integrated into AIST’s Global Research and Development Centre for Business by Quantum-AI Technology (G-QuAT) in Tsukuba, Japan, the cutting-edge system supports over 1,000 superconducting qubits, setting a new benchmark for quantum computing infrastructure. This milestone underscores the critical role of advanced engineering in scaling quantum technologies to meet the demands of next-generation computing.
Bridging the classical and quantum worlds
Quantum computers operate in a realm far removed from classical computing, relying on qubits and photons to process information in ways that promise exponential computational power. However, the interface between the classical world of code and hardware and the quantum world of delicate quantum states is a complex challenge.
Quantum control systems serve as the critical bridge to translate classical instructions into precise quantum operations while maintaining the fidelity of quantum states. As quantum computers scale in size and complexity, the demands on control systems grow exponentially, which require exceptional precision, low noise and robust synchronisation across multiple channels.
Keysight’s QCS, now operational at AIST’s G-QuAT Centre, is a testament to the company’s foresight and engineering prowess. Capable of controlling over 1,000 qubits, it is the first commercially delivered system of its kind, designed to meet the stringent requirements of large-scale quantum computing.
Extensive testing has confirmed its ability to maintain critical parameters such as noise levels, time alignment and phase coherence, ensuring that the system can support the sophisticated operations required for advanced quantum research.
A milestone for quantum scalability
The delivery of this 1,000-qubit control system marks a significant step toward realising quantum advantage—the point at which quantum computers can outperform classical systems for practical applications.
Dr. Masahiro Horibe, deputy director of G-QuAT at AIST, emphasised the system’s importance, “The 1,000-qubit control system developed here is a groundbreaking device, the world’s first and largest of its kind, realised through Keysight’s exceptional engineering capabilities in response to our advanced technical requirements.” He highlighted the system’s ability to enable precise synchronisation, control and readout of complex multi-channel signals, making large-scale qubit operations feasible.
This achievement is not just a technical triumph but a demonstration of the critical role engineering plays in advancing quantum technology. As Dr. Horibe noted, “The advancement of quantum technology requires not only theoretical progress but also sophisticated engineering to support it.”
Implications for the quantum future
The installation of the world’s largest commercial quantum control system at AIST is a pivotal moment for the quantum computing industry.
Scaling quantum computers to 1,000 qubits and beyond is a critical step toward practical applications in fields such as cryptography, materials science, and optimisation. However, achieving this scale requires overcoming significant technical hurdles, including maintaining qubit coherence and minimising errors in large systems. Keysight’s QCS addresses these challenges by providing a robust, scalable platform that ensures the precision and reliability needed for large-scale quantum operations.
This milestone also highlights the growing importance of commercial partnerships in advancing quantum technology. While theoretical breakthroughs often dominate headlines, the engineering feats that enable these advancements are equally critical.
The ability to control 1,000+ qubits opens new possibilities for researchers and businesses, and brings quantum advantage within closer reach. This achievement is a reminder that the quantum future is not just about qubits but the infrastructure that makes them work. The global quantum community is now one step closer to unlocking the transformative potential of quantum computing.
