Mark Vender
As part of its ongoing work in quantum computing, IBM has built the world’s largest dilution refrigerator. Dubbed Project Goldeneye, the super-fridge contains 1.7m3 of experimental volume and uses two helium isotopes to run at -273.15°C – about a hundredth of a degree above absolute zero.
Quantum computing is an emerging technology that harnesses the laws of quantum mechanics to solve complex problems beyond the capacity of traditional computers. But in order to study and control quantum effects, temperatures must be kept very low so there is almost zero energy and effects are more visible.
“Quantum computing has the power to transform nearly every sector and help us tackle the biggest problems of our time,” says Dr Dario Gil, Senior Vice President, IBM and Director of Research.
“This is why IBM continues to rapidly innovate quantum hardware and software design, building ways for quantum and classical workloads to empower each other, and create a global ecosystem that is imperative to the growth of a quantum industry.”
With a name that conjures up secret intelligence and high-stakes, hi-tech daring, IBM’s Project Goldeneye has been developed as proof of concept that could cool future generations of quantum computing experiments. It is not only larger than any previous dilution refrigerator, the design will make it easier for researchers to run experiments.
“Today, we’re excited to announce the culmination of Project Goldeneye’s mission,” says IBM. “We successfully cooled it to operating temperature (~25mK) and wired a quantum processor inside.
“Goldeneye will soon move to our IBM Quantum Computation Center in Poughkeepsie, NY, where the team will be exploring large scale cryogenic systems to best develop the cooling needs of tomorrow’s quantum data centres, such as the Bluefors Kide platform under development for use with IBM Quantum System Two. We hope that its innovative design, with an eye toward ease-of-use, will inspire the next generation of vacuum and low-temperature refrigeration technologies.”
More information about Project Goldeneye is available at the IBM quantum computing website.
Image courtesy of IBM.
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